Generously with salt and pepper and brown it in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Set it aside. (If you are in a hurry, you can skip the browning step and add it raw to the stew, but browning makes it more flavorful.)

Heat oil in an Instant pot on the saute setting (or large Dutch oven over medium heat) and add onion and garlic, stirring and sauteing until fragrant, tender, and golden. Once softened and golden, add all the spices: cloves, allspice, cumin, coriander, chili powder, oregano, bay leaves, and cinnamon- and saute for 2 minutes, toasting them. Add the optional tomatoes and the beef stock. Stir and scrape up any browned bits.

Add the browned meat and stir.

For even more flavor, toast the chilies in a dry large skillet over medium-low heat until softened, releasing their oils, about 2 minutes) Nestle into the stew.

INSTANT POT: Set the instant pot to 45 minutes on high pressure. Let it naturally release.

Dutch Oven: If using a dutch oven, cover tightly, and simmer gently on the stovetop, on low heat for 2 ½ to 3 hours, until meat is very tender. Stir every hour. (Alternativly bake in a 350F oven).

Place this in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours.

Once the meat is tender, fish out the chilies, and blend with a cup of the warm broth in a blender until pureed. Return to the pot, stirring it in. Shred the meat with two forks. You can also just leave the chilies whole.

Season: Taste and season, adding a teaspoon or two of vinegar and adjusting salt and pepper to taste. If it tastes bland, it likely needs salt.

Dip tortillas into the rich broth, lightly coating each side and place in a greased skillet, over medium heat, top with cheese, birria stew meat, and any fixings. Fold the over ( like a quesadilla) and pan-sear each side until crispy. Keep warm in the oven until serving.

(feel free to thin this out with a little more broth if you prefer) Serve in a bowl, topped with cilantro, radish, cucumber, chopped onion or pickled onion, cotija cheese or sour cream and lime. (Fresh chopped things add good texture.)