Heart-Healthy Traditional Beef Birria

Experience the rich, slow-cooked flavors of *Heart-Healthy Traditional Beef Birria*, a lighter twist on the classic Mexican dish that's perfect for nutritious yet indulgent dining. This recipe uses lean beef chuck roast and a vibrant blend of dried guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chiles, along with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and warm spices like cumin and cinnamon, to create a deeply flavorful, low-sodium birria sauce. Simmered to perfection, the tender, shredded beef absorbs every ounce of the smoky, spiced broth. Serve it as a satisfying stew or wrap it in whole wheat tortillas for a wholesome taco night. With optional garnishes like cilantro, lime, and avocado, this heart-healthy version of traditional birria is a delicious way to enjoy a cherished Mexican delicacy.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:210 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Lean beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
• 4 pieces Dried guajillo chiles
• 2 pieces Dried ancho chiles
• 2 pieces Dried pasilla chiles
• 2 pieces Roma tomatoes, quartered
• 1 piece White onion, quartered
• 6 pieces Garlic cloves, peeled
• 4 cups Low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 pinch Ground cinnamon
• 2 pieces Bay leaves
• 0.5 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 4 pieces Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
• 6 pieces Whole wheat tortillas (optional, for serving)
• 1 piece Avocado slices (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Begin by soaking the dried guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chiles in hot water for 15 minutes, or until softened.

Step 2

While the chiles soak, season the trimmed beef chuck roast with a small pinch of salt and pepper (optional for sodium control). Sear the beef in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the beef and set aside.

Step 3

In a blender, add the softened chiles (stems and seeds removed), Roma tomatoes, onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, and 1 cup of the low-sodium beef broth. Blend until smooth to create the birria sauce.

Step 4

Strain the sauce into the pot used to sear the beef, using a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids. Cook the sauce over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it darkens and thickens slightly.

Step 5

Return the seared beef to the pot. Add the remaining 3 cups of low-sodium beef broth and the bay leaves. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds. Stir occasionally, and add a small amount of water if necessary to maintain the liquid level.

Step 7

Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard any large chunks of fat if present. Return the shredded beef to the pot, mixing it with the sauce.

Step 8

Serve the birria warm with optional garnishes like chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges, avocado slices, and whole wheat tortillas. The birria can also be served as a stew by ladling it into bowls with some of the broth.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3292.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3225.4

Total Fat 124.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 35.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 680.4mg	0%
Sodium 2762.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 257.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 66.9g	0%
Total Sugars 28.8g
Protein 289.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 775.5mg	0%
Iron 47.4mg	0%
Potassium 7728.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.9%

Protein: 35.0%

Carbs: 31.1%