Birria is a traditional Mexican stew originating from Jalisco, known for its tender meat, bold chile flavor, and aromatic broth (consomé). It’s perfect on its own or served as birria tacos, which have become wildly popular across the US, UK, and Canada.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the Meat
3 lbs (1.3 kg) beef chuck or beef shank
(Traditional birria uses goat or lamb, but beef is more accessible and equally delicious)
For the Chile Sauce
4 dried guajillo chiles
2 dried ancho chiles
1–2 dried árbol chiles (optional, for heat)
1 medium onion, chopped
5 cloves garlic
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp dried oregano (Mexican oregano if available)
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp cinnamon
Salt to taste
For the Broth
4 cups beef broth or water
2 bay leaves
How to Make Authentic Mexican Birria
1. Prepare the Chiles
Remove stems and seeds from dried chiles
Toast lightly in a dry pan (10–15 seconds per side)
Soak chiles in hot water for 20 minutes until soft
2. Make the Birria Sauce
Blend together:
Soaked chiles
Onion
Garlic
Tomatoes
Vinegar
Spices
Salt
Blend until completely smooth. This sauce is the heart of your delicious birria recipe.
3. Marinate the Meat
Cut beef into large chunks
Coat thoroughly with the chile sauce
Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours, preferably overnight
4. Slow Cook the Birria
Add marinated meat to a large pot or Dutch oven:
Add beef broth and bay leaves
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low
Cover and simmer 3–3.5 hours, until meat is fall-apart tender
💡 Slow cooker: 8 hours on low
💡 Pressure cooker/Instant Pot: 45–50 minutes
Make Birria Tacos (Highly Recommended!)
You’ll Need
Corn tortillas
Chopped onion
Fresh cilantro
Shredded birria meat
Mozzarella or Oaxaca cheese (optional)
How
Dip tortillas into the birria fat (top layer of broth)
Pan-fry lightly on a hot skillet
Add meat + cheese
Fold and fry until crispy
Serve with a cup of hot consomé for dipping—this is what makes birria tacos legendary.
Practical Tips for the Best Birria
Skim excess fat but save some for frying tacos
Blend sauce extra smooth for silky broth
Rest the birria 15 minutes before serving for deeper flavor
Add lime juice just before serving for brightness
Birria tastes even better the next day
How to Serve Birria
As a stew with tortillas
In crispy birria tacos
Over rice
As birria quesadillas
With radishes, lime wedges, and salsa
Why You’ll Love This Birria Recipe
✔ Deep, rich flavor
✔ Fall-apart tender meat
✔ Perfect for gatherings
✔ Freezer-friendly
✔ Authentic Mexican taste at home
This delicious Mexican birria recipe delivers bold flavor, comfort, and versatility—no restaurant required.