1Cut 5 lbs of boneless chuck roast into 3-inch pieces.
2Boil the beef in 8 cups of water with ½ white onion, 1 head of garlic, 1-2 tbsp of salt, and 4 bay leaves for 1 hour over medium-high heat, skimming off the fat.
3In a separate pan, lightly toast 10-12 NM chili pods or guajillo, 3 ancho chiles, 6-8 arbol chiles (optional), and 6 garlic cloves for 2-3 minutes.
4Transfer the toasted peppers and garlic to a blender with 6-8 peppercorns, 5 whole cloves, and 2 cups of water.
5Add the onion and garlic from the pot to the blender.
6Blend until smooth and strain into the pot with the beef.
7Discard the pulp. Add oregano, thyme, cumin, and beef bouillon for flavor.
8Cover and simmer on low heat for 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
9Make birria quesotacos: Dip a tortilla in the birria, place it on a skillet, and add cheese, cilantro, onion, beef, and more cheese. Fry until the cheese is melted.
10Serve with your favorite salsa or as a stew with ramen.