Birria Chuck Roast (Slow Cooker)
Birria is a flavorful, slow-cooked beef dish typically enjoyed in tacos or as a hearty stew. This Birria Chuck Roast recipe brings out all the traditional flavors with easy-to-find ingredients from Aldi.
Ingredients:
- 1 Chuck Roast (2-3 lbs, ideally look for a Birria chuck roast, but any chuck roast will work)
- 1 Vidalia onion, diced (sweet onions are perfect here)
- 2 cans Aldi Rotel, with juice (adds tanginess and spice)
- 1/2 cup beef broth (use more if needed for a richer liquid base)
- Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons chili powder (for depth and spice)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (adds warmth)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for a smoky flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano (adds herbal note)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (essential for seasoning)
Optional extras for a more layered flavor:
- 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce (adds smoky heat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (substitute for minced garlic if needed)
For Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce (for crunch and freshness)
- Diced tomatoes (adds juiciness and color)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (mild, creamy addition)
- Sour cream (for richness and creaminess)
- Hot sauce (for extra spice, if desired)
- Fresh lime wedges (adds zest and balances the richness)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chuck Roast:
- Trim the fat: While chuck roast is a well-marbled cut, trimming excess fat (especially on the top layer) will help avoid too much greasiness in the final dish. A little fat adds flavor, but too much can overwhelm the texture. Leave some fat on for flavor.
- Season the meat: Liberally salt and pepper the beef. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano to the beef, rubbing them into the surface of the roast. The seasoning mix is what gives the Birria its signature depth of flavor, so don’t skip this step.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Place the onions: Start by laying diced Vidalia onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. These onions will not only add sweetness but will break down during cooking and become a base for the Birria sauce.
- Add the chuck roast: Place the seasoned chuck roast on top of the onions. If it’s too large to fit, feel free to cut the roast in half or thirds to ensure it cooks evenly and fits comfortably in the slow cooker.
- Add the canned goods: Open the 2 cans of Aldi Rotel and pour them (juice and all) over the beef. This will infuse the meat with a tangy, slightly spicy base. The acidity from the tomatoes helps tenderize the meat while adding flavor.
- Beef broth: Pour in 1/2 cup of beef broth (or more if you like extra sauce). This liquid helps create the base for the flavorful broth. If you like your Birria with more liquid to dip the tacos, you can add additional broth or even water.
3. Optional Flavor Boosters:
- For extra smokiness, you can toss in a tablespoon of chipotle in adobo sauce. The smoky heat will really elevate the Birria.
- If you’re a garlic lover, garlic powder (about 1 teaspoon) can be sprinkled in for more depth of flavor. This step is optional, but it enhances the overall dish.
4. Slow Cook the Beef:
- Cook on low for 8 hours: Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook for 8 hours. This low and slow cooking method ensures the roast becomes perfectly tender, pulling apart easily with a fork. The beef will absorb all the flavors of the onions, Rotel, and seasonings.
- After about 7 hours, check the roast. If it’s shredding easily, you know it’s done. If it’s not quite there yet, let it cook for another hour.
5. Shred the Beef:
- Once the roast is tender, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. Be sure to discard any excess fat or bones.
- For extra flavor, you can mix the shredded beef back into the slow cooker, soaking it in the flavorful broth. This keeps the meat moist and packed with flavor.
- For a more authentic touch, you can add the softened onions back to the shredded beef. These onions become soft and sweet and can complement the beef beautifully.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
- Warm up the tortillas: Heat corn tortillas (preferred for authenticity, but flour will work too). Warm them on the stovetop in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30-45 seconds to soften them up.
- Fill the tortillas: Add a generous portion of the shredded beef into each tortilla. Depending on how big your tortillas are, you can even double them up for added sturdiness.
7. Add Toppings:
- Lettuce: Top with shredded lettuce for crunch.
- Tomato: Add diced tomatoes for freshness and juiciness.
- Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top for a creamy addition.
- Sour cream: Add a dollop of sour cream for smoothness.
- Hot sauce: Drizzle on some hot sauce (or salsa) for extra heat.
- Lime: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top for a citrusy kick that balances the richness of the meat.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
- You can serve the Birria tacos alongside rice or beans for a heartier meal. If you want to make it more traditional, serve it with the consomé (broth) on the side as a dipping sauce.
- To dip, scoop a taco into the broth and take a bite. The warm broth enhances the flavor and gives it that authentic Birria touch.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make it a Burrito: If you prefer a larger meal, wrap the Birria meat and toppings in a flour tortilla for a Birria burrito. You can add extra fillings like rice, beans, or guacamole to fill it up.
- Storage: Leftover Birria can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the beef in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
- Consomé: If you have extra broth after shredding the beef, it’s perfect for making Birria soup. You can serve it as an appetizer or dip for the tacos. Just warm it up on the stove and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add Extra Vegetables: You can add carrots, potatoes, or peppers to the slow cooker for additional texture and flavor.
- Crunchy Tacos: For a little extra texture, after assembling the tacos, you can pan-fry them in a little oil to crisp up the tortillas, similar to a crispy taco shell.
This Birria Chuck Roast recipe is ideal for a hearty, flavorful meal that your family and friends will love. Whether you enjoy it in tacos, burritos, or even as a stew, the meat is perfectly tender and packed with rich flavors. It’s a meal you can make in advance and let the slow cooker do all the work for you!