5 Ways to Make Birria That Go Beyond the Beef Taco

Birria isn’t just about tacos — it’s a rich, adaptable dish that you can make with beef, pork, chicken, and even as a stew. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weekend meal or a quick midweek dinner, birria brings the flavor. Thanks to Spice Orbs’ Birria Bombs, you can create slow-simmered flavor with zero mess and all the ease. In this post, we explore five incredible ways to enjoy birria at home that go beyond the typical taco. From consomé to enchiladas, this flavor-rich guide will inspire you to try the versatility of Birria Bombs with more meals.

1. Classic Beef Birria + Consomé

Let’s start with the classic: beef birria with rich, spicy consomé. This traditional dish is known for its deeply flavorful broth and tender shredded beef. Our Birria Bomb makes it insanely easy, ensuring you get authentic results without the hassle of blending chilies and spices yourself.

How to Make It:

• Use chuck roast or short ribs. The amount depends on which orb you have.
• In a pot or slow cooker, submerge meat in water and add one Birria Bomb.
• Simmer on high for 4–6 hours until meat is fall-apart tender.

How to Make and Serve the Consomé:

• Skim the fat and save it for frying tortillas or dipping.
• Strain the broth if desired, and serve it hot alongside tacos or in a mug as a sipping broth.
• Pro Tip: heat some of the broth in a pot to thicken for a more rich red color and better dipping sauce. 

The result is a beautifully spiced beef birria consomé perfect for dipping tacos or sipping on chilly nights. With how easy it is to make consommé for birria, Spice Orbs’ Birria Bombs is the ultimate shortcut that delivers on flavor and ease.

2. Pork Birria Recipe

Pork birria offers a slightly different take with a deeper fat content and intense flavor. When you’re searching for a satisfying and unique pork birria recipe, this version will hit the mark. It’s perfect for crispy carnitas-style edges or slow-braised tenderness. Compared to beef, pork shoulder cooks a bit faster — about 3–4 hours for a 3 lb cut.

Pro Tips:

• Trim excess fat if needed, but leave enough to create a rich broth.
• Use leftovers in tostadas, burrito bowls, or with pickled red onions and lime.

This pork birria recipe is ideal for anyone who wants to explore different proteins while still capturing the depth of birria's iconic flavor. Spice Orbs' Birria Bomb works seamlessly with pork, infusing it with just the right balance of spices and smokiness.

3. Chicken Birria (for a lighter version)

If you’re looking for a lighter and faster alternative, a chicken birria recipe is the way to go. Chicken birria offers a leaner option that doesn’t compromise on flavor, making it ideal for meal preppers, busy families, or anyone counting calories.

Suggested Cuts:

• Bone-in, skin-on thighs for juicier results
• Boneless thighs or breasts for faster cooking

Serving Ideas:

• Chicken birria quesadillas with gooey melted cheese
• Rolled chicken birria enchiladas with a drizzle of consomé

Using Spice Orbs Birria Bomb for a chicken birria recipe, gives a quick, more cost effective, and flavorful meal with all the warmth and depth of traditional birria.

4. Birria as a Stew (aka Quesabirria Beef Stew)

Take a break from tacos and transform your birria into a full-on quesabirria beef stew. This approach is perfect for colder months or for anyone craving a comforting, broth-forward main dish. It highlights the rich flavors of birria and allows you to enjoy it with a spoon — no tortillas required (though you won’t regret a side of warm corn tortillas).

Serving Ideas:

• Serve in a bowl with consomé, shredded beef, diced onion, and fresh cilantro
• Top with radish slices, avocado, and a squeeze of lime

Birria beef stew is a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs type of comfort food that turns leftovers into a main attraction. It’s a smart move for those searching for stew alternatives using birria flavors.

5. Leftover Birria Hack: Enchiladas, Rice Bowls & Beyond

Don’t let leftover birria go to waste. With a little creativity, extra meat and broth can be transformed into easy meals throughout the week. This leftover birria hack is ideal for meal preppers and busy households looking to make the most of their time and money.

Ideas for Repurposing:

• Layer into enchiladas with cheese, sauce, and bake until bubbly
• Create birria rice bowls with beans, corn, avocado, and cilantro
• Use the consomé as a base for ramen or Mexican-style noodle soup

Batch-cooking birria with Spice Orbs means you're not just making one meal — you're setting yourself up for flavorful dishes all week long.

FAQs

Q: What’s the best cut of meat for pork birria?
A: Pork shoulder (also called pork butt) is ideal. It’s marbled with fat, shreds easily, and develops deep flavor over time.

Q: How long does consomé last in the fridge?
A: Store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I freeze birria?
A: Absolutely. Shredded meat and consomé both freeze well. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

Get the Shortcut: Spice Orbs Birria Bombs

Birria doesn’t have to mean hours of roasting, blending, or cleanup. Spice Orbs' Birria Bombs pack bold, slow-toasted spices into a simple drop-and-cook format. One orb seasons up to 8 pounds of meat. It’s a pantry essential for home cooks who crave bold flavor with minimal effort.

• 🌶 No measuring, no mess
• 🌿 Crafted from traditional Mexican ingredients
• 🕒 Ready in 4–6 hours without babysitting the stove

Upgrade your weekly menu with a modern shortcut to tradition. Spice Orbs helps you bring restaurant-quality birria to your kitchen — no experience needed.

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Bold flavor. Easy prep. No shortcuts on taste.