Birria with Rich Chile Sauce

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If you’re craving comfort food that packs bold flavor and heartwarming spice, Birria with Rich Chile Sauce is calling your name. This traditional Mexican stew transforms humble beef into juicy, fall-apart perfection, bathed in a deeply spiced chile broth that begs to be soaked up with warm tortillas or slurped straight from the bowl.

The magic of birria lies in its rich red broth. A blend of dried chiles, tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic spices, this sauce infuses the slow-cooked meat with deep smoky heat and tangy undertones. Whether you’re new to birria or already a fan, this version will leave your kitchen smelling incredible and your taste buds completely satisfied.

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Why You’ll Love This Birria with Rich Chile Sauce

This dish isn’t just dinner—it’s an experience. The chile sauce is layered with earthy and savory flavors that come alive after hours of simmering. The beef is succulent and shreddable, soaking up every drop of that spicy, tangy magic. Perfect for cozy nights in, big family meals, or Sunday slow-cooking rituals, this birria recipe delivers both soul and flavor. Plus, it’s even better the next day.

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What Kind of Chiles Should I Use for Birria?

The base of birria’s flavor is the chiles—and not all are created equal. For the richest, most complex sauce, we recommend using a mix of dried guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chiles. Guajillo brings tang and color, ancho adds deep smoky sweetness, and pasilla gives an earthy richness. Always remove the seeds and stems and toast them lightly to unleash their oils before blending.

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Ingredients for the Birria with Rich Chile Sauce

Each ingredient in this recipe has a role to play in building the intense flavor and texture that makes birria unforgettable.

Chuck Roast or Beef Shank – These cuts become incredibly tender with slow cooking, absorbing the chile sauce beautifully.

Dried Guajillo, Ancho, and Pasilla Chiles – This trio creates the signature deep, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor profile.

Roma Tomatoes – Roasted to add sweetness and body to the sauce.

Garlic and Onion – The aromatics that bring depth and savoriness.

Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds a subtle tang that brightens the broth and balances the heat.

Cinnamon Stick, Cloves, Bay Leaves – These warm spices build layers of comforting complexity.

Beef Broth – Provides a rich base that melds all the flavors together.

Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the components.

Fresh Cilantro and Lime (for garnish) – Adds freshness and brightness at the end.

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How To Make the Birria with Rich Chile Sauce

Step 1: Prep and Toast the Chiles

Remove seeds and stems from the dried chiles. Toast them lightly in a dry skillet until fragrant, then soak in hot water to soften.

Step 2: Blend the Chile Sauce

Blend softened chiles with roasted tomatoes, garlic, onion, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and a cup of broth until smooth.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Cut the beef into large chunks, season generously, and sear in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot until browned on all sides.

Step 4: Simmer Low and Slow

Add the chile sauce and remaining broth to the pot. Drop in bay leaves, cover, and simmer for 3 to 4 hours until the meat is tender and shreddable.

Step 5: Serve with Garnishes

Remove the bay leaves. Shred the meat and serve in bowls with broth. Top with fresh cilantro and lime, and enjoy with warm corn tortillas or rice.

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How to Serve and Store Birria with Rich Chile Sauce

This hearty stew feeds about 6 to 8 people generously, making it a fantastic dish for families or meal prep.

To serve, ladle the birria into bowls, garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges, and serve with tortillas for dipping. You can also use the meat for tacos, quesabirria, or burritos.

To store, let it cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Birria also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. The flavor deepens even more after a day or two!

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What to Serve With Birria?

Warm Corn Tortillas

They’re perfect for soaking up the rich broth or wrapping around the juicy meat.

Mexican Rice

A fluffy, flavorful base to balance the richness of the stew.

Refried Beans

Creamy, comforting, and a classic pairing.

Grilled Street Corn

Also known as Elote, this cheesy, chili-lime corn is a fiesta on its own.

Pickled Red Onions

Tangy and crisp, they add brightness to the plate.

Queso Fresco

A mild, crumbly cheese that cools the heat of the chile sauce.

Avocado Slices

Rich and creamy—a perfect cooling contrast.

Mexican Slaw

Crunchy and citrusy, it refreshes the palate.

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Want More Stew and Soup Ideas?

If you loved this Birria with Rich Chile Sauce, try these other hearty favorites:

• Easy Vegetable Beef Soup
• A Hearty and Comforting Tuscan Bean Soup
• Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
• The Best Chili Recipe

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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for a taco version or straight from the bowl? Any creative add-ins you tried?

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