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Birria Tostada Stacks Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 76 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

Birria Tostada Stacks feature tender, slow-cooked beef chuck roast infused with a rich blend of toasted guajillo and ancho chiles, garlic, and Mexican oregano. Served atop crispy corn tortillas and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime, these stacks are a flavorful, satisfying Mexican-inspired dish perfect for sharing.


Ingredients

Meat and Marinade

  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 4 dried guajillo chiles
  • 2 dried ancho chiles
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp Mexican oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Water, as needed for blending and cooking

For Serving

  • 8 crispy corn tortillas
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 limes, cut into wedges
  • Oil, for frying tortillas and searing beef


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Remove stems and seeds from the guajillo and ancho chiles. Toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, being careful not to burn.
  2. Blend: In a blender, combine the toasted chiles with fresh garlic cloves, chopped onion, Mexican oregano, salt, pepper, and enough water to blend until a smooth sauce forms.
  3. Marinate: Cut the beef chuck roast into chunks and coat evenly with the chile marinade. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
  4. Sear: Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Remove beef from marinade in batches and brown all sides until a deep mahogany color develops, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  5. Slow Cook: Pour the remaining marinade into the pot with the seared beef and add enough water to cover the meat halfway. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook covered for about 3 hours, or until beef is fork-tender and shreds easily.
  6. Crisp Tortillas: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the corn tortillas one by one for about 30 seconds per side until crispy yet still pliable. Drain on paper towels.
  7. Assemble: Shred the tender birria beef and pile generously onto the crispy tortillas. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Soaking the dried chiles in hot water before toasting can soften them further if needed.
  • Marinating overnight enhances the depth of flavor in the birria meat.
  • To make the tortillas extra crispy, double-fry them briefly.
  • Leftover birria meat can be refrigerated and used for tacos or quesadillas the next day.
  • Adjust the spice level by varying the quantity or type of dried chiles used.