The rich, bold flavors of birria have captured the hearts and taste buds of food lovers around the world. This beloved Mexican stew has evolved into a global phenomenon, with chefs and home cooks alike experimenting with new twists and variations to elevate this comforting dish. From traditional tacos to innovative fusion dishes, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the rich flavors of birria.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 mouth-watering birria recipes that cater to every occasion and craving. Whether you’re a fan of classic beef birria or prefer to mix things up with goat birria or even vegan options, there’s something on this list for everyone. So grab your apron, get ready to spice things up, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of birria!
Classic Beef Birria Tacos
Experience the bold flavors of Mexico with this authentic recipe for Classic Beef Birria Tacos, a hearty and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef brisket or beef shank, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup birria spice blend (or substitute with chili powder and oregano)
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced radishes, lime wedges, cilantro, sour cream
Instructions:
1. In a large Dutch oven or pot, combine beef, onion, garlic, beef broth, and birria spice blend.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until beef is tender.
3. Shred the beef with two forks and season with salt and pepper.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble tacos by spooning beef onto a warmed tortilla and topping with desired fixings.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (simmering time) + 5 minutes (assembly)
Slow-Cooked Birria de Res
Birria de Res is a traditional Mexican dish that’s perfect for a cold winter day. This slow-cooked version is a flavorful and comforting meal that’s sure to warm hearts.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef brisket or shank, cut into large pieces
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the beef pieces, then set aside.
3. Add onion, garlic, and jalapeño; cook until softened.
4. Add diced tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return the browned beef to the pot and bring to a boil.
6. Cover and transfer to the slow cooker; cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
7. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
Spicy Birria Ramen
Elevate your ramen game with this bold and spicy twist on the classic Japanese noodle soup. This Spicy Birria Ramen combines the rich flavors of birria, a traditional Mexican dish, with the comforting warmth of a steaming hot bowl of noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of ramen noodles
– 2 cups of beef broth
– 1 cup of water
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes with green chilies
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: sliced pork or beef, shredded chicken, pickled ginger, bean sprouts
Instructions:
1. Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the beef broth, water, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low.
5. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the noodles in bowls and ladle the spicy birria broth over top. Add desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Birria Quesadillas with Consommé
This recipe combines the rich flavors of birria, a popular Mexican stew, with the comforting warmth of quesadillas and consommé. The result is a unique fusion that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tortillas
– 1 lb beef or pork birria meat (cooked and shredded)
– 2 cups consommé broth
– 1 cup grated Oaxaca cheese (or Monterey Jack)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for brushing
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Brush one side of each tortilla with vegetable oil.
3. Place a tortilla, oiled-side down, in the skillet.
4. Spoon about 1/2 cup birria meat onto half of the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup Oaxaca cheese over the meat.
6. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
8. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
9. Serve immediately with consommé broth for dipping.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Goat Birria Stew
This hearty goat birria stew is a popular dish from the state of Jalisco, Mexico. With its rich broth, tender goat meat, and tangy spices, it’s a comforting meal that warms the soul.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound goat meat (such as shanks or shoulder), cut into large pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 4 cups goat broth (or beef or chicken broth)
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the lard or oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onions and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, jalapeño, cumin, paprika, and oregano; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the goat meat and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the broth, tomato paste, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 2 hours or until the meat is tender.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Birria Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Elevate your grilled cheese game with the rich flavors of birria, a popular Mexican dish. This sandwich combines tender beef with creamy cheese and spices, all wrapped up in a crispy bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of white bread
– 1 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese (or Monterey Jack)
– 1/4 cup cooked birria beef (see note)
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with Oaxaca cheese, birria beef, and oregano.
5. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Note: For birria beef, slow-cook 1 pound of beef brisket in a mixture of 1 cup beef broth, 1/4 cup tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon dried oregano. Shred the cooked beef and season with salt and pepper.
Birria Pizza with Oaxaca Cheese
Combine the rich flavors of Mexico’s Birria stew with the creamy goodness of Oaxaca cheese on a crispy pizza crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 pre-baked pizza crust
– 1/2 cup Birria sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 8 oz Oaxaca cheese, shredded
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup diced onions
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread the Birria sauce evenly over the pizza crust.
3. Top with Oaxaca cheese, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle chopped cilantro and diced onions over the cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Birria Empanadas with Dipping Sauce
Bring a taste of Mexico to your table with these savory empanadas filled with tender birria, wrapped in flaky pastry and served with a side of creamy dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
For the filling:
– 1 lb beef brisket or shank, cooked and shredded
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the empanadas:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the dipping sauce:
– 1 cup sour cream
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
– 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (such as sriracha)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the filling ingredients over medium heat until onions are translucent and flavors meld together.
3. Roll out empanada dough to desired thickness. Place spoonfuls of birria mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Fold other half over filling; press edges to seal.
4. Brush tops with egg wash and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Mix dipping sauce ingredients in a bowl. Serve empanadas warm with dipping sauce on the side.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Birria-Stuffed Peppers
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the rich flavors of birria (a Mexican stew) with tender bell peppers. The result is a hearty, one-dish meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound ground beef or turkey
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup birria sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Shredded cheese, optional
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef or turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes, birria sauce, cumin, salt, and pepper.
6. Stuff each pepper with the meat mixture, filling to the top.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and top each pepper with shredded cheese (if using). Return to the oven and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Birria Nachos with Guacamole
Elevate your nacho game with this unique recipe that combines the bold flavors of birria (a popular Mexican stew) with creamy guacamole. This mouthwatering combination is sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Ingredients:
– 1 bag tortilla chips
– 1 pound beef or pork birria, shredded and warmed
– 1 cup cheese blend, shredded
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 ripe avocados
– Lime juice (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Spoon warmed birria over the chips, followed by shredded cheese.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Meanwhile, prepare guacamole by mashing avocados with lime juice (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Remove nachos from oven and top with guacamole.
7. Sprinkle cilantro over the top for garnish.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Birria Burgers with Chipotle Mayo
Elevate your burger game with the bold flavors of Mexico’s popular Birria dish. This recipe combines juicy beef patties with tender goat meat, crispy tortilla crunch, and a spicy kick from chipotle mayo.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup goat meat (such as birria-style or shredded beef), cooked and crumbled
– 4 hamburger buns
– 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chipotle mayo (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Form the beef mixture into 4 patties.
3. Grill the burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your liking.
4. Meanwhile, toast the buns on the grill.
5. Assemble the burgers with goat meat, cheese, cilantro, and chipotle mayo.
Chipotle Mayo:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Birria Meatball Subs
This recipe combines the flavors of Mexico’s popular Birria stew with the comfort of Italian-style meatballs and crispy subs. The result is a unique fusion that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 meatball subs buns
– Birria sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Shredded cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into meatballs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, toast the subs buns by placing them on the oven rack for 5 minutes.
5. Assemble the subs by placing a few meatballs on each bun, then spooning Birria sauce over the top. Add shredded cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Birria Pho with Rice Noodles
This recipe combines the bold flavors of birria, a Mexican stew, with the comforting warmth of Vietnamese pho. The result is a hearty and aromatic noodle soup that blends the best of both worlds.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef brisket or shank, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups rice noodles
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 cups birria sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, combine beef broth, birria sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add the beef pieces to the pot and cook until tender, about 1-2 hours.
4. Serve the hot soup with cooked rice noodles, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Birria Poutine with Cheese Curds
Elevate your poutine game with this unique fusion of Mexican and Canadian flavors! This Birria Poutine combines tender beef short ribs, rich birria sauce, crispy cheese curds, and creamy sour cream for a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef short ribs
– 1 cup birria sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 cups poutine fries
– 1 cup cheese curds
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Brown the short ribs in a skillet over medium-high heat; transfer to a baking dish and cover with birria sauce.
3. Bake for 2-1/2 hours or until tender; shred meat with two forks.
4. Cook poutine fries according to package instructions.
5. Arrange fries on a serving plate, followed by shredded beef, cheese curds, and dollop of sour cream.
6. Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Birria Loaded Fries
Get ready to elevate your snack game with this mouthwatering recipe that combines the flavors of Mexico and the comfort of loaded fries. This twist on traditional Birria (a popular Mexican stew) is sure to satisfy any craving!
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fry shapes
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 1 cup Birria sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup diced red onion
– 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Fry potatoes in hot oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
2. In a separate pan, warm Birria sauce over medium heat.
3. Assemble loaded fries by placing fried potatoes in a bowl, then topping with Birria sauce, cheese, red onion, and queso fresco.
4. Drizzle with lime juice and sprinkle with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (including frying time)
Birria Breakfast Burritos
Take your breakfast game to the next level with these Birria Breakfast Burritos, a delicious fusion of Mexican and American flavors. This recipe combines tender beef, creamy birria sauce, scrambled eggs, and crispy tortillas for a satisfying morning meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef short ribs or brisket (cooked in birria sauce)
– 6-8 eggs
– 1/2 cup birria sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced onions, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Scramble the eggs in a bowl and set aside.
2. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
3. Assemble the burritos by spooning scrambled eggs onto each tortilla, followed by shredded cheese, and finally, tender beef with birria sauce.
4. Add optional toppings as desired.
5. Roll up the burritos tightly and serve immediately.
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Enjoy your Birria Breakfast Burritos!
Birria Shepherd’s Pie
This recipe combines the rich flavors of Mexican birria with the comfort of a traditional shepherd’s pie, resulting in a deliciously unique dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup birria sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup mashed potatoes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add onion, garlic, and birria sauce to the skillet; stir well.
4. Add peas and carrots to the skillet; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
5. In a separate pot, boil potatoes until tender. Drain and mash with butter and milk.
6. Transfer the meat mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Birria-Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your appetizer game with this unique fusion of flavors, combining the rich spices of Birria with the earthy goodness of mushrooms.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as cremini or portobello)
– 1/4 cup Birria filling (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add the garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Stuff each mushroom cap with the Birria filling, mounding it slightly.
5. Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through.
7. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to level up your recipe game with these 18 flavorful birria recipes for every occasion! From classic tacos and slow-cooked stews to creative twists like birria ramen, quesadillas, and grilled cheese sandwiches, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting bowl of goat birria stew or a savory birria-loaded poutine, this collection has got you covered. So go ahead, spice up your meals with these mouthwatering birria recipes!