Authentic Birria

Name: Authentic Birria
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 to 5 pounds chuck roast, cut into large 4-inch chunks; ½ tablespoon kosher salt; ½ tablespoon black pepper; 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil; 12 guajillo chiles, rinsed, stemmed, and seeded (about 2.5 oz); 5 ancho chiles, rinsed, stemmed, and seeded (about 2 oz); 5 árbol chiles, rinsed and stemmed (about 0.1 oz); 2 large Roma tomatoes; ½ medium yellow onion; 1 4-inch Mexican cinnamon stick; 3 bay leaves; ½ teaspoon whole black peppercorns; 2 cups beef broth; ¼ cup distilled white vinegar; 5 cloves garlic; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano; ½ teaspoon ground cloves

A slow-cooked Mexican stew of beef chuck simmered in a complex chile broth infused with warm spices, tomatoes, and aromatics. The meat becomes tender enough to shred while the guajillo, ancho, and árbol chiles build a rich, layered base for serving.

Glycemic Load: 1.2 (Low)

627 calories per serving

Serves: 8

Prep: 15 minutes

Cook: 4 hours

About This Calculation

Authentic Birria has a low glycemic load of 1.2 per serving — minimal blood sugar impact — suitable for most people managing diabetes or blood sugar levels.

The primary glycemic load contributors are guajillo chiles, dried (GL 0.5), ancho chiles, dried (GL 0.3), Roma tomatoes (GL 0.1). These ingredients account for the majority of the carbohydrate impact per serving.

Glycemic load is calculated as GL = (GI × Net Carbs per serving) ÷ 100, where GI is the glycemic index and net carbs exclude dietary fiber. Calculations draw on established nutritional references including USDA FoodData Central values and peer-reviewed glycemic index research.