Easy Birria Recipe recipe photo - Easy Birria Recipe by Jan

Easy Birria Recipe

Published: August 26, 2025 Prep Time: About 30 minutes Cook Time: About 3 hours Total Time: About 3 hours 30 minutes Serves: 8 Difficulty: Medium Category: Main Course Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds beef chuck roast
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 dried ancho chiles
  • 2 dried guajillo chiles
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves

Instructions

  1. Soak dried chiles in hot water for 20 minutes
  2. In a blender, puree chiles with tomatoes and garlic
  3. Season beef with salt and pepper
  4. In a large pot, sear beef on all sides
  5. Add onion and chile puree
  6. Add beef broth, vinegar, and spices
  7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer
  8. Cover and cook for 2 1/2 hours until tender
  9. Remove beef and shred
  10. Return to pot and heat through
  11. Serve with tortillas and toppings

Special Notes

This easy birria recipe creates tender, flavorful beef that's perfect for tacos. The combination of dried chiles and spices creates authentic Mexican flavor. The key is to cook the beef slowly until it's fall-apart tender. This dish is perfect for entertaining and can be made ahead of time. The birria can be served with tortillas, rice, or as a soup. For extra flavor, you can add different types of dried chiles.