Rich, Authentic Mexican Flavor in Every Spoonful
There’s nothing like a steaming bowl of Homemade Birria Consommé from Scratch — a deeply savory broth made from slow-simmered meat, dried chiles, and bold spices. If you’ve ever dipped a birria taco into that rich, reddish broth and wondered how to make it at home, you’re in the right place. This recipe walks you through every step with traditional flavor and easy-to-follow instructions.
➡️ Looking for more delicious Mexican comfort food? Check out this authentic Pozole Verde or spicy Mexican street corn salad!
Table of Contents
WHY YOU’LL LOVE Homemade Birria Consommé from Scratch
Deep, Complex Flavor You Can’t Get from Store-Bought
- Slow-cooked for hours for maximum depth
- Balanced smokiness from dried chiles
- Rich, meaty broth full of umami
Traditional, Authentic, and Totally Customizable
- Inspired by the roots of Jalisco-style birria
- Works great with beef, lamb, or goat
- Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
INGREDIENTS for Homemade Birria Consommé from Scratch
Meat & Broth Essentials
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast (or lamb/goat shank)
- 6 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
- 1 white onion, halved
- 5 garlic cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
Spices, Chiles & Aromatics
- 4 dried guajillo chiles (stemmed & deseeded)
- 2 dried ancho chiles (stemmed & deseeded)
- 1 chipotle chile (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp whole cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- ½ cinnamon stick
- 3 cloves
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp oregano (Mexican preferred)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste

PREPARATION of Homemade Birria Consommé from Scratch
Step 1: Prepare the Chiles & Spice Base
- Toast chiles on a dry skillet (30–60 seconds each side).
- Soak in hot water for 15 minutes until softened.
- Toast spices separately until fragrant.
- Blend chiles, spices, garlic, tomato paste, and vinegar into a thick paste.
Step 2: Simmer the Meat & Extract the Consommé
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, sear the meat until browned.
- Add onion, bay leaf, broth, and chile paste.
- Simmer on low for 3–4 hours, covered.
- Remove meat and strain broth.
- Skim off excess fat, adjust seasoning.

STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS
How to Refrigerate or Freeze Birria Consommé
- Cool broth completely, then store in airtight containers.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze up to 3 months in portioned jars or freezer bags.
Reheating Suggestions
- Reheat gently on stovetop over low heat.
- Microwave in intervals, stirring between heats.
- Add a splash of broth if thickened during storage.
VARIATIONS & TIPS for Homemade Birria Consommé from Scratch
Creative Twists on Tradition
- Make it spicy: Add arbol chiles or more chipotle.
- Vegan version: Use mushrooms and vegetable broth.
- Low-fat: Use leaner cuts of beef or turkey legs.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Skim the top every hour for clearer consommé.
- Let sit overnight for deeper flavor.
- Use the leftover meat for birria tacos, quesabirria, or ramen.
Ever wonder why your consommé turns cloudy? It’s often from boiling too hard — keep it at a gentle simmer for clarity.

FAQ about Homemade Birria Consommé from Scratch
What is birria consommé made of?
Birria consommé is made from meat (typically beef, goat, or lamb), dried chiles (like guajillo and ancho), garlic, onion, bay leaves, spices, and broth. The result is a rich, spiced broth used for dipping tacos or sipping on its own.
What ingredients do I need for birria?
Key ingredients for birria include:
Beef, lamb, or goat
Dried chiles (guajillo, ancho, chipotle)
Garlic, onion, spices (clove, cinnamon, cumin)
Apple cider vinegar and tomato paste
Beef broth or water
What is the birria sauce made of?
The sauce (or adobo) is a blend of rehydrated dried chiles, toasted spices, garlic, vinegar, and sometimes tomato paste. It’s used to marinate the meat and enrich the consommé.
What’s the difference between birria and consommé?
Birria refers to the full dish—meat stewed in spiced broth—while consommé is just the liquid part, typically served as a dipping sauce or soup. Birria includes the meat; consommé is the clarified broth.
RECIPES YOU MAY LIKE
- Beef Barbacoa Tacos – Rich, slow-cooked beef with smoky depth.
- Mexican Pickled Red Onions – A tangy, crunchy topping.
- Homemade Corn Tortillas – The perfect pairing for your birria!

CONCLUSION
Homemade Birria Consommé from Scratch is more than just broth — it’s comfort, tradition, and flavor in one bowl. Whether you’re dipping tacos or sipping it warm on a cold evening, you’ll taste the love and layers of flavor in every bite.
👉 Explore more authentic Mexican recipes on Adrian Recipes!
And don’t forget — birria is better the next day. Make a big batch!