What is birria taco seasoning made of?

Birria taco seasoning typically includes ancho and guajillo chile powders, cumin, Mexican oregano, garlic, thyme, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Together, they create the smoky, warm flavor birria is known for.

Can I make birria taco seasoning without dried chiles?

Yes. If you don’t have whole dried chiles, you can use chile powders like ancho or guajillo powder. These give you the same deep color and flavor in a simpler, pantry-friendly format.

How spicy is birria taco seasoning?

Birria seasoning is usually mild to medium. Ancho and guajillo chiles add depth without too much heat. Add cayenne or chipotle powder if you prefer it hotter.

How much birria taco seasoning should I use?

For beef or chicken, start with 3 to 4 tablespoons per 2 pounds of meat. For consommé, 1 to 2 tablespoons enriches the broth without overpowering it.

Birria Taco Seasoning

Name: Birria Taco Seasoning
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons ancho chile powder; 1 tablespoon guajillo chile powder; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 2 teaspoons Mexican oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional); 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder (optional)

Description

Birria taco seasoning is the secret behind that deep red color, smoky warmth, and slow building heat that makes birria tacos unforgettable. This blend of chile powders, warm spices, and herbs creates bold layered flavor that works beautifully for beef, chicken, pork, mushrooms, or plant based fillings. Keep a jar on hand and you are always ready for birria night.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons ancho chile powder
1 tablespoon guajillo chile powder
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons Mexican oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder (optional)

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Instructions

Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl.
Whisk thoroughly until evenly combined and no clumps remain.
Optional: Warm a dry skillet over low heat and toast the seasoning for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to deepen the flavor. Let cool completely.
Transfer the seasoning to an airtight jar and store at room temperature for up to 6 months.

Notes

Use 3 to 4 tablespoons of seasoning per 2 pounds of meat. Add 2 tablespoons to broth when building consommé for deeper flavor. Adjust cayenne or chipotle powder to control heat and smokiness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Seasoning
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 teaspoon
Calories: 8
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 95mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg