Beef Birria Sliders (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven)

Super tender Beef Birria Sliders (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven) are a delightful twist on the traditional birria tacos. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or casual family dinners, these sliders deliver rich flavors and satisfying textures. The juicy beef is enveloped in melty cheese and topped with vibrant garnishes like pickled red onions and fresh cilantro. With their irresistible taste and easy preparation, these sliders are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold spices and savory beef, each bite is a taste sensation.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious sliders ready in about 1.5 hours.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as sliders or let guests build their own tacos with toppings.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make the beef ahead of time for easy reheating; it only gets better!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these tasty bites.

Tools and Preparation

To create these Beef Birria Sliders, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Instant Pot or Slow Cooker
• Dutch Oven
• Sharp Knife
• Cutting Board
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Instant Pot or Slow Cooker: These appliances ensure the beef is cooked to perfection with minimal effort.
• Dutch Oven: Ideal for browning meat evenly and developing deep flavors.
• Sharp Knife: A good knife makes slicing ingredients quick and effortless.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements help achieve the best flavor balance.

Ingredients

For the Beef

• 2.5 – 3 pounds beef chuck roast
• 2 pounds beef short ribs
• vegetable oil

For the Sauce

• 6-8 dried Guajillo peppers (stems removed)
• 3 canned chipotles in adobo + all the sauce from the can
• 1 large white onion, sliced
• 10 cloves garlic, smashed and roughly chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick (or 1/2 tsp cinnamon)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano, ideally Mexican oregano
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups beef stock (chicken stock can also be substituted)
• salt + pepper (to tenderize the meat + more for the sauce)

For Assembly

• 1 pack Kings Hawaiian 9-pack Sweet Sliders OR 12-pack Sweet Dinner Rolls
• 3/4 lb. Oaxaca cheese, sliced or shredded (quesadilla cheese, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, etc.)
• 1/3 cup pickled red onions (raw red onions work too)
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced finely
• lime wedges

How to Make Beef Birria Sliders (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven)

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Start by cutting the beef chuck roast into large chunks. This will help it cook evenly. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In your Instant Pot or Dutch Oven:
1. Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the seasoned beef chunks in batches to avoid overcrowding.
3. Brown on all sides for about 5 minutes per batch.

Step 3: Blend Sauce Ingredients

In a blender:
1. Combine dried Guajillo peppers, chipotles in adobo with sauce, sliced onion, garlic cloves, bay leaves, cinnamon stick (or ground cinnamon), oregano, cumin, coriander, chili powder, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and beef stock.
2. Blend until smooth.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

Pour the blended sauce over the browned meat in your Instant Pot or Dutch Oven:
– If using an Instant Pot, seal it and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
– If using a Slow Cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for about 4 hours.
– If using a Dutch Oven on stovetop, bring to a simmer then cover and cook on low heat for about 3 hours.

Step 5: Shred Beef

Once cooked:
– Remove meat from pot; let it cool slightly before shredding with two forks.
– Return shredded beef to pot along with juices; stir well.

Step 6: Assemble Sliders

On each slider bun:
1. Layer shredded birria beef generously.
2. Top with sliced Oaxaca cheese.
3. Broil briefly until cheese is melted.

Step 7: Serve with Toppings

Serve your sliders hot topped with pickled red onions, diced jalapenos, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges on the side for squeezing!

Enjoy your flavorful Beef Birria Sliders!

How to Serve Beef Birria Sliders (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven)

Beef birria sliders are a delightful twist on the traditional birria tacos. These savory sliders can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation, making them perfect for gatherings or casual family dinners.

With Fresh Toppings

• Pickled Red Onions: Add a tangy crunch that complements the rich beef.
• Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the sliders for an herbal note.
• Sliced Jalapenos: Provide some heat with finely diced jalapenos for spice enthusiasts.

Dipping Sauces

• Birria Broth: Serve the sliders with a side of hot birria broth for dipping; it’s flavorful and comforting.
• Creamy Avocado Sauce: A smooth avocado sauce adds richness and balances the spices perfectly.

Accompanying Sides

• Crispy Tortilla Chips: Serve with chips for a textural contrast and a vehicle for extra dipping.
• Fresh Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens up the flavors of the sliders beautifully.

How to Perfect Beef Birria Sliders (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven)

Creating perfect beef birria sliders is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips to elevate your slider game.

• Bold Seasoning: Ensure you season your meat generously with salt and pepper before cooking to build depth of flavor.
• Slow Cook for Tenderness: If possible, cook your beef low and slow; this breaks down tough fibers, resulting in tender meat.
• Use Quality Cheese: Opt for high-quality cheese like Oaxaca or Monterey Jack for melting goodness that enhances the sliders.
• Toast the Buns: Lightly toast your slider buns under the broiler before assembling; it adds texture and prevents sogginess.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the beef a day in advance. Allowing it to rest in its juices overnight intensifies flavors.
• Serve Hot: Enjoy the sliders immediately after assembly while everything is melty and warm for the best experience.

Best Side Dishes for Beef Birria Sliders (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven)

Pairing side dishes with beef birria sliders can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options that complement their rich flavors.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A creamy corn salad loaded with lime, chili powder, and cotija cheese adds freshness.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a hearty addition that pairs well with any Mexican dish.
3. Guacamole: Fresh guacamole brings creamy texture and vibrant flavor that enhances every bite of slider.
4. Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices rounds out your meal nicely.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crisp tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make a fun appetizer or side dish.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add color and nutrition to your plate while balancing rich flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making beef birria sliders can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not Browning the Meat Properly: Failing to brown the beef can result in less flavor. Take the time to sear the meat on all sides before cooking.
• Ignoring Spice Levels: Skipping spices or not adjusting them to taste can make your sliders bland. Always taste and tweak seasoning as needed.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Opting for cheap cuts of meat or low-quality cheese can affect the final dish. Invest in good quality ingredients for the best results.
• Neglecting Rest Time: Not letting the meat rest after cooking can make it tough. Allow it to rest in its juices for optimal tenderness.
• Skipping Pickled Onions: Omitting toppings like pickled onions can lead to a lack of balance in flavors. Don’t skip this essential element for added zing.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store beef birria sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep any leftover beef and sauce separate from the sliders to maintain freshness.

Freezing Beef Birria Sliders (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven)

• Wrap sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Beef Birria Sliders (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake wrapped sliders for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual sliders for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Place sliders in a skillet over medium heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Beef Birria Sliders (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, Dutch Oven)?

Beef birria sliders are mini sandwiches filled with tender shredded beef birria, topped with cheese and fresh ingredients. They offer a fun twist on traditional birria tacos.

How long does it take to prepare Beef Birria Sliders?

The total time is about 100 minutes, including preparation and cooking. However, making the beef a day ahead enhances flavor and tenderness.

Can I make Beef Birria Sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beef a day before serving. Just store it in its juices and reheat when ready to assemble your sliders.

What should I serve with Beef Birria Sliders?

These sliders pair well with sides like Mexican rice, beans, or a fresh salad. You could also serve them with additional lime wedges and jalapeños for added spice.

Can I use other types of meat instead of beef?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with chicken or lamb if you prefer different flavors. Just adjust cooking times as necessary.

Conclusion

These Beef Birria Sliders are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. With options for customization and various serving suggestions, they’re sure to impress everyone at your table. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy creating your own flavorful twist!