Description
Birria with Rich Chile Sauce is a traditional Mexican dish made with slow-cooked beef in a deeply flavored dried chile sauce. This comforting and festive recipe is perfect for tacos, stews, or weekend gatherings. Loaded with authentic spices and simmered until tender, it’s a must-try birria recipe that brings bold, savory flavor to your kitchen. Ideal for family meals, make-ahead dinners, or freezer-friendly prep.
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
Instructions
1. Remove stems and seeds from dried chiles. Toast in a dry skillet until fragrant, then soak in hot water for 20 minutes.
2. In a blender, blend softened chiles, tomatoes, garlic, vinegar, and spices with a bit of soaking water until smooth.
3. Marinate beef chuck and short ribs in the chile sauce for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Sear the marinated meat in a large pot until browned. Add remaining marinade, broth, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 3 to 4 hours, until meat is tender and pulls apart easily.
6. Skim fat off the top. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Shred meat with two forks and serve in tacos or bowls with broth, onion, cilantro, and lime.
Notes
This recipe improves in flavor the next day.
Toast your dried chiles to unlock a smoky depth.
Great for birria tacos, quesabirria, or served over rice.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooked
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl with broth and meat
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg