birria

American  

[bih-ree-uh, bee-ree-ah] / ˈbɪ ri ə, ˈbi ri ɑ /

noun

Mexican Cooking.

1. a stew traditionally made of goat meat cooked with vinegar, garlic, herbs, spices, and chiles.

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Etymology

Origin of birria

First recorded in 1950–55; from Mexican Spanish, from Spanish: “garbage, trash, worthless person or thing,” from Vulgar Latin verrea (unrecorded) “despicable thing, stubbornness,” from Latin verrēs “boar”

Explanation

Imagine a rich, flavorful stew that warms your soul — that's birria, a traditional Mexican dish often made with goat or beef, and simmered to delicious perfection. Birria (pronounced BEE-ree-ah) is a savory Mexican stew that originated in the the state of Jalisco. While it is traditionally made with goat meat, it can also be prepared with beef, lamb, or pork. The meat is marinated in a mix of chiles, spices, and herbs, then slow-cooked until tender. Birria is a popular dish that is often served with tortillas and garnished with onions, cilantro, and lime.

Example Sentences

House-made corn tortillas, and your choice of lamb, goat, or beef birria, served traditionally or as grilled cheesy tacos with a dipping consommé.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

Use this guide to find the best tacos in L.A., spanning regional styles from Tijuana, Sinaloa, Mexico City and beyond, stuffed with carne asada, carnitas, birria, fish, potato and every filling you can imagine.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 28, 2025

Regulars come for the al pastor and birria, but I brake for the goat tacos and other menu items you don’t often see around the Puget Sound area.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 28, 2024

Martinez, who was friendly when we met for birria and had quickly responded to follow-up emails, hasn’t gotten back to me about this development.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2024

If you’re willing to spend a bit more, try the birria tacos for $14.99 at Mercado Antojitos in Section 4 — served with Juanita’s chips, they were hot, oniony and made with decent tortillas.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 28, 2023