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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Beef Chuck Roast: Beef Brisket, Beef Short Ribs
- Instead of Onion: Yellow Onion, White Onion
- Instead of California Chilies (e.g., Anaheim): Poblano Peppers
- Instead of Dried Guajillo Chilies: Dried Ancho Chilies
- Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar: White Vinegar, Lime Juice
- Instead of Beef Stock or Juice: Water with bouillon cube
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: Parsley
- Instead of Lemon: Lime
Equipment Needed
- Large Stockpot
- Blender or Food Processor
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon
- Tongs (optional)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Boiling the chilies until soft
- Blending the chili sauce to a smooth consistency
- Simmering the beef for at least 2 hours until tender
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the dried guajillo chilies briefly in a dry skillet before boiling for deeper smoky flavor
- Use a high‑quality beef stock for richer taste
- For extra depth, add a small piece of dark chocolate at the end of simmering.
Troubleshooting
The chili is too spicy
Add more beef stock or a splash of cream to mellow the heat, and increase the amount of lemon juice for brightness.
The sauce is too thin
Simmer uncovered for an additional 15‑20 minutes to reduce, or stir in a tablespoon of masa harina slurry.
Beef is tough after cooking
Ensure the simmer is low and the pot is covered; extend cooking time by 30 minutes or use a pressure cooker.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 2 months
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly
Make-Ahead Tips
- The chili sauce can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated; reheat before adding beef
- Cooked beef chili freezes well; portion and freeze for future meals
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of spicy beef chili in Mexican cuisine?
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.
What are the traditional regional variations of chili con carne in Mexican cuisine?
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.
How is spicy beef chili traditionally served in Mexican street food culture?
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.
What occasions or celebrations is spicy beef chili associated with in Mexican culture?
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.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Mexican spicy beef chili versus common substitutes?
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.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with this spicy beef chili?
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.
What makes this spicy beef chili special compared to other taco fillings?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making spicy beef chili?
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.
Why does this recipe blend the boiled chilies with vinegar and beef stock instead of using a pre‑made sauce?
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.
Can I make this spicy beef chili ahead of time and how should I store it?
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.
What does the YouTube channel Jenny Martinez specialize in?
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.
How does the YouTube channel Jenny Martinez's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?
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.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
