Birria Enchiladas Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, and a touch of tradition, then Birria Enchiladas are calling your name. This vibrant Mexican-inspired dish combines the rich, slow-cooked goodness of birria with the comforting, cheesy embrace of enchiladas, creating an irresistible meal that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Every bite delivers a harmony of smoky, spicy, and savory notes that come together beautifully, making Birria Enchiladas an instant favorite in any kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Birria Enchiladas are wonderfully straightforward yet packed with depth. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the tender braised beef to the aromatic spices and the melty cheese that tops it all off.

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast: A well-marbled cut perfect for slow cooking until tender and juicy.
• 6 dried guajillo chiles: These chiles bring a mild, fruity heat and vibrant color to the sauce.
• 4 dried ancho chiles: Adding smoky and sweet undertones that balance the heat perfectly.
• 1 large white onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth once blended into the sauce.
• 6 garlic cloves: Essential for that warm, savory background flavor that makes everything pop.
• 2 bay leaves: Infuse a subtle herbal aroma during the slow cooking process.
• 1 cinnamon stick: Introduces a hint of warmth and complexity to the sauce.
• 3 whole cloves: Small but mighty, these give a gentle spiced kick.
• 1 tsp Mexican oregano: A necessary aromatic herb that brightens the sauce.
• 1 tsp cumin seeds (or ground cumin): Provides earthiness and a touch of smokiness to the dish.
• 4 cups beef broth: The hearty base of the stewing liquid that tenderizes the meat and adds depth.
• 16 corn tortillas: Soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping the rich birria filling.
• 2 cups enchilada sauce: Homemade, store-bought, or the reserved birria consomé can be used for a saucy finish.
• 2 cups shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully for that cheesy goodness everyone loves.
• ½ cup crumbled Cotija cheese: Adds a salty contrast as a finishing touch.
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish: Brings brightness and a fresh herbal note to the final plate.

How to Make Birria Enchiladas

Step 1: Prepare the Chiles

Start by removing the stems and seeds from the guajillo and ancho chiles. Toast them lightly in a dry skillet just until fragrant. This step enhances the smoky depth without overpowering the sauce. Then soak the toasted chiles in hot water until they soften, which makes them easier to blend smoothly into the rich sauce.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

Once the chiles are softened, combine them in a blender with garlic cloves, the white onion, cinnamon stick, cloves, cumin, oregano, and beef broth. Blend until the mixture is perfectly smooth. This sauce forms the flavor backbone of the dish and brings an exciting complexity with every spoonful.

Step 3: Cook the Meat

Season your beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. In a heavy Dutch oven or deep pan, sear the meat on all sides until it develops a beautiful brown crust. This locks in juices and builds savory flavor. Pour the blended chile sauce over the meat, add bay leaves, and enough broth to cover if needed. Then simmer gently on low heat for about 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is fork-tender and easily shreds apart.

Step 4: Shred the Beef

Remove the cooked beef from the pot and shred it finely with two forks. Don’t forget to strain the broth and reserve this rich birria consomé—it’ll be used both in your enchilada sauce and for dipping later.

Step 5: Prepare the Tortillas

Warm the corn tortillas on a skillet over medium heat until soft and pliable. This prevents them from breaking when you fill and roll them, and also brings out their natural corn aroma.

Step 6: Assemble the Enchiladas

Fill each tortilla with a generous amount of the shredded birria, then roll them up tightly and arrange seam-side down in a baking dish. This keeps everything neatly tucked inside while baking.

Step 7: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour your enchilada sauce or reserved birria consomé over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they’re well-coated and ready to soak up that flavorful liquid. Sprinkle the shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese generously on top for a luscious, gooey finish.

Step 8: Bake

Place the baking dish in a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges. The aroma alone will have your mouth watering in no time!

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Finish by topping the Birria Enchiladas with crumbled Cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. These simple garnishes brighten the plate and add exciting bursts of flavor that elevate the dish to something truly special.

How to Serve Birria Enchiladas

Garnishes

A plate of Birria Enchiladas is never complete without thoughtful garnishes. A sprinkle of Cotija cheese adds a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the melty cheese underneath. Fresh cilantro leaves bring a fresh, herbal brightness, making every bite vibrant. For some, a wedge of lime to squeeze on top can also add a zesty punch that wakes up all the flavors.

Side Dishes

These enchiladas shine on their own, but pairing them with sides like refried beans, Mexican rice, or a crisp jicama salad can round out the meal perfectly. A simple bowl of pickled red onions or carrot sticks also cuts through the richness, adding a lively tang and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Birria Enchiladas into a festive feast by layering them in a large casserole dish for a family-style meal, or serve individually plated with a drizzle of consomé on the side for dipping. For a fun twist, you can also fold the birria filling into tacos and serve with melted cheese on top, inspired by the classic Birria Tacos but with that enchilada charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Birria Enchiladas store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even more satisfying. Just make sure to cover them well so the tortillas don’t dry out.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish. Wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.

Reheating

To reheat, place the enchiladas in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to retain moisture, and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and bubbly again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tortillas tough and chewy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat for Birria Enchiladas?

Absolutely! While beef chuck roast is traditional, you can use short ribs, lamb, or even goat for a different spin. Just adjust cooking times as needed for tenderness.

Is it possible to make Birria Enchiladas without dried chiles?

Dried chiles give birria its signature flavor, but if you can’t find them, you can substitute with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for smokiness or use a good-quality enchilada sauce as a shortcut.

How spicy are Birria Enchiladas?

The level of heat can vary depending on your chiles, but traditionally this dish balances mild to moderate spice with deep smoky flavors. You can always adjust by reducing the number of chiles or removing seeds to make it milder.

Can I prepare the birria meat ahead of time?

Yes! Preparing the birria meat a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply shred and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble your enchiladas.

What cheese works best for Birria Enchiladas?

Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese melt wonderfully and give you that gooey texture you want, while Cotija adds a salty contrast as a topping. You can mix both or choose your favorite based on availability.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try these Birria Enchiladas, they’ll become an all-time favorite in your home. The combination of tender, flavorful meat, rich sauce, and melty cheese creates a truly unforgettable meal that’s perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into the delicious world of Birria Enchiladas—you won’t regret it!

Print