Birria Enchiladas: A Delicious Mexican Culinary Delight

One night I was craving something different and ended up making Birria Enchiladas, and lemme tell you it was a total game changer. These enchiladas are filled with juicy birria—which is like a slow cooked meat stew—and smothered in cheese and sauce. Its a fun twist on two Mexican favorites that you wont forget.

Birria started in Jalisco, Mexico as a special meal for weddings and big parties. Over time people began to put that tasty meat into tortillas, add cheese, then bake it all up. Thats how Birria Enchiladas were born. Now you see them everywhere from family dinners to food trucks.

This article will take you through what Birria Enchiladas are, where they come from, why theyre so popular, and how to make them at home. Whether you only cook once in a while or youre the kitchen expert, you’ll get all the tips you need to make these enchiladas amazing.

What are Birria Enchiladas?

Birria Enchiladas marry birria—which is a rich, slow cooked meat stew made from beef, goat, or lamb—with classic enchiladas. You shred that tasty meat, roll it up in tortillas, top with cheese and sauce, then bake it until its gooey and delicious.

Definition

To know Birria Enchiladas you got to know birria first. Birria is meat stewed in dried chilies and spices. After its soft and juicy, you shred it and use it to fill lightly fried tortillas. Then you pour sauce and cheese all over and bake it. The result is a mix of soft tortilla, melty cheese, and spicy meat.

Origin

Birria comes from Jalisco in Mexico and was first made for special events. As time went on, home cooks and chefs tried new twists, like putting birria in enchiladas. This change shows how creative Mexican food can be. Now theyre loved all over, at family meals or food trucks.

The Rise of Birria Enchiladas

In the last few years, Birria Enchiladas went viral online. People post drool worthy pics and videos that get shared alot. Food bloggers, street vendors, and moms at home all jump on the trend, making new versions and adding their own flair.

Ingredients for Birria Enchiladas

These enchiladas taste awesome because of the right mix of ingredients. You got your main stuff and some extras that give pops of flavor and color.

Main Ingredients

• Birria meat: Usually beef, goat, or lamb. Each meat adds its own taste, so pick what you like.
• Tortillas: Corn is normal, but you can use flour if you want.
• Cheese: Oaxacan cheese melts great, but mozzarella or Chihuahua cheese work too.

Additional Ingredients

To make it even better, you add:

• Sauce: A mix of tomatoes, dried chilies, and spices that brings it all together.
• Toppings: Chopped onions, cilantro, lime wedges, avocado slices for fresh flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to switch things up, you can. For a vegan twist use jackfruit or mushrooms instead of meat, and cashew cheese. Need gluten free? Get corn tortillas made that way. Its easy to adapt.

Detailed Recipe Section

Birria Enchiladas Recipe

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you need:

• Birria:
  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 4 dried guajillo peppers
  • 2 dried ancho peppers
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • Salt to taste
• For Enchiladas:
  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded Oaxacan cheese
  • Chopped onions and cilantro for garnish
• Optional Toppings:
  • Lime wedges
  • Avocado slices

Directions

Prepare the Birria

First, marinate the meat. Blend the dried chilies, garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, and beef broth until its smooth. Coat the beef and let it sit for at least 2 hours or overnight if you can so the flavours soak in.

Next, cook the meat in a big pot on medium. Add water to cover, bring to a boil, then turn heat down and cover. Simmer for 2–3 hours until meat is super tender. Shred it and save the cooking liquid for later.

Prep the Enchiladas

Heat a little oil in a pan on medium and fry each tortilla for 10–15 seconds per side until flexible but not crisp. This stops them tearing when you roll them.

Fill each tortilla with shredded birria and some cheese. Roll them up and place seam side down in a baking dish. Keep going till you use them all.

Assemble and Bake

Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour some cooking liquid over the enchiladas—dont drown them, just moisten. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and cover with foil.

Bake for 20 minutes, then take off the foil and bake 10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Let them cool a bit, then top with onions, cilantro, lime, and avocado. Dig in and enjoy all those amazing flavours!

Expert Advice

Be careful when softening the tortillas so they dont rip. Always use good quality ingredients for the best taste. And if you like heat, add more chilies or spice to your sauce.

You can also mix in beans or extra cheese in the filling, or top with pickled jalapeños or crema for a new twist.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Birria Enchiladas

Choosing the Right Meat

What meat you pick changes the flavor. Beef chuck roast is rich, goat is a bit gamey, and lamb has its own taste. Pick what you like or mix them up.

Marinating Suggestions

Dont skip marinating. Letting the meat soak in spices overnight makes it taste so much better. If youre short on time, at least do 2 hours.

Sauce Techniques

To make the best sauce, blend chilies with liquid till smooth. Taste it before you cook the meat and tweak seasoning if needed. If you want it silky, strain out seeds or bits.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Birria Enchiladas with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a green salad. For a fun side, add elote (street corn) or grilled veggies.

Drink options include horchata or agua fresca. If you want something stronger, go for Mexican beer or margaritas.

Health and Nutritional Considerations

Nutritional Breakdown

Birria Enchiladas are filling, giving you protein from the meat, carbs from tortillas, and fat from cheese. Watch your portions and how much sauce you use though.

Healthier Alternatives

To lighten it up, use less cheese or a low fat kind. Choose whole grain or corn tortillas. And add a side of grilled veggies for more fiber.

FAQs About Birria Enchiladas

Common Queries

What is the difference between birria and enchiladas?
Birria is a meat stew. Enchiladas are tortillas rolled around stuff. Birria Enchiladas mix the stew and the rolled tortillas.

Can birria enchiladas be made vegetarian?
Yes. Use jackfruit, mushrooms, or other plant proteins instead of meat, and plant cheese to go vegan.

How do you store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven until hot all the way through.

Are there any common allergens in birria enchiladas?
You might find dairy from cheese, gluten if you use flour tortillas, and various spices. Always check labels if you have allergies.

Birria Enchiladas

Birria Enchiladas combine the rich and savory flavors of traditional birria with the comforting satisfaction of enchiladas. This dish is perfect for a family meal or a gathering, showcasing the authentic taste of Mexican cuisine.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4 People

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• 1 large pot
• 1 skillet
• 1 baking dish
• 1 mixing bowl
• 1 ladle
• 1 aluminum foil

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups shredded birria meat (beef or goat)
• 8 pieces corn tortillas
• 2 cups birria broth
• 1 cup grated cheese (such as Oaxaca or mozzarella)
• 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• to taste salt and pepper
• 1 piece lime, cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions

 

• Prepare the birria meat if not already cooked. In a large pot, simmer the birria meat in water or broth until tender, which usually takes about 2 hours. Once cooked, shred the meat and set aside.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the shredded birria meat, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet or microwave to make them more pliable.
• Fill each tortilla with a portion of the birria mixture and a sprinkle of cheese. Roll them up and place them seam-side down in a baking dish.
• Pour the birria broth over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Once cooked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve the birria enchiladas hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Notes

You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding chopped jalapeños or other hot peppers to the filling.

For added flavor, consider garnishing with diced avocado or a drizzle of sour cream before serving.

These enchiladas also pair well with a side of Mexican rice or beans.