Mexican Beef Birria

Name: Mexican Beef Birria
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck roast; 2 cups beef broth; 2 dried guajillo chiles; 2 dried ancho chiles; 1 onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp cumin; 2 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Corn tortillas (for serving); Chopped cilantro and onion (for garnish); Lime wedges (for serving)

Jessica Baker

Update : December 31, 2025

Delicious Mexican Beef Birria served with tortillas and garnished

why make this recipe

Mexican Beef Birria is a delicious and flavorful dish that brings the taste of Mexico right to your kitchen. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. The slow-cooked beef absorbs all the spices and flavors, making it incredibly tender and juicy. Plus, it’s versatile; you can serve it as a main dish or use it to make mouth-watering tacos. The combination of spices and rich broth makes it a comforting choice that everyone will love.

how to make Mexican Beef Birria

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck roast
2 cups beef broth
2 dried guajillo chiles
2 dried ancho chiles
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Corn tortillas (for serving)
Chopped cilantro and onion (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

In a skillet, toast the guajillo and ancho chiles until fragrant. After toasting, soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes.
In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, beef broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Place the beef chuck roast in the crockpot and pour the blended mixture over the top.
Cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
Once cooked, shred the beef and mix it back into the sauce.
Serve as is or make tacos by placing the beef in corn tortillas and garnishing with cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime.

how to serve Mexican Beef Birria

Serve the Birria in bowls with the rich broth. For a special touch, serve with corn tortillas on the side. You can enjoy the beef on its own or use it to fill the tortillas. Top with chopped cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of fresh lime to enhance the flavors.

how to store Mexican Beef Birria

To store leftover Birria, let it cool completely and place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just place it in a freezer-safe container, and it should last for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.

tips to make Mexican Beef Birria

For extra flavor, marinate the beef in the blended sauce overnight before cooking.
Adjust the spice level by adding more chiles or including some chili powder.
If you like a thicker broth, let it simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking.

variation

You can make a chicken version of Birria by simply substituting the beef with chicken thighs or breasts. The cooking time will be shorter, around 4-6 hours on low in the crockpot.

FAQs

What is the best cut of meat for Birria?
Beef chuck roast is the best cut for Birria because it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked slowly.

Can I make Birria without a crockpot?
Yes, you can cook Birria on the stove in a large pot or Dutch oven. Just ensure to simmer it on low heat for about 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender.

Is Birria spicy?
Birria can be spicy, but you can control the heat by adjusting the amount of guajillo and ancho chiles you use. Feel free to remove the seeds for a milder flavor.