Description
Looking for an unforgettable dinner idea or something to spice up your easy recipe rotation? This Birria with Rich Chile Sauce is your answer. It’s a deeply flavorful, slow-cooked Mexican stew featuring fall-apart tender beef, an aromatic chile-based broth, and spices that bring warmth and complexity to every bite. Perfect for easy dinners, meal prep, or building juicy, crispy birria tacos, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, comforting flavors. Whether you’re after a quick breakfast taco with leftover birria or an impressive food idea for guests, this one delivers every time.
Ingredients
3 pounds beef chuck roast
1 pound beef short ribs
4 dried guajillo chiles
3 dried ancho chiles
2 dried pasilla chiles
2 Roma tomatoes
1 medium white onion
6 garlic cloves
2 bay leaves
3 whole cloves
1 small cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
4 cups beef broth
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon neutral oil (for searing)
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Diced white onion (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
1. Remove stems and seeds from dried guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chiles. Toast in a dry skillet until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
2. Soak toasted chiles in hot water for 20 minutes to soften.
3. Roast or char tomatoes, onion, and garlic.
4. In a blender, combine soaked chiles (drained), roasted tomatoes, garlic, onion, cumin, cloves, cinnamon stick, oregano, vinegar, and 1 cup of beef broth. Blend until smooth. Strain if desired.
5. Cut beef into large chunks. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Heat oil in a Dutch oven or large pot. Sear beef on all sides until browned.
7. Pour blended chile sauce over seared beef. Add bay leaves and remaining broth.
8. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours until meat is fall-apart tender.
9. Remove meat, shred with two forks, and return to pot. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
10. Serve with fresh cilantro, diced onion, and lime wedges. Use for tacos, bowls, or enjoy as a stew.
Notes
Let the birria rest for 15 minutes before serving—this helps the meat soak up even more flavor.
Use bone-in cuts like short ribs or shank for a richer broth.
Save the top layer of fat for dipping tortillas when making crispy birria tacos.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: birria, beef stew, birria tacos, chile sauce, slow cooked beef, easy dinner, comfort food