Name: Authentic Birria
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks; 4 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded; 3 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded; 2 dried pasilla chiles, stemmed and seeded; 1 white onion, quartered; 6 cloves garlic; 2 bay leaves; 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried oregano; 4 cups beef broth; Salt to taste

Hey y’all! If you crave soul-warming comfort food packed with bold flavors, this Authentic Birria recipe is just what you need. The rich, spicy broth and tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef make this Mexican stew irresistible for family dinners, celebrations, or taco nights. The aroma alone will bring everyone to the table! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Authentic Birria

Brimming with deep, smoky, and spicy flavors that excite your taste buds.
Great for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for flavorful leftovers.
The meat turns exceptionally tender—perfect for tacos, quesabirria, or stews.
Customizable heat level for all palates, from mild to spicy.
It’s a showstopping centerpiece for gatherings and festive meals.

Ingredients for Authentic Birria

3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 lb beef shank (bone-in preferred)
7 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
3 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
2 dried pasilla chiles, stemmed and seeded
1 large onion, peeled and quartered
6 garlic cloves, peeled
4 cups beef broth
2 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
6 whole cloves
1 tsp black peppercorns
1 tsp dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
1/4 cup white vinegar
2 tbsp vegetable oil

Chopped white onion
Fresh cilantro
Lime wedges
Warm corn tortillas

Directions: Step-by-Step Authentic Birria

Step 1: Prep & Toast the Chiles

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chiles for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, turning occasionally. Be careful not to burn them.

Step 2: Soak the Chiles

Transfer the toasted chiles to a heatproof bowl, cover with hot water, and let soak for 15 minutes until soft.

Step 3: Make the Birria Marinade

In a blender, add the rehydrated chiles, onion, garlic, cloves, peppercorns, oregano, thyme, cumin, cinnamon stick, and vinegar. Blend with about 1 cup of beef broth until very smooth. If needed, strain the paste for a silky marinade.

Step 4: Marinate the Beef

In a large bowl or dish, coat the beef chuck and shank pieces with the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (up to overnight for best flavor!).

Step 5: Sear the Meat

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). In a large Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the marinated beef for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Return all seared meat to the pot with the remaining marinade.

Step 6: Simmer the Authentic Birria

Add the bay leaves and 3 cups of beef broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer, cover tightly, and cook in the oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is fall-apart tender.

Step 7: Shred & Serve

Remove beef from the pot and shred with two forks. Skim excess fat from the surface of the broth (save some for dipping if making quesabirria tacos!), then return shredded beef to the broth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Recipe Notes for Authentic Birria

If you’re new to using dried Mexican chiles, check out this guide to dried chiles for helpful prep advice.
Make it spicier by adding 1-2 arbol chiles to the marinade.
Let the birria rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld further.

Authentic Birria Variations

Lamb Birria: Substitute the beef with lamb shoulder for an even more traditional Jalisco flavor.
Slow Cooker Birria: After marinating, add everything to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 hours or until the meat is fork-tender.
Quesabirria Tacos: Use the shredded birria to make crispy, cheesy tacos dipped in the savory birria broth.

Required Equipment for Authentic Birria

Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
Blender
Skillet (for toasting chiles)
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Large bowl (for marinating)

Storage Instructions for Authentic Birria

Store leftover birria (meat and broth) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Pairings and Serving Suggestions for Authentic Birria

Serve with warm corn tortillas, chopped onions, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.
Pairs perfectly with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp Mexican slaw.
Enjoy with an ice-cold cerveza or a refreshing tamarind agua fresca.

Pro Tips for the Best Authentic Birria

For richer flavor, marinate the beef overnight—patience pays off!
Strain the chile marinade through a fine mesh sieve for an ultra-smooth, luxurious broth. (Learn more about using a fine mesh sieve.)
Don’t skip the searing step—it builds depth and complexity in your birria stew.

Frequently Asked Questions about Authentic Birria

Can I use different cuts of beef?: Yes! While beef chuck and shank are ideal for authentic birria, brisket or short ribs work too—anything with good marbling for tenderness.
Can I make this birria recipe ahead?: Absolutely! Birria tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or parties.
What do I do with leftover broth?: Use it as a flavorful dipping consomé for quesabirria tacos, or freeze it for soups and stews later on.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Authentic Birria

Why You’ll Love This Authentic Birria

Ingredients for Authentic Birria