Whole30 Birria

Dive into the irresistible flavors of Whole30 Birria, a wholesome twist on the traditional Mexican slow-cooked stew that's both paleo and Whole30-compliant! This rich and aromatic dish features tender chunks of boneless beef chuck roast simmered to perfection in a bold, smoky chile sauce made from guajillo, ancho, and chipotle chiles. Infused with warm spices like cumin, cloves, cinnamon, and a splash of zesty lime juice, this recipe delivers a symphony of flavors while staying completely free of dairy, gluten, and added sugars. Whether served as a comforting bowl of stew or paired with compliant toppings like fresh cilantro and lime, this Whole30-approved meal is perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner. Packed with protein and layered with authentic, slow-cooked essence, this birria will satisfy both traditional cravings and modern health goals.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:260 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2.5 pounds boneless beef chuck roast
• 4 dried guajillo chiles
• 4 dried ancho chiles
• 2 dried chipotle chiles
• 1 white onion
• 6 garlic cloves
• 3 whole cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 0.5 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cups beef bone broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Directions

Step 1

Start by removing the seeds and stems from the guajillo, ancho, and chipotle chiles. Heat a skillet over medium heat and dry-toast the chiles for about 2 minutes, or until they become fragrant, turning occasionally. Be careful not to burn them.

Step 2

Place the toasted chiles in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for about 15 minutes to soften.

Step 3

Meanwhile, cube the beef chuck roast into large chunks, about 2 inches in size. Set aside.

Step 4

Peel and quarter the onion. Peel the garlic cloves.

Step 5

In a blender, combine the softened chiles, onion, garlic, whole cloves, bay leaves, apple cider vinegar, cumin, oregano, peppercorns, and sea salt along with the soaking water. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

Step 6

In a Dutch oven or large heavy pot, add the beef chunks. Pour the blended chile sauce over the beef, ensuring the meat is well-coated.

Step 7

Add the cinnamon stick and pour in the beef bone broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 8

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 3.5 to 4 hours, or until the beef is tender and falls apart easily.

Step 9

Once the beef is cooked, use tongs to remove the beef chunks and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the pot to soak in the broth.

Step 10

Before serving, stir in the fresh lime juice for added brightness.

Step 11

Serve the Whole30 Birria hot in bowls, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro, additional lime wedges, or chopped onions (all compliant with Whole30).

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2453.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3398.6

Total Fat 239.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 93.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 850.5mg	0%
Sodium 4480.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 88.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.8g	0%
Total Sugars 14.1g
Protein 244.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 479.4mg	0%
Iron 43.2mg	0%
Potassium 6216.1mg	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: 61.8%

Protein: 28.1%

Carbs: 10.2%