Name: Traditional Mexican Birria Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 pounds beef stew meat (such as chuck roast), cut into chunks; 4 cups beef broth; 2 cups water; 1 onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 bay leaves; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cinnamon stick; 2 whole cloves; 3 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded; 2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded; 1 dried pasilla chili, stemmed and seeded; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Corn tortillas, for serving; Chopped fresh cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, and sliced radishes, for serving

Ingredients

3 pounds beef stew meat (such as chuck roast), cut into chunks

1 onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 bay leaves

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

4 cups beef broth

2 cups water

3 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded

2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded

1 dried pasilla chili, stemmed and seeded

1 cinnamon stick

2 whole cloves

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Corn tortillas, for serving

Chopped fresh cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, and sliced radishes, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the beef stew meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, bay leaves, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, ground coriander, ground cloves, salt, black pepper, beef broth, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.

Step 2: While the meat is cooking, place the dried guajillo chilies, ancho chilies, and pasilla chili in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let soak for 15-20 minutes, or until softened. Drain the chilies, then transfer to a blender.

Step 3: Add the cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and a cup of the cooking liquid from the pot to the blender. Blend until smooth, adding more cooking liquid as needed to achieve a smooth sauce.

Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully pour the chili sauce into the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and darkened in color.

Step 5: Pour the chili sauce over the beef in the pot and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Step 6: Serve the Traditional Mexican Birria hot, with warm corn tortillas and your choice of toppings, such as chopped fresh cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, and sliced radishes.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, toast the dried chilies lightly before soaking to enhance their flavor.

You can substitute beef stew meat with lamb or goat for a different, authentic taste.

Leftover birria makes excellent tacos—just shred the meat and add cheese for quesabirria.

Adjust the amount of chilies to control the level of heat in the sauce.

FAQs

Can I make birria in a slow cooker?

Yes, after preparing the chili sauce, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the meat is tender.

What is the best way to serve birria?

Birria is traditionally served hot with warm corn tortillas and fresh toppings like cilantro, onions, lime, and radishes. It’s also delicious as a filling for tacos or burritos.