
Ground Beef Birria
Ingredients
- 2ancho chilis
- 3guajillo chilis
- 2Chiles de árbol
see note
- 1 tbspoil
- ½onion
- 2 largetomatoes
- 4garlic cloves
- 1 tbsptomato paste
- 1inch ginger
- 2 tbspapple cider vinegar
- 1 tspground cumin
- ½ tspground cinnamon
- 1 tbsporegano
- 1 tspthyme
- 2 tspcoriander powder
- 1 tspsalt
- ½ tsppepper
- 2cloves
ground into powder
- ¼ cwater
- 2 tbspcooking oil
- 2 lbground beef
- chopped cilantro
for garnish
Directions
- 1
Dry toast and rehydrate the chilis: Cut the stems off and make a slit along the side to open the chilis and discard the seeds. Dry toast them in an ungreased hot pan for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant (don’t burn them, as they can turn bitter). Put them in a bowl, pour in a cup of hot water, and let it sit for 20 minutes.
- 2
Sauté the veggies: Heat oil and sauté the onion, garlic and tomato until softened. Then transfer the veggies to a blender.
- 3
Make Birria Sauce: In the blender, blend above veggie mixture along with rehydrated chilis, spices and herbs (oregano, cumin, cinnamon, coriander powder, ground clove, thyme, salt and pepper), apple cider vinegar, ginger, tomato paste, and ¼ cup water. Blend till the mixture in completely smooth.
- 4
Heat oil in a large pan and add in ground beef. Brown the meat and break it with the help of a spatula.
- 5
Once ground beef is brown, add in prepared birria sauce and mix it well.
- 6
Simmer the ground beef for 20-30 minutes on low heat, stirring it a few times making sure nothing is sticking to the bottom. You can add a dash of water if needed, though it should be thick like taco meat.
- 7
Garnish with chopped cilantro. You can can serve it in birria tacos, birria nachos, birria spaghetti, birria grilled cheese sandwiches, or get creative with your own ideas.

Ground Beef Birria
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About this Recipe
Flavorful & Fast: Your New Favorite Ground Beef Birria
Craving the rich, complex flavors of authentic birria but short on time? Our Ground Beef Birria recipe is your ultimate weeknight solution! This quicker version of the beloved Mexican stew delivers all the deep, savory, and slightly smoky notes you love, ready in just 50 minutes. Forget the long braising; this recipe brings robust flavor to your table without the wait.
What makes this quick birria truly special is the incredible depth we build using a trio of dried chiles – ancho, guajillo, and a touch of Chiles de árbol for that signature kick. Blended with fresh tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and a warm spice blend including cumin, cinnamon, and oregano, the sauce becomes incredibly aromatic and rich. When combined with tender ground beef, every bite is a burst of traditional taste, elevated and expedited.
Versatile Ways to Enjoy Your Birria
The beauty of this Ground Beef Birria lies in its incredible versatility. While it shines in classic birria tacos, dipped in the savory consommé, don't stop there! This flavorful beef is perfect for so many dishes:
- Birria Tacos: The quintessential way to enjoy it! Top with chopped cilantro and onion.
- Quesadillas & Nachos: Layer with cheese for an irresistible meal.
- Burrito Bowls: Serve over rice with your favorite toppings for a wholesome dinner.
- Unique Sandwiches: Pile it high on a toasted bun with a little melted cheese.
- Pasta Sauce: Stir into your favorite pasta for a surprising, hearty twist.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Birria
- Spice Level Control: Adjust the number of Chiles de árbol to suit your preference. For a milder birria, use fewer; for more heat, add an extra one or two.
- Sear for Flavor: Ensure your ground beef is beautifully browned before incorporating the sauce to lock in maximum flavor.
- Fresh Garnishes: Don't skip the fresh cilantro! A squeeze of lime juice can also brighten the whole dish.
Get ready to impress your taste buds with this fast, flavorful, and incredibly versatile Ground Beef Birria. It's an instant family favorite!