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Authentic Jalisco-Style Birria Recipe

Authentic Jalisco-Style Birria Recipe That’s Packed with Flavor

Looking to recreate the bold, deep flavors of Mexico right in your own kitchen? This Authentic Jalisco-Style Birria Recipe is your gateway to a truly traditional culinary experience. Whether you’re hosting a special gathering or craving something hearty and slow-cooked, this dish delivers everything you love about Mexican comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast or goat (cut into large chunks)
  • 1 lb beef short ribs (optional for richness)
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 5 dried guajillo chilies
  • 3 dried ancho chilies
  • 2 dried pasilla chilies
  • 5 garlic cloves
  • 1 medium white onion (quartered)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Mexican oregano
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground clove
  • 2 bay leaves
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 additional bay leaves
  • 3 more cups water or beef stock
  • ½ tsp allspice (optional)
  • Finely chopped white onion
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Lime wedges
  • Warm corn tortillas

Instructions

  1. Remove stems and seeds from all dried chilies. Toast them lightly on a dry skillet (30 seconds per side) until fragrant. Soak in hot water for 20 minutes until softened.
  2. Add soaked chilies, onion, garlic, vinegar, and spices to a blender. Pour in 3 cups of water and blend until smooth. Strain to remove any remaining skins for a smooth sauce.
  3. Place meat in a large bowl or container. Pour the chili marinade over meat, coat well. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 6 hours).
  4. Transfer marinated meat and sauce to a large Dutch oven or slow cooker. Add cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and remaining water or stock. Simmer on low for 4–5 hours (or 8 hours in a slow cooker) until meat is tender.
  5. Remove bay leaves and cinnamon stick. Shred meat using two forks. Serve in bowls with broth or in tacos with garnishes.

Notes

Store cooled birria and consommé in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze meat and broth separately for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop. For traditional taste, use goat meat. Try birria in tacos, quesabirria, or even birria pizza.

Nutrition

Keywords: birria, jalisco, mexican stew, beef birria, goat birria, quesabirria