Traditional Mexican Birria Recipe

If you’re looking to indulge in a rich and flavorful dish, then the Traditional Mexican Birria Recipe is your answer. This iconic Mexican stew, originating from the state of Jalisco, is a delicious blend of tender meats, aromatic spices, and mouthwatering chiles. Birria is traditionally prepared for special occasions and celebrations, making it a beloved dish across Mexico and beyond. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty soup or in tacos, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.

With its robust flavors and tender meat, birria is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of beef and lamb, slow-cooked to perfection in a spiced broth, creates a dish that warms the soul. The preparation may take a bit of time, but the end result is well worth it. Each step is infused with tradition, making this a dish that connects us to its Mexican roots. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this culinary adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Traditional Mexican Birria Recipe has several reasons to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Flavor Explosion: The rich and complex flavors of the spices and chiles create a depth that is unmatched. The combination of guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chiles brings an authentic taste that transports you straight to a Mexican kitchen.
• Versatility: Birria can be served as a stew, or you can use the tender, shredded meat to make tantalizing tacos. It pairs perfectly with warm corn tortillas, fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime, allowing you to customize each bite.
• Comfort Food: This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. The slow-cooked meat and savory broth are incredibly comforting, making it a go-to meal during colder months.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers taste even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, saving you time on busy days.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Birria is packed with protein from the meat and can be made with fresh, wholesome ingredients. With the right ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious meal that is also nutritious.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Trying this Traditional Mexican Birria Recipe offers more than just a meal; it brings you a taste of culture and tradition. Here are some reasons why you should give it a go:

• Learn New Cooking Techniques: Making birria involves several cooking techniques, including marinating, blending, and slow cooking. By preparing this dish, you’ll improve your culinary skills and gain confidence in the kitchen.
• Impress Your Friends and Family: Serve this dish at your next gathering, and watch your guests rave about the flavors. It’s a dish that is sure to make you the star of the evening.
• Experience Authentic Mexican Flavors: This recipe captures the essence of traditional Mexican cooking, showcasing the vibrant and bold flavors that make this cuisine so beloved around the world.
• Perfect for Celebrations: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a Sunday family dinner, birria is a dish that elevates any occasion. It’s a dish that brings people together, creating memorable moments over a shared meal.
• Customizable: Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own! You can adjust the level of spiciness, add different herbs, or even serve it with your favorite sides.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To create this Traditional Mexican Birria Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
• 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
• 4 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed
• 2 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed
• 1 dried pasilla chile, stems and seeds removed
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• 1 cup diced onion (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)
• Corn tortillas (for serving)

Recommended Utensils

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Blender
• Skillet for toasting chiles
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Two forks for shredding meat
• Large mixing bowl

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to prepare your Traditional Mexican Birria Recipe. Follow these steps for a delicious result:

1. Prepare the Chiles: In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chiles for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them, as this can lead to bitterness in your final dish.
2. Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the toasted chiles, garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and salt with 1 cup of the beef broth. Blend until smooth, creating a rich sauce that will infuse flavor into the meat.
3. Marinate the Meat: In a large bowl, combine the beef and lamb chunks. Pour the blended sauce over the meat, mixing well to ensure the meat is fully coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This step is crucial for allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
4. Cook the Birria: In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the marinated meat along with the remaining beef broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender and easily shredded. Stir occasionally, ensuring the meat cooks evenly.
5. Shred the Meat: Once cooked, remove the meat from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard the bay leaves. The meat should be tender and easy to pull apart, showcasing the wonderful infusion of spices.
6. Serve: Return the shredded meat to the pot with the broth. Serve the birria hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and diced onion. Accompany with lime wedges and warm corn tortillas for tacos. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this traditional dish!

FAQs

In conclusion, the Traditional Mexican Birria Recipe is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and culture. By following this recipe, you’ll create a dish that brings warmth and joy to your table. Whether enjoyed as a stew or in tacos, birria is sure to become a favorite in your home. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below, and consider sharing this recipe with friends and family. Happy cooking!

For more delicious recipes, check out some of these links: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo, Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork, Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak, Mexican Street Corn Soup, The Tastiest Beef Birria Tacos.

For more inspiration, visit our Pinterest page: Ovia Recipes on Pinterest.

Traditional Mexican Birria

A rich and flavorful traditional Mexican birria made with beef and lamb, perfect for tacos or serving in a bowl.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 hours hrs

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 8 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Blender

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3 lbs Beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
• 2 lbs Lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
• 4 Dried guajillo chiles Stems and seeds removed
• 2 Dried ancho chiles Stems and seeds removed
• 1 Dried pasilla chile Stems and seeds removed
• 4 Garlic cloves
• 1 Medium onion, quartered
• 2 tsp Ground cumin
• 2 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tsp Salt or to taste
• 4 cups Beef broth
• 2 Bay leaves
• 1 cup Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• 1 cup Diced onion (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)
• Corn tortillas (for serving)

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chiles for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
• In a blender, combine the toasted chiles, garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and salt with 1 cup of the beef broth. Blend until smooth.
• In a large bowl, combine the beef and lamb chunks. Pour the blended sauce over the meat, mixing well to ensure the meat is fully coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
• In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the marinated meat along with the remaining beef broth and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender and easily shredded.
• Once cooked, remove the meat from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard the bay leaves.
• Return the shredded meat to the pot with the broth. Serve the birria hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and diced onion. Accompany with lime wedges and warm corn tortillas for tacos.

Notes

For an extra kick, add some chopped jalapeños or serve with a side of salsa.

Keyword beef, birria, Lamb, tacos