Name: Traditional Mexican Birria
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks; 2 dried guajillo chiles; 2 dried ancho chiles; 2 cloves garlic; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 tsp cumin; 1 tsp oregano; ½ tsp ground cloves; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; 4 cups beef broth; 2 tbsp vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste; Corn tortillas for serving; Fresh cilantro and onion for garnish

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Traditional Mexican Birria recipe delivers authentic flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The slow-cooked beef absorbs the deep, smoky flavors from dried chiles like guajillo and ancho, while the cumin, oregano, and cinnamon add a complex, aromatic base. The vinegar gives a subtle tang to balance the richness of the broth, making each bite of Birria deliciously balanced. Whether you serve it as a stew or in tacos with fresh cilantro, onion, and lime, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish that will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico.

Ingredients

3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
2 dried guajillo chiles
2 dried ancho chiles
2 cloves garlic
1 small onion, chopped
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp ground cinnamon
4 cups beef broth
2 tbsp vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Corn tortillas for serving
Fresh cilantro and onion for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Toast the Chiles: In a skillet, toast the guajillo and ancho chiles over medium heat until fragrant. Remove the seeds and stems from the chiles.
Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the toasted chiles, garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, ground cloves, and cinnamon. Add 1 cup of beef broth and blend until smooth.
Sear the Beef: Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. In a large pot, heat some oil and sear the beef on all sides until browned.
Cook the Birria: Add the blended chili sauce to the pot with the seared beef, followed by the remaining beef broth and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Simmer the Stew: Cover the pot and cook the Birria on low heat for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shreddable.
Shred the Beef: Once the beef is cooked, use forks to shred the meat and stir it back into the flavorful broth.
Serve: Serve the Birria with warm corn tortillas, garnished with fresh cilantro, chopped onion, and lime wedges.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2.5 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Variations

Goat or Lamb: For a more traditional Birria, substitute the beef with goat or lamb. These meats provide a more authentic taste and texture.
Spicy Birria: If you prefer more heat, add a few dried arbol chiles to the sauce blend to increase the spice level.
Strained Broth: For a smoother, velvety consistency, strain the broth before serving to remove any chunks of spices and vegetable bits.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Birria in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Birria freezes well, so you can store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat Birria on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth to thin it out if necessary. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken instead of beef for Birria?

While beef is traditional, you can use chicken as a substitute. However, the cooking time will be shorter, around 1-1.5 hours.

2. How can I make the Birria spicier?

To make the Birria spicier, include arbol chiles or a small amount of chili powder in the sauce blend.

3. Can I cook the Birria in a slow cooker?

Yes! After searing the beef, add everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender and shreddable.

4. Can I use a different cut of beef?

If you don’t have beef chuck roast, other cuts like brisket or short ribs would work well, providing a similar rich flavor.

5. Is Birria traditionally made with vinegar?

Yes, vinegar adds a nice tang and helps balance the richness of the broth. However, you can omit it if you prefer a milder flavor.

6. What can I serve with Birria?

Birria is traditionally served with warm corn tortillas, cilantro, onion, and lime. You can also serve it with Mexican rice, beans, or avocado slices.

7. Can I make Birria ahead of time?

Yes, Birria can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors deepen and improve after sitting in the fridge for a day or two.

8. Can I use a different type of broth?

Beef broth is the traditional choice, but you can use chicken or vegetable broth if that’s what you have available.

9. Can I use fresh chiles instead of dried ones?

While fresh chiles can be used, dried chiles give the Birria its signature smoky flavor. If you use fresh, you may miss out on that depth of flavor.

10. Can I make Birria tacos with this recipe?

Yes! Simply serve the shredded Birria in warm tortillas, and top with cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime for a delicious Birria taco.

Conclusion

This Traditional Mexican Birria recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves rich, flavorful stews. The slow-cooked beef absorbs the deep flavors of the guajillo and ancho chiles, with the perfect balance of spices and herbs. Whether you serve it as a hearty stew or in tacos, Birria is a delicious and comforting meal that is sure to impress your friends and family. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple instructions, you can bring the authentic taste of Mexico to your kitchen and enjoy a flavorful meal any time!

Traditional Mexican Birria

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This Traditional Mexican Birria recipe brings the authentic flavors of Jalisco straight to your kitchen. With tender, slow-cooked beef in a rich and aromatic broth made from guajillo and ancho chiles, cumin, cinnamon, and vinegar, Birria is a comforting dish that can be served as a stew or in tacos. Garnished with fresh cilantro, onion, and lime, this flavorful meal will impress your family and friends. Perfect for any occasion, Birria delivers the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 20min
Cook Time: 2hours
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 6servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow-cooking
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Toast the Chiles: In a skillet, toast the guajillo and ancho chiles over medium heat until fragrant. Remove the seeds and stems from the chiles.
Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the toasted chiles, garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, ground cloves, and cinnamon. Add 1 cup of beef broth and blend until smooth.
Sear the Beef: Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper. In a large pot, heat some oil and sear the beef on all sides until browned.
Cook the Birria: Add the blended chili sauce to the pot with the seared beef, followed by the remaining beef broth and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Simmer the Stew: Cover the pot and cook the Birria on low heat for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shreddable.
Shred the Beef: Once the beef is cooked, use forks to shred the meat and stir it back into the flavorful broth.
Serve: Serve the Birria with warm corn tortillas, garnished with fresh cilantro, chopped onion, and lime wedges.

Notes

Goat or Lamb Substitute: For a more traditional Birria, substitute beef with goat or lamb.
Spicy Birria: To increase heat, add a few dried arbol chiles to the sauce blend.
Strain the Broth: Strain the broth before serving for a smoother consistency.
Make-Ahead Tip: Birria tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to deepen.