Name: Birria with Rich Chile Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 dried guajillo chiles; 2 dried ancho chiles; 2 dried pasilla chiles; 2 pounds beef chuck roast; 1 pound beef short ribs; 1 large white onion; 6 garlic cloves; 1 cinnamon stick; 4 whole cloves; 2 bay leaves; 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 1 teaspoon black peppercorns; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 medium tomatoes or 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 4 cups beef broth or water; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 tablespoons oil for searing

When it comes to deeply flavorful, soul-warming comfort food, few dishes hit the mark like Birria with Rich Chile Sauce. Originating from the heart of Jalisco, Mexico, birria is a celebration dish that brings together tender meat, robust spices, and the unmistakable kick of dried chiles simmered to perfection. Whether served as a stew or folded into tacos, birria is bold, satisfying, and worth every minute in the kitchen.

What makes this version special is the silky, savory chile sauce that infuses every bite with layers of flavor. The slow-cooked meat falls apart effortlessly, and once dunked in the consomé, it becomes something magical. The aroma alone is enough to draw a crowd. If you’re ready to bring the fiesta to your table, this birria recipe is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Birria with Rich Chile Sauce

There’s a reason birria has become a viral food trend, and once you make it at home, you’ll see why. This recipe gives you incredibly tender meat, a richly spiced broth, and a chile sauce that elevates the entire dish. It’s also incredibly versatile — you can serve it as tacos, a stew, or even as a topping for nachos or fries. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and makes incredible leftovers that taste even better the next day.

What Kind of Meat Should I Use for Birria?

Traditionally, birria is made with goat, but beef is a more accessible and equally delicious option. I recommend using a combination of beef chuck roast and short ribs for the perfect mix of tenderness and flavor. Lamb is also a flavorful alternative if you’re looking for something closer to the original.

Ingredients for the Birria with Rich Chile Sauce

The heart of this birria lies in its deep, earthy chile sauce and fall-apart meat. Using quality ingredients really makes a difference here. Don’t skip the toasting step for the chiles — it adds a smoky depth you can’t replicate.

Dried Guajillo Chiles
Dried Ancho Chiles
Dried Pasilla Chiles
Beef Chuck Roast
Beef Short Ribs
White Onion
Garlic Cloves
Cinnamon Stick
Cloves
Bay Leaves
Mexican Oregano
Cumin Seeds
Black Peppercorns
Apple Cider Vinegar
Tomatoes (or Tomato Paste)
Beef Broth or Water
Salt
Oil for searing

These ingredients combine to create the rich marinade and broth that flavors the meat from the inside out.

How To Make the Birria with Rich Chile Sauce

Step 1: Toast and Soak the Chiles

Start by removing the stems and seeds from the dried chiles. Toast them lightly in a dry pan until fragrant, then soak them in hot water for about 20 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Blend the Marinade

In a blender, combine the softened chiles, tomatoes, garlic, vinegar, and spices. Blend until completely smooth. If needed, add a bit of the chile soaking water to help it blend.

Step 3: Marinate the Meat

Place the beef chuck and short ribs in a large bowl or bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure every piece is coated. Let it marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 4: Sear and Simmer

Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Sear the meat until browned on all sides. Pour in the remaining marinade and enough beef broth or water to cover the meat. Add the bay leaves and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Simmer gently for 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat is fall-apart tender. Skim off any excess fat and taste the broth for seasoning.

Step 6: Shred and Serve

Remove the meat from the pot and shred it with two forks. Serve it as tacos, in a bowl with broth, or alongside warm tortillas with onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

How to Serve and Store Birria with Rich Chile Sauce

Birria is best served hot and fresh, ideally with warm corn tortillas, chopped onions, fresh cilantro, and a splash of lime juice. If you want to turn it into birria tacos, dip the tortillas in the fat from the top of the broth, crisp them in a skillet, and fill with shredded meat and cheese.

This recipe feeds about 6 to 8 people, depending on how it’s served. It stores beautifully too. Let it cool completely and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it an excellent make-ahead dish.

What to Serve With Birria?

Mexican Rice

Fluffy and fragrant, this classic side dish pairs perfectly with the boldness of birria.

Refried Beans

Creamy and savory, they offer a comforting contrast to the spice.

Pickled Red Onions

A little tang goes a long way in balancing the richness of the stew.

Elote (Mexican Street Corn)

Grilled corn slathered with mayo, cheese, and chili powder is a street food match made in heaven.

Avocado Slices or Guacamole

The cool creaminess of avocado helps mellow the spice without taking away flavor.

Crispy Tortilla Chips

Perfect for scooping up extra meat or soaking in that flavorful broth.

Queso Fresco or Cotija Cheese

Crumble some on top for added saltiness and texture.

Agua Fresca or Horchata

A sweet drink always complements a spicy meal.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Kick?

If this birria recipe has you craving more bold flavors, check out these tasty dishes:

Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for a creamy-spicy fusion dinner.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Shells if you’re in the mood for something rich and satisfying.
Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl when you want comfort with a fresh twist.
Homemade Mexican Pizza for a Tex-Mex family favorite.
Zucchini Lasagna if you’re after something hearty but veggie-packed.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s easy to find next time you’re craving something bold and comforting.

And if you give it a try, let me know how it turned out! Did you add extra chiles for heat? Or keep it classic? Share your tweaks and tips in the comments.

Explore dozens more flavorful and festive meals over at Janet Dishes on Pinterest for inspiration you can savor daily.

Conclusion

Birria with Rich Chile Sauce is more than just a meal — it’s an experience. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish brings comfort, tradition, and a whole lot of flavor to your kitchen. Once you taste that first bite dipped in the savory consomé, you’ll understand why birria has captured the hearts (and appetites) of so many.