Birria Beef Freezer Meal Recipe

Friends, this dish is one that warms my soul, with its tender texture and rich, aromatic spices. Introducing the Birria Beef recipe. With each bite being filled with tender, flavor, and joy, it is bound to become a staple in your home. This Mexican classic combines mouth watering beef, with a punch of bold, complex flavors. Pair it with the right sides and you have yourself a culinary experience that will soon not be forgotten.

Birria Beef Convenience Hack

If you’re juggling busy schedules, freezer meals like this are your secret weapon. Birria Beef is the ultimate make-ahead meal that’s both practical and delicious. Prep a batch over the weekend, freeze it, and enjoy stress-free dinners during the week. Plus, it reheats perfectly, delivering restaurant-quality meals straight from your crockpot.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Birria Beef Recipe

• Easy Meal Prep
• Freezer-Friendly
• Versatile Usage
• Slow Cooker Magic
• Family Favorite

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Equipment Needed To Make easy Birria Beef

• Gallon freezer bag
• High speed blender or Immersion blender
• Slow cooker

Ingredients For Your Birria Beef Freezer Meal

Ingredients: 

• 2-3 lbs beef chuck roast 
• Birria Sauce (Blend Together): 
• 3 dried guajillo chiles, seeded and soaked in hottest tap water for 5-10 minutes 
• 3 dried ancho chiles, seeded and soaked in hottest tap water for 5-10 minutes 
• 1 large onion, quartered 
• 2 tsp garlic powder 
• ½ tsp  cinnamon 
• 1 tsp ground cumin 
• 1 tsp ground oregano 
• 1 tsp ground thyme 
• 1/2 tsp black pepper 
• 1/2 tsp salt 
• 4 cups beef broth 
• Serve with: 
• 6-8 Tortillas 
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded 
• Salsa (optional) 
• Your favorite taco topping (optional) 

Birra Beef Freezer Meal Recipe

Tender, packed with flavor, this Birria Beef recipe is soon to be on your favorite list. Freezer friendly, and easy to prep, enjoy this delicious dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 622 kcal

Equipment

• 1 gallon freezer bag
• High speed blender
• 1 Slow Cooker or Instant Pot

Get ingredients with

Instructions

 

Prep Directions:

• Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
• Blend sauce ingredients until smooth.
• Add beef and blended sauce to the freezer bag.
• Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.

Slow Cooker | Cooking Directions

• Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
• Dump contents of the freezer bag into the slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
• Shred beef and stir in slow cooker. Serve Birria meat in tortillas with cheese and some Birria sauce on the side to dip your taco into for extra flavor. Optional: Top your taco with your favorite taco toppings. 

Instant Pot | Cooking Directions: 

1. Dump the contents of the freezer bag, plus ½ cup water, into the Instant Pot. 
2. Set to High Pressure for 65 minutes, then allow a 15-minute natural release followed by a quick release.  
3. Shred beef and stir in Instant Pot. Serve Birria meat in tortillas with cheese some Birria sauce on the side to dip your taco into for extra flavor.  Optional: Top your taco with your favorite taco toppings. 

Dietary Adjustments

Make it Gluten Free

 

• Verify Beef Broth is Gluten Free 

 

Make it Dairy Free

 

• Omit cheddar cheese when serving, and ensure you serve with all dairy free toppings.  

Nutrition

Calories: 622kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 51gFat: 40g

Keyword Beef freezer meals, Birria Beef, Birria Beef Freezer Meal, Mexican Inspired Recipes

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Step-by-Step Cooking Directions for Birria Beef Freezer Recipe

Prep Directions: 

• Step 1: Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method. 
• Step 2: Blend sauce ingredients until smooth. 
• Step 3: Add beef and blended sauce to the freezer bag. 
• Step 4: Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months. 

Cooking Directions: 

• Step 1: Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking. 
• Step 2: Dump contents of the freezer bag into the slow cooker. 
• Step 3: Cook on low for 8-10 hours. 
• Step 4: Shred beef and stir in slow cooker. Serve Birria meat in tortillas with cheese with some Birria sauce on the side to dip your taco into for extra flavor.  Optional: Top your taco with your favorite taco toppings. 

 What to Serve/Pair with your Birria Beef Tacos

Sides:

• Mexican Street Corn
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Mexican Black Beans

Desserts:

• Churros
• Tres Leches Cake
• Mexican Chocolate Pots de Crème

Mocktails:

• Agua Fresca
• Virgin Pina Colada
• Hibiscus Iced Tea

Popular Substitutions & Additions

Substitutions:

• Swap the beef chuck roast with pork shoulder for a slightly different flavor and texture. Pork shoulder is equally tender when slow-cooked and holds up well in the freezer.
• Replace the dried guajillo and ancho chiles with 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. This adds a smoky heat and depth of flavor. Chipotle peppers freeze well, so any leftovers can be stored for future use.
• Use Monterey Jack cheese instead of cheddar for a milder, creamier taste that melts beautifully. Monterey Jack also freezes well and can be shredded and stored in the freezer.

Additions:

• Add Carrots: Add 2-3 diced carrots to the pot while cooking the Birria Beef. They add a subtle sweetness and extra nutrition. Carrots freeze well, making them a great addition to this freezer meal.
• Add Chipotle Powder: Sprinkle in 1 tsp of chipotle powder for an extra smoky kick. This complements the existing spices and deepens the flavor. Chipotle powder is easy to incorporate and doesn’t affect the freezer-friendliness of the dish.
• Add Bay Leaves: Throw in 2-3 bay leaves while cooking the beef. Bay leaves add an earthy, herbal note to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor.

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Your Questions Answered

Comment below if you have any questions we didn’t answer.

How do you store Birria Beef?

Storing Birria beef leftovers properly ensures that the dish will retain its flavor and its texture, making it much more enjoyable later on. To make sure this happens, allow the Birria Beef to cool completely. This will prevent excess moisture in the storage device, which can lead to freezer burn or spoilage. Then, try to separate the  meat from the broth. This helps miniature the texture of the beef and allows you to reuse the broth for other purposes. Then, use airtight containers or freezer bags for storage.

How long will cooked Birria Beef last in the fridge?

When you have properly prepared your dish for storage, your food will remain fresh for three to five days. Make sure to allow it to cool, and store in airtight containers.

Can I freeze homemade Birria Beef?

Yup! This recipe is a great freezer meal, whether raw, or leftovers. To freeze leftovers after cooking make sure to allow the Birria beef to cool completely. This prevents freezer burn. Again, separate the beef from the broth, and use freezer safe storage devices, whether containers or freezer bags. Then, make sure to portion out the meat into single servings, this way, you can thaw only what you need.

How to reheat Birria Beef?

When you are ready to reheat your meal, make sure to give yourself time to thaw your leftovers. Allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge. If you need it sooner, use the defrost function on your microwave. Then reheat the meat and the broth together on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. You can also reheat from frozen, but this will take a but longer.  If you are looking for a quick method of reheating, the microwave is an option, but may also lead to overcooking, so be sure to pay attention and heat in short bursts of 30-45 seconds to avoid overheating.

What is Birria Beef made of?

Birria Beef is a flavorful Mexican Dish that is traditionally made with beef chuck roast. Goat or Lamb can also be used as your base meat. The meat is slow-cooked in a rich, broth made from a blend of ancho and guajillo chilies, garlic, onions, and other spices. The chilis give the broth its deep smokey flavor, while the slow cooking gives the beef its tender appeal. This beef is super versatile, as it can be served in tacos, quesadillas, over rice, or as a stew.

What is the difference between Birria and Barbacoa?

Birria and barbacoa are both very traditional Mexican dishes, but they have very distinct differences as well. Both are typically made with the same meat as a base, whether beef, goat, or lamb. Birria is stewed in a broth made from dried chilies and spices. Birria has a rich, spiced flavor and is often served with the broth as a dipping sauce. Barbacoa however, is traditionally, slow cooked in an underground pit or a pressure cooker. Barbacoa is seasoned more simply, focusing on the natural flavors, and is often served in tacos.

How long is Birria meat good for?

Birria meat, when it is properly stored, can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. For longer storage, Birria beef can be frozen, and is a great option for extending its shelf life to three months.

How well does Birria Beef Freeze?

Birria Beef freezes beautifully. The rich broth and tender meat maintain their flavor and texture even after freezing. To freeze, allow the beef to cool completely. Then, store in an airtight container or freezer bag, making sure to separate the beef from the broth if possible.

Why is Birria beef important to Mexican culture?

Birria Beef holds a special place in Mexican culture. This dish is deeply rooted in tradition. Originating from the state of Jalisco, Birria was traditionally made with goat and served during special celebrations and occasions. This symbolized the importance of family and community gatherings. This dish has since evolved to include beef as a popular substitute, making it more accessible and widely enjoyed.

What are the health benefits of Birria Beef?

Birria beef offers several health benefits, making it a nutritious choice for meals. The beef provides a high-quality source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.  This dish is rich in iron, which is vital for transportation of oxygen in the blood, and since, which helps support the immune system. The broth adds antioxidants, vitamins and anti-inflammatory properties, which aids in the nutritious content of the meal. 

How did Birria get its name?

The name “Birria” comes from the Spanish words that loosely translates to “a mess” or “ a mix” which reflects the dish’s origins. Birria was created in a town of Jalisco, Mexico, during a time when goat meat was considered less desirable due to its strong flavor profile and toughness. The make the meat easier to eat, cooks developed the slow-cooking method, and blended together different chilies and spices, turning the once undesirable meat, into a flavorful and tender dish.

How is Birria Beef traditionally prepared?

Birria beef is traditionally prepared by slow-cooking the meat in a rich, spiced broth until it becomes tender and flavorful. The process begins with blended different spices, specifically dried guajillo and ancho chilies, with spices like cumin, oregano, cinnamon, and herbs like garlic and onions. The beef, usually a chuck roast, is marinated in this sauce and then slow-cooked, often in a clay pot, for several hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a tender, succulent dish.

If you like this recipe here are some other Beef recipes you’re sure to love:

• Barbacoa Beef Freezer Meal 
• Mexican Shredded Beef Freezer Meal 
• Beef Picadillo Freezer Meal 
• Beef Enchilada Casserole Freezer Meal 
• Carne Asada Freezer Meal

Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Birria Beef recipe turned out!! I really want to know.

And if you have ANY QUESTIONS comment here, I’m happy to help.