Make Your Own Birria Seasoning for Juicy, Flavor-Packed Beef

So, you couldn’t find Aldi’s seasoned birria chuck roast? No worries — you can totally make your own flavorful birria beef at home, and it’s a lot easier than you think. This homemade seasoning blend brings the same rich, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor that makes birria tacos a crowd-pleasing favorite.

If you’ve got a beef chuck roast and about 15 minutes of prep time, you’re on your way to something seriously delicious.

Birria has deep roots in Mexican cuisine, with each region — and even each family — adding their own unique twist to the traditional dish. From slow-stewed goat or beef to rich adobo marinades passed down through generations, there’s so much flavor and history in every bite. This version is my family’s take — inspired by tradition, simplified for busy home cooks, and made with love. While it might not be completely traditional, it’s absolutely delicious and perfect for weeknight dinners with a bold, flavorful kick.

Why You’ll Love This From-Scratch Version

• ✨ You control the spice level
• 🌿 No additives or mystery ingredients
• 🕒 It can be marinated overnight or pressure cooked for a shortcut
• 🥩 Big birria flavor without needing a specialty grocery trip

Let’s dive into what makes this marinade magic.

🌶️ Ingredients for Authentic Birria Marinade

This recipe is inspired by traditional birria marinades and combines dried chiles, spices, vinegar, and aromatics to create a bold and flavorful base for your beef.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 dried guajillo chiles (stemmed and seeded)
• 2 dried ancho chiles (stemmed and seeded)
• 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo (for smokiness and heat)
• 1 cup beef broth (or water for soaking chiles)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano (Mexican oregano, if available)
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• 4 cloves garlic
• ¼ white onion
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

🧑‍🍳 How to Make the Marinade

1. Soften the chiles:Place the dried guajillo and ancho chiles in hot water for 10–15 minutes until soft. Drain them once they’re pliable.
2. Blend everything up:Add softened chiles, chipotle peppers, garlic, onion, vinegar, spices, and about ½ cup of the soaking liquid (or beef broth) to a blender. Blend until smooth.
3. Taste and adjust:Add more vinegar or broth as needed for a smooth, pourable consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

🥩 How to Use the Marinade

• Place a 2–3 lb beef chuck roast into a container or resealable bag.
• Pour the marinade over the beef, making sure it’s fully coated.
• Marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for max flavor.
• Cook using your favorite method: slow cooker, pressure cooker, or oven braise.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can pressure cook the beef immediately after marinating — just increase the cook time slightly and shred when tender.

Pair It With…

Turn your birria beef into tacos, quesabirria, nachos, or even a loaded rice bowl. Don’t forget to ladle some of that flavorful broth (consomé) into a little dipping cup. 🤤

Need help making this recipe work for your schedule or picky eaters? Drop a comment below or join me over on Instagram @thehotmesskitchen — I’m always up for sharing swaps and shortcuts that keep dinner fun (and doable)!