Birria consome sauce is a rich and savory delight that brings warmth to your table. This recipe is not only simple and quick but also perfect for family gatherings and meal prep. You’ll love how the crispy tacos filled with tender beef and gooey cheese come together for an unforgettable experience.
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What is Birria Consome Sauce?
Birria consome sauce is a traditional Mexican stew with a deep, complex flavor profile. It’s made with tender meat, often served with a flavorful broth rich in spices. This sauce is typically enjoyed in tacos, offering a perfect balance of crispy and juicy textures with every bite.

Essential Ingredients for Birria Consome Sauce
Main Ingredients Overview
To create an authentic birria consome sauce, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. The star is the boneless chuck roast, which provides a juicy and tender base. You’ll also need dried guajillo and ancho chiles, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and a blend of spices, including oregano and cumin. These ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering broth that enhances the beef’s flavor.
Substitutions for Key Ingredients
If you’re in a pinch, you can easily substitute boneless chuck roast with brisket, short ribs, or even chicken for a lighter option. You can also replace guajillo and ancho chiles with New Mexico or Pasilla peppers. For a healthier twist, skip the frying and simply heat tortillas with your filling until the cheese melts.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Birria Consome Sauce
Preparing the Beef
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season your chuck roast with salt and pepper. Sear the beef on all sides until golden brown. Then, add half of the sliced onions and cook for an additional two minutes before removing it from the heat.
Cooking the Dried Chiles
Next, remove the stems and seeds from the dried chiles using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife. In a medium pot, combine the chiles, quartered tomatoes, remaining onions, garlic, a cinnamon stick, and a bay leaf. Cover with enough water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes.
Blending the Sauce
After simmering, stir in the oregano, cumin seeds, thyme, salt, and black peppercorns. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes, then remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly. Strain the mixture into a bowl, discarding the cinnamon stick and bay leaf. Blend the solids with 2 cups of the strained liquid and 1 cup of beef broth until smooth. Adjust the salt to taste for the perfect flavor.
Combining Ingredients and Cooking
Return the seared beef and onions to the pot, pouring the blended sauce over them. If needed, add more broth to ensure the beef is fully submerged. Bring everything to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 2½ to 3 hours until the beef is fall-apart tender. Once ready, shred the beef with a fork and mix it back into the sauce.
Assembling the Tacos
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Dip a corn tortilla into the birria stew to coat it with flavorful fat, then place it on the skillet. Top each tortilla with shredded beef, cheese, and optional onions and cilantro. Fold the tortilla and fry until crispy, about one minute on each side. Keep them warm while you repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Tips for Perfecting Your Birria Consome Sauce
To achieve the best flavor, always remember to season your ingredients thoughtfully. Taste your sauce before serving, adjusting the salt as needed. For added richness, consider using beef brisket or goat meat, which bring a unique depth to the sauce. Additionally, serve the birria consome with lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
What to Serve with Birria Consome Sauce
Birria consome sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. You can enjoy it alongside traditional Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad. For a perfect complement, consider serving it with Guinness Beef Stew or Irish Stew for a hearty meal. If you’re in the mood for something easy, try Crockpot Corned Beef for a delicious twist.
FAQs
What ingredients are needed for birria consome?
The main ingredients include boneless chuck roast, dried guajillo and ancho chiles, tomatoes, onion, garlic, spices, and beef broth.
How long does it take to prepare birria consome?
Preparation takes about 30 minutes, while cooking takes between 2½ to 3 hours for the beef to become tender.
Can I use chicken instead of beef for birria consome?
Yes, you can substitute chicken for beef, although the flavor will be lighter.
What dishes can I serve with birria consome?
Birria consome pairs well with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad, and is great for dipping with tacos.
How do I store leftover birria consome?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze for later use.
Related Recipes to try
Conclusion
Birria consome sauce is not just a meal; it’s an experience bursting with flavor and warmth. Find inspiration for your next cooking adventure by exploring our recipes on Pinterest, where you can discover even more delightful dishes to try. Enjoy making this comforting dish for your family and friends!

Birria Consome Sauce
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Medium pot
- Skillet or griddle
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Boneless chuck roast cut into large chunks
- 2 Tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 Dried guajillo chiles
- 2 Dried ancho chiles
- 2 Roma tomatoes quartered
- 1 medium Onion halved
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 1 stick Cinnamon
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon Cumin seeds or ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Salt plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon Black peppercorns
- 2 cups Beef broth
- Corn tortillas or flour tortillas
- Oaxaca cheese or any melty cheese
- Cilantro optional
- Lime for serving
Instructions
- Heat a pot over medium-high heat, add olive oil, season beef with salt and pepper, and sear on all sides.
- Remove stems and seeds from dried chiles.
- Combine chiles, tomatoes, remaining onions, garlic, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf in a pot, cover with water, boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in oregano, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper, simmer for another 10 minutes, then cool.
- Strain the mixture, blend solids with strained liquid and beef broth until smooth.
- Return beef and onions to pot, pour blended sauce over, add more broth if needed, simmer for 2½ to 3 hours until tender.
- Dip tortillas in stew, fill with beef and cheese, fry until crispy.
- Serve warm with lime wedges and birria stew for dipping.