birria recipe beef

Birria Recipe

This birria recipe is a rich, slow-cooked Mexican stew known for its deep chili flavor and tender meat. Traditionally made with goat, this beef birria recipe uses chuck roast and short ribs to create an easy birria recipe that still tastes authentic. It can be served as a comforting stew with consomé or transformed into birria recipe tacos, ramen birria, or taco birria recipe by using the flavorful broth for dipping. This method also adapts well for a crockpot birria recipe, slow cooker birria recipe, or Dutch oven preparation.  Learn how to prepare Birria Recipe step by step.

birria recipe
birria recipe

Ingredients

  • 2½ pounds beef chuck, cut into large chunks
  • 3 beef short ribs, cut through the bone
  • 4 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 7 dried guajillo chilies, stems and seeds removed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, roughly chopped
  • 6 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
  • 3 large tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups water
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • ¼ cup white vinegar
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Finely diced white onion, for garnish
  • Fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish
  • Lime slices, for serving

Directions

  • Season the beef chuck and short ribs with salt, oregano, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and cloves, mixing thoroughly so all pieces are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
  • Lightly toast the guajillo chilies in olive oil over medium heat for about 30 seconds, then add onion, garlic, and ginger, stirring until aromatic.
  • Add chopped tomatoes and water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until the mixture is soft and well blended.
  • Blend the chili mixture until completely smooth using an immersion blender or countertop blender.
  • Strain the blended sauce into a large pot containing the marinated beef to remove skins and seeds for a smooth consomé.
  • Add chicken broth, vinegar, bay leaves, and honey, then bring the pot to a boil before reducing to a gentle simmer.
  • Cook uncovered on low heat for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fall-apart tender and easily shredded.
  • Skim excess fat from the surface and reserve it if planning to make birria recipe tacos or quesabirria.
  • Serve the beef in bowls with plenty of broth, topped with diced onion, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
birria recipe ingredients
birria recipe ingredients

Preparation Details

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Marination Time: 6 hours minimum
  • Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
  • Total Time: Approximately 10 hours
  • Servings: 10
  • Notes: This birria recipe beef version can be adapted into a birria recipe slow cooker by cooking on low for 8 hours or an instant pot birria recipe by pressure cooking for about 60 minutes. The consomé can be used for ramen birria recipe or as a dipping broth for birria recipe tacos, making it versatile and ideal for meal prep.