Birria Tacos

Switch up taco night with these beef birria tacos (quesabirria). Their crispy tortilla, melty cheese, slow-cooked birria, and flavorful consommé dipping sauce will have you going back for seconds, and likely thirds. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners, these tacos are a standout dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and slow-cooked beef creates a rich flavor that tantalizes the taste buds.
• Crispy Texture: The tortillas are fried to perfection, providing a satisfying crunch that complements the tender meat.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as snacks, appetizers, or the main course at your next event.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward instructions and minimal prep time, these tacos can be made even by novice cooks.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These birria tacos are sure to impress guests at any gathering, making them a go-to recipe for celebrations.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe for birria tacos, gather all necessary tools. Having the right equipment helps streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or large pot
• Blender
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Frying pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or large pot: Ideal for slow cooking the beef until it’s tender and full of flavor.
• Blender: Essential for creating a smooth sauce from the chiles and other ingredients.
• Cutting board and chef’s knife: Necessary for chopping vegetables efficiently and safely.

Ingredients

For the Birria

• 4 pounds beef chuck roast (cut into 3-inch chunks)
• 10 guajillo chiles
• 5 ancho chilies
• 3 arbol chilies
• 2 Roma tomatoes
• 1 white onion (quartered)
• 6 garlic cloves (unpeeled)
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• 3 bay leaves

For Assembly

• Corn tortillas (or cassava flour tortillas)
• Diced white onion
• Roughly chopped cilantro
• Oaxacan cheese

How to Make Birria Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Chiles

1. Remove stems and seeds from the guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles.
2. Toast the chiles in a hot skillet for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Place the toasted chiles into a blender with tomatoes, onion, garlic cloves, vinegar, and spices. Add a little beef broth to help blend.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. In a Dutch oven, brown the chunks of beef chuck roast on all sides.
2. Pour in the blended chile mixture along with remaining beef broth.
3. Add bay leaves and bring everything to a simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours or until the beef is tender.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

1. Once cooked, shred the beef inside the pot using two forks.
2. Heat a frying pan over medium heat; add corn tortillas one at a time.
3. Fill each tortilla with shredded beef and top with diced onions and Oaxacan cheese. Fold in half to create tacos.

Step 4: Serve with Consommé

1. Serve tacos hot alongside a bowl of reserved broth for dipping.
2. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Enjoy your homemade birria tacos! They promise to be an unforgettable meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

How to Serve Birria Tacos

Birria tacos are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your taco night experience and impress your guests.

Add Fresh Toppings

• Diced White Onion: Adds a crunchy texture and sharp flavor that complements the rich meat.
• Chopped Cilantro: Infuses freshness and a hint of earthiness to each bite.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens the flavors and adds acidity.

Pair with Consommé

• Dipping Sauce: Serve with a side of warm consommé for dipping, enhancing the flavor of each taco.
• Garnish with Spices: Sprinkle some oregano or chili flakes into the consommé for added depth.

Enjoy with Salsas

• Salsa Verde: This tangy green salsa provides a zesty contrast to the savory birria.
• Pico de Gallo: A fresh tomato salsa that adds color and crunch to your plate.

Create a Taco Bar

• DIY Setup: Lay out all ingredients so guests can customize their tacos with their favorite toppings and sauces.

Include Tortilla Options

• Corn Tortillas: Traditional choice that pairs perfectly with birria.
• Cassava Flour Tortillas: A gluten-free alternative that offers a unique flavor profile.

How to Perfect Birria Tacos

Making perfect birria tacos requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your tacos are top-notch.

• Choose Quality Meat: Select fresh beef chuck roast for tender, flavorful meat.
• Toast Your Chiles: Lightly toast the chiles before blending for a deeper, richer flavor in your sauce.
• Allow Time to Marinate: Let the meat sit in the marinade for at least an hour, or overnight for more flavor absorption.
• Cook Low and Slow: Use low heat and allow plenty of cooking time for tender beef that falls apart easily.
• Crisp Your Tortillas: Fry tortillas lightly in oil before adding fillings for extra crunch and warmth.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese like Oaxaca or Monterey Jack for varying flavors and textures.

Best Side Dishes for Birria Tacos

Pairing side dishes with birria tacos enhances the overall meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices; it complements birria well.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy beans provide richness and are a classic accompaniment to any taco dish.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Charred corn brushed with lime and cheese adds sweetness and crunch.
4. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip brings freshness and richness, balancing the flavors of birria tacos.
5. Chips with Salsa Roja: Crispy tortilla chips served with spicy red salsa make for a perfect snack or appetizer.
6. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles add brightness and contrast against the hearty flavors of birria.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making birria tacos, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using low-quality beef: Selecting a tough cut can lead to chewy meat. Opt for beef chuck roast, which becomes tender during slow cooking.
• Skipping the soaking of chiles: Not rehydrating the chiles can result in a less flavorful broth. Always soak them until soft before blending.
• Neglecting seasoning: Failing to season properly can make the birria bland. Be generous with spices and taste as you go.
• Rushing the cooking process: Cooking for too short a time won’t allow flavors to develop. Aim for at least 8 hours for optimal taste and tenderness.
• Overstuffing tacos: Filling your tacos too much can cause them to break apart. Use just enough filling to keep them intact while still delicious.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store birria tacos in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Birria Tacos

• Wrap tacos individually in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Birria Tacos

Reheat your birria tacos using one of these methods:

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat tacos for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Birria Tacos?

Birria tacos are traditional Mexican tacos filled with slow-cooked, flavorful beef and served with a rich dipping sauce called consommé.

How do I make Birria Tacos spicy?

To increase the spice level, include more arbol chiles or add fresh jalapeños when blending your sauce.

Can I use chicken instead of beef for Birria Tacos?

Yes! Chicken can be used as a substitute, but adjust cooking times as it cooks faster than beef.

What should I serve with Birria Tacos?

Pair your birria tacos with lime wedges, diced onion, cilantro, and a side of consommé for dipping.

Can I prepare Birria Tacos ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the filling in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to assemble your tacos.

Final Thoughts

Birria tacos are not just a meal; they are an experience bursting with flavor and texture. Their versatility allows you to customize fillings and toppings according to your taste preferences. Whether it’s dinner or a gathering, these delicious tacos will surely impress everyone at the table!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Birria Tacos

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savor the rich flavors of homemade Birria Tacos, a beloved Mexican dish that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. These tacos feature tender, slow-cooked beef marinated in a vibrant blend of spices and chiles, all encased in crispy tortillas filled with melted cheese. Served alongside a savory consommé for dipping, each bite is a delightful explosion of flavor that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive celebration, these Birria Tacos are sure to impress everyone at the table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 pounds beef chuck roast
• 10 guajillo chiles
• 5 ancho chiles
• 3 arbol chiles
• 2 Roma tomatoes
• 1 white onion
• 6 garlic cloves
• Oaxacan cheese
• Corn tortillas

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the chiles by removing stems and seeds, then toast them in a skillet until fragrant. Blend with tomatoes, onion, garlic, vinegar, and spices with some beef broth.
2. In a Dutch oven, brown the beef chuck roast on all sides. Pour in the blended chile mixture and remaining broth, along with bay leaves. Simmer on low heat for 8 hours until tender.
3. Shred the beef in the pot using two forks. Heat tortillas in a frying pan, fill each with shredded beef and cheese, then fold to form tacos.
4. Serve hot with a side of warm consommé for dipping.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tacos (150g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 80mg