Birria tacos bring bold, comforting flavor to every bite, starting with tender beef slow simmered in dried chiles, garlic, smoky paprika, and savory broth until perfectly melt in your mouth. Tucked into corn tortillas and crisped until golden, each taco is rich, juicy, and irresistible. Dip them into the warm, fragrant consommé infused with spices and a touch of citrus to deepen the experience. Perfect for cozy nights or lively gatherings, these tacos turn simple ingredients into a crave worthy celebration.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This birria tacos
- Rich, savory flavors that warm your soul.
- Perfectly tender meat that melts in your mouth.
- Delicious dipping consommé that elevates every bite.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings for a personal touch.
- Great for gatherings, making you the star of the show!
birria tacos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Remove stems and seeds from dried chiles. Soak them in hot water for 15 minutes until softened.
- In a blender, combine the soaked chiles with onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Season the beef with salt and pepper. Place it in a slow cooker or heavy pot.
- Pour the chili-tomato sauce over the beef. Add bay leaves and beef broth.
- Cook on low heat for 6–8 hours or simmer on the stovetop for 3–4 hours, until the beef is very tender and shreds easily.
- Remove the beef and shred it with two forks. Discard the bay leaves.
- Warm tortillas on a griddle. Sprinkle cheese on one half of each tortilla, add shredded beef, and fold.
- Toast tacos for 1–2 minutes per side until the cheese melts and the edges are crisp.
- Serve topped with chopped cilantro, diced onion, and lime wedges. Enjoy your delicious birria tacos!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 30g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make delectable birria tacos with an authentic flavor!
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast – for a rich and tender filling
- 4 dried guajillo chiles – adds mild heat and flavor
- 2 dried ancho chiles – contributes sweetness and depth
- 1 dried pasilla chile – enhances the chili combination
- 1 white onion (quartered) – for aromatic flavor
- 4 garlic cloves – for a savory kick
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes – for a rich sauce
- 2 cups beef broth – for a flavorful consomé
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar – to balance flavors
- 2 tsp dried oregano – for added herbiness
- 1 tsp ground cumin – brings warmth to the dish
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon – adds a subtle spice
- 2 bay leaves – for aromatic complexity
- salt and pepper to taste – enhance the overall flavor
- 12 corn tortillas – for the tacos
- 1 cup shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese – for cheesy goodness
- fresh cilantro – for garnish
- chopped onion – to top the tacos
- lime wedges – for a zesty squeeze
How to Make birria tacos
Get ready to dive into the delicious world of birria tacos! With a preparation time of about 30 minutes and a cooking time of 6–8 hours in a slow cooker (or 3–4 hours on the stovetop), these tacos are worth the wait. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Remove stems and seeds
Remove stems and seeds from dried chiles. Soak them in hot water for 15 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Blend the sauce
In a blender, combine the soaked chiles with onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Step 3: Prepare the beef
Season the beef with salt and pepper. Place it in a slow cooker or heavy pot.
Step 4: Add the sauce
Pour the chili-tomato sauce over the beef. Add bay leaves and beef broth.
Step 5: Cook the beef
Cook on low heat for 6–8 hours or simmer on the stovetop for 3–4 hours, until the beef is very tender and shreds easily.
Step 6: Shred the beef
Remove the beef and shred it with two forks. Discard the bay leaves.
Step 7: Warm the tortillas
Warm tortillas on a griddle. Sprinkle cheese on one half of each tortilla, add shredded beef, and fold.
Step 8: Toast the tacos
Toast tacos for 1–2 minutes per side until the cheese melts and the edges are crisp.
Step 9: Serve and enjoy!
Serve topped with chopped cilantro, diced onion, and lime wedges. Enjoy your delicious birria tacos!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Mexican |
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 480 minutes |
| Total Time | 510 minutes |
| Dietary | Not specified |
| Serves | 8 |
| Best Served | With fresh cilantro, chopped onion, and lime wedges! |
Pro Tips for Making birria tacos
- Opt for beef chuck or brisket for a rich flavor.
- Marinate the meat overnight for deeper taste.
- Use a blend of dried chilies for a complex flavor profile.
- Serve with fresh cilantro and onion for a vibrant touch.
- Keep the consommé warm for the best dipping experience.
How to Serve this birria tacos
- Serve with a side of warm, homemade corn tortillas for the ultimate taco experience.
- Pair with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for added flavor.
- Enjoy with a bowl of rich dipping consommé for a deliciously immersive experience.
- Complement with a side of pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Try adding avocado slices or guacamole for a creamy texture.
- Serve alongside a refreshing Mexican street corn salad for a vibrant meal.
- For a non-alcoholic drink, pair with a zesty agua fresca or a tangy limeade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your birria tacos later is easy and delicious!
Storing Leftovers
- Allow tacos to cool completely before storing.
- Place in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Keep the consommé in a separate container.
Freezing
- Wrap tacos tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen tacos in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for crispiness.
- Warm the consommé in a saucepan or microwave.
- Enjoy with fresh toppings for the best flavor!
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is a birria taco made of?
Birria tacos are traditionally made with slow-cooked beef, often using cuts like chuck roast or short ribs, which are seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs. The meat is then shredded and served in corn tortillas, often accompanied by a rich dipping consommé made from the cooking broth, which enhances the flavor and adds a delightful depth to each bite.
2. What is so special about birria tacos?
Birria tacos are special because they combine the rich, savory flavors of slow-cooked meat with the unique experience of dipping them into a flavorful consommé. The combination of spices, the tenderness of the meat, and the crispy edges of the tortillas create a deliciously satisfying meal that is both comforting and indulgent, making them a favorite in Mexican cuisine.
3. What cut of meat is birria?
The most common cuts of meat used for birria are beef chuck roast, short ribs, or even lamb. These cuts are ideal because they become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked, allowing the spices and seasonings to penetrate deeply, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish that is perfect for tacos.
4. What is the difference between birria tacos and regular tacos?
The main difference between birria tacos and regular tacos lies in the preparation and flavor profile. Birria tacos feature slow-cooked, seasoned meat that is often served with a dipping sauce, while regular tacos may use a variety of fillings and are typically not accompanied by a broth. The unique cooking method and the rich, savory flavors of birria make these tacos a standout choice for any taco lover.
Final Thoughts
Get ready to savor the rich flavors of birria tacos! This delightful dish is not only simple to make but also incredibly rewarding. Gather your loved ones, dip those crispy tacos into the warm consommé, and enjoy every bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a cherished favorite in your home!