Authentic Birria Recipe (Stovetop or Instant Pot)

Name: Authentic Birria Recipe (Stovetop or Instant Pot)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4-6 dried chilies (2 guajillo chiles, 2 ancho chilies, and 2 chipotle chilies) – stems and seeds removed- see notes; 3 lbs beef stew meat (or lamb or goat) cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces – chuck roast, beef shoulder, lamb leg, lamb shoulder; Salt and pepper to taste (1 teaspoon salt per pound of meat); 1-2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; ¼ teaspoon ground allspice; 1 teaspoon cumin; 2 teaspoons coriander; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 2 bay leaves; 1 cinnamon stick ( or sub ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon); Optional- 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes or 1 cup fresh, diced tomatoes; 3 cups beef stock (or chicken stock); 1-2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, optional; Optional additions: 3-inch piece orange zest, 1-2 chipotle chiles (or 2-3 tablespoons adobo sauce sauce from the can)

Instructions

Prep:30minCook:1h

How to Make Birria (and Birria Tacos)- a traditional Mexican stew, that can be made in an Instant Pot, Dutch Oven (Baked or Stovetop), or in a slow cooker. Serve in a bowl as a hearty stew, or make Quesabirria tacos with a side of flavorful consommé. Great for meal prep and freezes well.

Updated at: Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:36:14 GMT