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Delicious Traditional Mexican Birria served in a bowl with fresh garnishes

Traditional Mexican Birria

A rich and flavorful dish that showcases tender beef and a unique blend of spices, perfect for serving in tacos or as a comforting soup.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 pounds beef stew meat (such as chuck roast), cut into chunks
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2-3 pieces dried guajillo chiles, stems removed
  • 1-2 pieces dried ancho chiles, stems removed
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 pieces bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Soak the guajillo and ancho chiles in hot water for about 15 minutes until softened. Drain and place in a blender with a little beef broth to blend into a smooth paste.
  2. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
  3. Add the beef chunks to the pot and sear on all sides.
  4. Stir in the blended chili paste, beef broth, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
  1. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
  2. Remove the meat, shred it, and serve in tacos or on its own, ladling some of the broth over the top. Garnish with chopped onions and cilantro if desired.

Notes

For more depth of flavor, consider marinating the beef in the blended chili paste for a few hours before cooking. Use fresh herbs if available, as they can enhance the taste of the broth. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more chiles or even a touch of cayenne pepper. Store leftover birria in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.