Authentic Mexican Beef Birria – Tender, Juicy, and Full of Flavor
If you’ve never tried traditional Mexican birria before, you’re in for a treat. This Authentic Mexican Beef Birria is rich, tender, and packed with deep, smoky flavor. Slow-cooked in a blend of dried chilies, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft, perfect for enjoying as a hearty stew or using as a filling for tacos, quesadillas, and burritos.
This dish originates from Jalisco, Mexico, and is traditionally made for special occasions — but it’s so flavorful and satisfying that it’s worth making anytime you crave something truly comforting and full of soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible flavor: Layers of smoky, spicy, and savory taste in every bite.
- Tender beef: Slow-simmered until it practically falls apart.
- Versatile dish: Enjoy it as a stew or turn it into the best birria tacos you’ve ever had.
- Freezer-friendly: Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.
- Authentic yet simple: Made with traditional ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
Ingredients
For the Meat
- 1.5 kg (about 3 lbs) beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Chili Sauce
- 4 dried guajillo chilies, stems and seeds removed
- 2 dried ancho chilies, stems and seeds removed
- 2 dried pasilla chilies, stems and seeds removed
- 3 Roma tomatoes, halved
- 1 small onion, quartered
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chilies:
Remove stems and seeds from the dried chilies. Toast them lightly in a dry skillet for about 1–2 minutes per side until fragrant. Then place them in a bowl and cover with hot water. Soak for 15–20 minutes until softened. - Blend the Sauce:
In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, tomatoes, onion, garlic, vinegar, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, and 1 cup of beef broth. Blend until completely smooth. Add more broth if needed to reach a pourable consistency. - Sear the Beef:
Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper, then sear them on all sides until browned, about 3–4 minutes per side. - Add the Sauce:
Pour the chili sauce over the seared beef. Add the remaining beef broth and bay leaves. Stir well to combine. - Simmer Until Tender:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2½–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully. - Shred and Serve:
Remove the beef and shred it with two forks. Return it to the pot and stir to coat it in the rich birria sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Ideas
- Serve as a stew with rice, warm tortillas, and a squeeze of lime.
- Use the shredded beef to make Birria Tacos — dip the tortillas in the sauce, fill them with beef, and crisp them on a skillet.
- Spoon it over quesadillas, burritos, or nachos for an extra flavor boost.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a pot over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.
Expert Tips
- Don’t skip toasting the chilies — it deepens the flavor.
- Blend thoroughly to get a silky, rich sauce.
- Use bone-in beef shank or short ribs for even more flavor if you like.
- Add spice: Include a few arbol chilies for extra heat.
Authentic Mexican Beef Birria is the ultimate comfort food — bold, savory, and unforgettable. Whether served as a cozy stew or transformed into irresistible tacos, it’s a dish that brings warmth and flavor to every bite.