TikTok Birria Recipe

TikTok Birria Recipe is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 8. 260 calories per serving. Recipe by Jenny Martinez on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 2 hrs 30 min | Total: 3 hrs 30 min

Cost: $92.66 total, $11.58 per serving

Ingredients

  • 6 lb Beef Chuck Roast (cut into 2‑inch cubes)
  • 1 large Onion (peeled and quartered)
  • 2 Bay Leaves (dried)
  • 8 Garlic Cloves (peeled)
  • 20 California Chilies (e.g., Anaheim) (stemmed, seeds removed)
  • 6 Dried Guajillo Chilies (stemmed, seeds removed; optional if unavailable use dried ancho)
  • 1 pinch Chile de Árbol (optional, seeds removed for extra heat)
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (adds acidity)
  • 2 cup Beef Stock or Juice (use low‑sodium)
  • 1 cup Fresh Cilantro (roughly chopped)
  • 1 Lemon (juiced)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare Aromatics

    Quarter the onion, peel the garlic cloves, and set aside. Rinse the California chilies, remove stems and seeds, then roughly chop them. Remove stems and seeds from the dried guajillo chilies; if using chile de árbol, remove seeds and set a pinch aside.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Boil Chilies

    In the large stockpot, add the prepared California chilies, dried guajillo chilies, the pinch of chile de árbol (if using), the quartered onion, garlic cloves, and two bay leaves. Cover with water (about 8 cups) and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes until the chilies are soft.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: Simmer

  3. Blend Chili Sauce

    Drain the boiled mixture, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Transfer the softened chilies, onion, garlic, and bay leaves to a blender. Add apple cider vinegar, 1 cup of beef stock, and the reserved cooking liquid. Blend until completely smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Brown the Beef (Optional)

    If desired, in a separate skillet, sear the beef cubes in a little oil over medium‑high heat until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. This adds extra flavor but can be skipped for a softer texture.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  5. Combine Beef and Chili Sauce

    Return the beef (browned or raw) to the stockpot. Pour the blended chili sauce over the meat, stir to coat evenly, and add the remaining 1 cup of beef stock. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower to a simmer.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  6. Simmer the Chili

    Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fork‑tender and the flavors have melded.

    Time: PT2H

    Temperature: Low simmer

  7. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Acid

    Stir in the chopped cilantro and lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Let sit off‑heat for 5 minutes to allow the fresh flavors to integrate.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Serve

    Serve the spicy beef chili in warm corn or flour tortillas, topped with additional cilantro, diced onions, or your favorite salsa.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
260
Protein
22g
Carbohydrates
8g
Fat
12g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free

Allergens: None

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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TikTok Birria Recipe

Recipe by Jenny Martinez

A bold, smoky, and fiery beef chili perfect for taco night. Tender beef simmered in a rich blend of roasted California chilies, dried guajillo peppers, garlic, onion, and a splash of vinegar, finished with fresh cilantro and lemon juice.

MediumMexicanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
25m
Prep
2h 40m
Cook
22m
Cleanup
3h 27m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$92.66
Total cost
$11.58
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Boiling the chilies until soft
  • Blending the chili sauce to a smooth consistency
  • Simmering the beef for at least 2 hours until tender

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot chilies with gloves to prevent skin irritation
  • Be careful when blending hot liquids; allow steam to escape to avoid pressure buildup
  • Use a sharp knife and keep fingertips tucked while chopping
  • Hot pot handles can burn; use pot holders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of spicy beef chili in Mexican cuisine?

A

Spicy beef chili, known as "chili con carne," has roots in Mexican frontier cooking where beef, chilies, and aromatics were simmered together to create a hearty, portable stew. It became popular in the United States during the 19th‑century cattle drives and is now a staple for taco fillings and comfort food across North America.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chili con carne in Mexican cuisine?

A

In northern Mexico, the dish often features dried chilies like guajillo and ancho with beef, while southern versions may incorporate fresh chilies, tomatoes, and even chocolate. Some regions add beans, though purists in Texas consider beans a separate side rather than part of the chili itself.

cultural
Q

How is spicy beef chili traditionally served in Mexican street food culture?

A

Street vendors typically ladle the hot chili onto warm corn tortillas, top with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime. It is eaten as a taco or as a standalone bowl accompanied by rice and beans.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is spicy beef chili associated with in Mexican culture?

A

Chili con carne is common at family gatherings, weekend barbecues, and festive celebrations such as Día de los Muertos, where its warming heat is appreciated during cooler evenings.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Mexican spicy beef chili versus common substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include beef chuck, dried chilies such as guajillo, ancho, or chile de árbol, garlic, onion, and a touch of vinegar or lime. Substitutes like canned chilies, beef broth cubes, or pre‑made spice mixes can be used but will alter the depth of flavor.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with this spicy beef chili?

A

Serve alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, fresh guacamole, and a simple cabbage slaw. It also complements grilled corn (elote) and a side of pickled jalapeños.

cultural
Q

What makes this spicy beef chili special compared to other taco fillings?

A

The combination of roasted California chilies, dried guajillo peppers, and a pinch of chile de árbol creates a layered heat profile—smoky, fruity, and lingering. Adding lemon juice at the end brightens the richness, making it stand out from standard ground‑beef taco meat.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making spicy beef chili?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the chilies, which can turn bitter; not removing seeds from fresh chilies, leading to excessive heat; and simmering the beef at too high a temperature, which makes the meat tough. Follow the low simmer and seed‑removal steps for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe blend the boiled chilies with vinegar and beef stock instead of using a pre‑made sauce?

A

Blending the boiled chilies with vinegar and beef stock creates a fresh, balanced sauce where acidity cuts through the richness of the beef, and the stock adds depth. Pre‑made sauces often contain preservatives and lack the nuanced flavor achieved by this homemade method.

technical
Q

Can I make this spicy beef chili ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the chili sauce can be prepared up to two days in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container. The fully cooked beef chili can be cooled, portioned, and frozen for up to two months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of stock if needed.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Jenny Martinez specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Jenny Martinez focuses on bold, flavor‑driven home cooking, especially Mexican and Tex‑Mex dishes, with clear step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize technique and ingredient sourcing for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Jenny Martinez's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?

A

Jenny Martinez emphasizes a balance between authentic Mexican flavors and practical home‑kitchen adaptations, often using readily available ingredients and providing detailed safety tips—such as handling hot chilies—while many other channels stick strictly to traditional methods or exotic ingredients.

channel

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