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Birria with Rich Chile Sauce: A Deep, Authentic Taste of Mexican Comfort

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Birria with rich chile sauce is a traditional Mexican dish made with slow-braised meat in a bold, smoky, chile-based sauce. This comforting stew is packed with depth, featuring tender beef or lamb, dried chiles, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. Whether served as a stew, in tacos, or over ramen, this authentic birria recipe brings deep, unforgettable flavor to the table.

Ingredients

  • 5 ancho peppers (stems and seeds removed)
  • 5 guajillo peppers (stems and seeds removed)
  • 2–3 chiles de árbol (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large white onion, chopped
  • 3 large tomatoes, chopped
  • 5 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 tbsp dried Mexican oregano
  • 1 tbsp sea salt (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup beef stock (for blending)
  • 3.5 lbs lamb shoulder (or beef chuck roast/shank), cut into large chunks
  • 2 large roasted tomatoes, chopped
  • 3 cups beef stock
  • Optional: soaking water from chiles (as needed)

Instructions

  1. Toast ancho, guajillo, and árbol chiles in a dry pan over medium heat, 1–2 minutes per side. Soak in hot water for 20 minutes.
  2. In the same pan, heat olive oil. Sauté onion and tomatoes for 5 minutes, then add garlic for 1 minute more.
  3. Blend sautéed mix, softened chiles, spices, vinegar, and 1 cup of beef stock until smooth. Strain if desired.
  4. Pour sauce over meat in a large bowl. Mix to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  5. Add meat and sauce to a Dutch oven with roasted tomatoes and 3 cups beef stock. Simmer covered for 3 hours over medium-low, stirring occasionally. Add soaking water if needed.
  6. Shred meat and serve with broth as stew, or use for tacos, quesabirria, or birria ramen.

Notes

  • Use beef chuck or shank for a milder, more accessible version.
  • Adjust spice by reducing or omitting árbol chiles.
  • For tacos, strain the sauce for a smooth consomé.
  • Make it a full meal by adding noodles for birria ramen.
  • Store leftovers or freeze for future meals—flavors only deepen over time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/birria-with-rich-chile-sauce-a-deep-authentic-taste-of-mexican-comfort/