Birria Enchiladas became my go-to dinnertime nutrition win on a chaotic weeknight when I needed a meal that checked all the boxes for my family. I remember the very first time I made them—a friend shared her recipe for a cheesy birria enchiladas recipe that featured slow-cooked beef birria paired with a flavorful birria consommé dipping sauce. The idea of combining the rich, comforting flavors of Mexican birria stew into enchiladas felt like a delicious way to get my family excited about dinner without the usual stress.
What surprised me most was how the kids eagerly devoured these Birria Enchiladas while I felt good knowing I was fueling them with nourishing ingredients. The slow-cooked beef birria is full of protein that supports growing bodies, and layering in vegetables and a just-right blend of spices gave the dish a vibrant, wholesome feel. This felt like a small but meaningful step in our wellness journey—balancing the messy, busy pace of life with simple nutrition.
For fellow busy moms juggling after-school chaos and meal prep, this Birria Enchiladas recipe is a solid win. It’s approachable, family-friendly, and the birria consommé dipping sauce adds a fun way for everyone to customize their meals at the table. Plus, it reminded me that nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious.
If you’re looking to add a fresh spin on Mexican birria stew or want to offer your loved ones both comforting birria tacos and enchiladas at once, this recipe could be your next go-to. I’m excited to share how this Birria Enchiladas became a simple, nourishing solution for my family. Grab your apron—this is going to be a tasty, sanity-saving adventure!
Ingredients You’ll Need:

3 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into chunks (slow-cooked beef birria base, rich in iron and protein)
6 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and deseeded (adds vitamin A and flavor depth)
2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and deseeded (provides antioxidants and mild heat)
4 cloves garlic, peeled (immune-boosting and antibacterial)
1 large white onion, quartered (helps digestion and adds fiber)
1 tablespoon cumin seeds (anti-inflammatory and aromatic)
1 tablespoon dried oregano (supports immune health)
2 bay leaves (classic seasoning with digestive benefits)
4 cups beef broth, low sodium (for simmering the birria consommé)
Corn tortillas, about 20 (gluten-free choice, whole grain)
2 cups shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese (protein and calcium boost)
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish (vitamin C, freshness)
1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper
No worries if you don’t have dried guajillo or ancho chilies on hand—I use chili powder as a quick swap to add a similar kick with antioxidants in my Birria Enchiladas. You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store, usually around the Mexican foods aisle. Buying dried chilies in bulk saves money, and beef chuck is budget-friendly compared to fancy cuts.
For even more nutrients, I sometimes toss in a handful of finely chopped spinach when assembling the enchiladas. The family never notices the green boost, and it helps add iron and vitamins my kids need. This Birria Enchiladas ingredient list stays simple because, trust me, busy moms need nutrition without complexity! Prepping the chilies ahead or using an Instant Pot for the slow-cooked beef birria cuts down on active cooking time, perfect for those busy nights.
Let’s Make it Happen!
1. Rinse the dried guajillo and ancho chilies, then soak them in hot water for 20 minutes to soften. This step makes blending easier and unlocks their flavor magic for your Birria Enchiladas.
2. In a blender, combine soaked chilies, garlic, onion, cumin seeds, oregano, salt, and pepper with 1 cup of the beef broth. Blend until smooth to create a rich birria sauce—this is where the magic of Mexican birria stew really starts to build!
3. Place the beef chuck pieces in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Pour the blended sauce over the beef, add bay leaves and the remaining beef broth. Seal and cook: slow cooker on low for 8 hours, or Instant Pot high pressure for 60 minutes. This slow-cooked beef birria will be tender and packed with nutrition.
4. While the beef cooks, shred your cheese and prep tortillas. If you’re short on time, warming tortillas wrapped in a damp towel in the microwave for 30 seconds or a skillet works wonders.
5. Once the beef is done, shred it using two forks. It should be fall-apart tender—perfect for filling your cheesy birria enchiladas.
6. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Dip each tortilla into the birria consommé dipping sauce, then fill with shredded beef and cheese. Roll tightly and place seam side down in a baking dish. Pour remaining consommé over the enchiladas to keep them moist and flavorful.
7. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and edges crisp slightly. Your kitchen will smell nourishing and cozy by now!
8. Serve with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and extra consommé on the side for dipping. Remember, the consommé dipping sauce elevates the whole experience and adds hydration as well.
While your Birria Enchiladas bake, take a moment to prep tomorrow’s lunch or sip some water—you’re nourishing your family beautifully in this hectic life. This recipe has been a lovely game-changer in my kitchen when balancing family wellness and limited time.
If you want to try a quick twist, the Instant Pot Birria Beef Tacos recipe from The Kitchn offers great steps for slow-cooked beef birria meat you can double up for Birria Enchiladas too.
How We Love to Eat This!

Our family devours these Birria Enchiladas on chilly evenings when we need comfort and nutrition all in one. The kids especially love dipping the cheesy birria enchiladas into the warm birria consommé dipping sauce—it’s like dining out but homemade and healthy.
I’ll often serve this with a side of sautéed bell peppers and onions for added vitamins and fiber. Steamed green beans or a fresh jicama salad with lime juice also complement the dish nicely. These veggie sides boost the meal without complicating dinner.
Birria Enchiladas have become my solution for busy weeknights when I want good nutrition fast. The way the slow-cooked beef birria tenderizes means minimal chewing for my toddler, and the cheese adds calcium which my picky eaters appreciate.
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), I love reheating them gently with a splash of consommé to keep everything juicy. You can also try the ideas in this helpful post on What can be made with leftover birria meat? for some new twists!
During the holidays, I’ve sprinkled festive chopped radishes and avocado on top to add fresh texture and nutrients. Friends who taste our Birria Enchiladas often ask for the recipe—they usually don’t believe how family-friendly and nutritious these enchiladas are.
For even more savory family dinners, check out my Ground Beef Enchiladas Delicious Easy recipe for another simple nutrition success!
Birria tacos and enchiladas? Yes, please!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q: Is this Birria Enchiladas really nutritious enough for growing kids?
A: Absolutely! The slow-cooked beef birria provides iron and protein essential for growth. Adding cheese gives calcium, while the consommé dipping sauce hydrates and adds flavor. I sneak in veggies when I can to boost fiber and vitamins. This recipe became a family favorite because everyone, even picky eaters, loved the taste and energy it gave them!
Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Birria Enchiladas?
A: Try serving the consommé dipping sauce on the side to let them control the flavor intensity. Also, start with smaller portions and customize fillings—maybe less spice or extra cheese. Sometimes letting kids help assemble enchiladas sparks curiosity. I once discovered that my son loves this dish more when paired with avocado slices on the side.
Q: Can I meal prep this Birria Enchiladas for busy weeks ahead?
A: Yes! Slow-cooked beef birria stores well in the fridge up to 3 days or freezes beautifully. I cook the meat and sauce ahead, then assemble and bake enchiladas fresh when it’s time to eat. You can even prepare enchiladas fully and freeze unbaked—just thaw and bake on hectic days. Moms in our Facebook group share great tips on this too!
Q: How spicy is Birria Enchiladas? Will it be too hot for kids?
A: The slow-cooked Mexican birria stew base has warm, mild spice but not overwhelming heat. Adjust dried chilies or swap with mild chili powder for kid-friendly versions. The cheese softens any heat and the consommé dipping sauce mellows flavors further. It’s flexible to suit your family’s taste buds.
Q: Can I use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot for this recipe?
A: Definitely! Using an Instant Pot speeds up the slow-cooked beef birria process without losing tenderness. It’s perfect for busy moms needing quicker prep but same nutrition. The Kitchn’s Instant Pot Birria Beef Tacos recipe is a great resource to adapt for enchiladas. I do this often when school schedules get crazy.
Q: Is it expensive to make Birria Enchiladas?
A: Not at all. Using beef chuck and dried chilies keeps costs down. You can also buy tortillas in bulk or swap cheeses to save money. For budget-friendly nutrition, this Birria Enchiladas proves delicious, filling, and wholesome doesn’t mean expensive!
Q: Can I mix Birria tacos and enchiladas in one meal?
A: Yes! My family loves mixing birria tacos and enchiladas for variety. It’s a fun way to serve the same nutritious beef in different ways, keeping everyone happy. For inspiration, see this Birria mashed potato enchiladas recipe ideas post shared by fellow moms online. It sparks creativity and keeps family mealtime exciting.
Final Thoughts:
Birria Enchiladas have become a staple in my family’s nutrition rotation because they offer a balance of nourishing slow-cooked beef birria, wholesome cheese, and lively consommé dipping sauce without extra hassle. This recipe fits into our wellness journey by combining real food with simple preparation that respects my time and energy.
My Birria Enchiladas Nutrition Hacks:
– Using slow-cooked beef birria ensures tender protein full of iron and vitamins.
– Adding a consommé dipping sauce boosts hydration and flavor without extra fat.
– Sneaking in finely chopped greens inside enchiladas ups fiber without kid complaints.
We’ve also tried family-tested variations: swapping mozzarella for Oaxaca cheese for a creamy twist, making a vegetarian birria-style enchilada using jackfruit, and even mixing in mashed potatoes with birria meat for extra comfort and nutrients. My youngest loves the cheese-heavy versions, while my husband prefers spicy consommé on the side for dipping.
I encourage you to make this Birria Enchiladas your own—adjust spice levels, ingredients, and side dishes to meet your family’s nutrition needs and flavor preferences. Cooking nourishing meals in the middle of the hustle isn’t easy, but with recipes like this, it feels manageable and joyful.
For more simple nutrition ideas that fit into busy schedules, check out my Ground Beef Enchiladas Delicious Easy recipe and our Facebook community where moms share their own Birria enchiladas and birria tacos and enchiladas tips.
Your family’s health is worth this nourishing chaos, and I hope this Birria Enchiladas recipe becomes a comforting, crowd-pleasing part of your kitchen too! Keep going, fellow nutrition-seekers—you’ve got this!
Birria Enchiladas
Birria Enchiladas combine tender, flavorful stewed beef with rich, spicy enchilada sauce wrapped in corn tortillas for a delicious Mexican comfort dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 5 dried guajillo chilies, stems and seeds removed
- 3 dried ancho chilies, stems and seeds removed
- 1 white onion, quartered
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 tomatoes, quartered
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Chopped cilantro and diced onion, for garnish
Instructions
- Toast the dried guajillo and ancho chilies in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then soak them in hot water for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a large pot, add beef chuck roast, quartered onion, garlic cloves, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Drain chilies and blend them with the beef broth until smooth; pour this chili sauce over the beef in the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for about 2.5 to 3 hours or until beef is tender and shreddable.
- Remove beef, shred it with forks, and return to the pot with the sauce.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet. Dip each corn tortilla briefly into the birria sauce to coat, then fill with shredded beef and some cheese, fold and place in the skillet.
- Cook enchiladas for 2-3 minutes on each side until tortillas are crisp and cheese is melted.
- Serve topped with chopped cilantro and diced onion, with a side of remaining birria consomé for dipping.
Notes
For extra flavor, serve with lime wedges and a side of pickled jalapeños or radishes.

