Description
Mexican Birria is a traditional stew originating from Jalisco, Mexico, that promises to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds. This rich and flavorful dish features tender meat—traditionally lamb, but often made with beef—slow-cooked in a savory chili sauce that combines the smoky essence of toasted chilies with aromatic spices. Whether served as a hearty soup or stuffed into soft tortillas for tacos, this recipe is perfect for family gatherings, celebratory feasts, or cozy nights at home with loved ones. With its deep flavors and satisfying textures, Mexican Birria is sure to be a hit at any table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 ancho peppers
- 5 guajillo peppers
- 2–3 chiles de árbol (optional, for spicier flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large white onion, chopped
- 3 large tomatoes, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon dried Mexican oregano
- 1 tablespoon sea salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 large roasted tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups beef stock, divided
- 3.5 pounds lamb shoulder (or substitute beef shank or chuck roast)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chilies: Toast ancho and guajillo peppers in a pan until slightly darkened. Soak in hot water for 20 minutes.
- Cook Aromatics: Sauté chopped onion and tomatoes in olive oil until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Make Sauce: Blend the sautéed mixture with soaked chilies and seasonings until smooth.
- Marinate Meat: Coat meat with the sauce; refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for better flavor.
- Cook Birria: Combine marinated meat and sauce in a pot with remaining beef stock; simmer for about 3 hours until fork-tender.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls for soup or shred meat for tacos.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg