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Birria Enchiladas

Mouthwatering Birria Enchiladas for Cozy Family Nights

Experience the comforting flavors of Birria Enchiladas with slow-cooked meat, corn tortillas, and rich sauce.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 6 enchiladas
Course: Beef
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 4 pieces Dried Guajillo Chiles Adds deep, smoky flavor; substitute with ancho chiles for a milder taste.
  • 2 pieces Dried Ancho Chiles Provides sweetness and richness; can be swapped with more guajillo chiles if necessary.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Cloves Enhances flavor depth; fresh garlic is preferable, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
  • 1 piece Onion Adds sweetness and aromatic qualities; use yellow or white onions for best results.
  • 1 stick Cinnamon Stick Contributes warm spice notes; ground cinnamon could be an alternative.
  • 4 pieces Cloves Intensifies the spice profile; omit if too strong.
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Adds earthy, warm flavor; skip for a milder flavor profile.
  • 1 tablespoon Oregano Adds herbal notes to the sauce; Mexican oregano is preferable, but regular oregano works as well.
  • 4 cups Beef Broth Provides moisture and enhances the sauce; substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter option.
For the Filling
  • 3 pounds Beef Chuck Roast Main protein, tender and flavorful when slow-cooked; alternatives include lamb or goat for variation.
  • 2 pieces Bay Leaves Infuse depth in the broth; leave out if unavailable but adjust cooking time for flavor.
For Assembly
  • 12 pieces Corn Tortillas Essential for structure; provides authentic flavor; flour tortillas can be used but will alter texture.
  • 2 cups Enchilada Sauce Integral for moisture and flavor; can substitute with a high-quality store-bought sauce.
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheese (Oaxaca or Monterey Jack) Melts beautifully for a creamy texture; versatile cheese can be used.
  • 1/2 cup Cotija Cheese Adds salty contrast; feta can substitute due to similar taste.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro Provides brightness; can be omitted for those with cilantro aversion.

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven
  • blender
  • Large skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Birria Enchiladas
  1. Remove the stems and seeds from the dried guajillo and ancho chiles. In a large skillet over medium heat, toast the chiles briefly for about 2-3 minutes, until they fragrant but not burned. Then, soak the toasted chiles in hot water for 15-20 minutes until they soften, making them ready for the sauce.
  2. In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, garlic cloves, chopped onion, cinnamon stick, cloves, cumin, oregano, and beef broth. Blend everything on high until you reach a smooth consistency, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Season the beef chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. In a Dutch oven, sear the roast in a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned. Next, pour in the blended chile sauce and additional beef broth as needed, add bay leaves, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is tender and falling apart.
  4. Once the beef is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces, allowing the flavor to seep in.
  5. Warm the corn tortillas on a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable. Keep them covered in a clean kitchen towel to retain warmth and moisture while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
  6. Start assembling the Birria Enchiladas by placing a generous amount of shredded beef in the center of each tortilla. Roll them tightly, tucking in the sides as you go, and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
  7. Pour the reserved enchilada sauce evenly over the assembled enchiladas, ensuring each one is well-coated. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese on top.
  8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for around 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
  9. Once baked, remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Top each serving with crumbled Cotija cheese and freshly chopped cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving: 1enchiladaCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

These enchiladas store beautifully and can be reheated or even frozen for later enjoyment.

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