My Fave Birria Tacos

Name: My Fave Birria Tacos
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck roast or short ribs; 2 dried guajillo chilies, seeds removed; 2 dried ancho chilies, seeds removed; 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce; 4 Roma tomatoes, chopped; 1 onion, quartered; 4 garlic cloves; 2 cups beef broth; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp oregano; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; Salt and pepper to taste; 12 corn tortillas; 1 cup Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese, shredded; Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish); Lime wedges, for serving

Isabella

🌟Life, Love, and Gastronomy 🍷

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My Fave Birria Tacos is a Juicy and tender beef simmered in a rich, flavorful consomé, then stuffed into corn tortillas, pan-fried to perfection, and served with a savory dipping sauce. These birria tacos are the epitome of Mexican comfort food, bursting with layers of deep, smoky, and spicy flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these birria tacos combine slow-cooked, tender beef with the crispy, cheesy goodness of pan-fried tortillas. The flavorful consomé takes this dish to another level, offering the perfect dipping sauce that’s both hearty and aromatic. It’s an impressive recipe that’s surprisingly simple to make at home, perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Birria:

2 lbs beef chuck roast or short ribs

2 dried guajillo chilies, seeds removed

1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce

2 dried ancho chilies, seeds removed

4 Roma tomatoes, chopped

1 onion, quartered

4 garlic cloves

2 cups beef broth

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tacos:

12 corn tortillas

1 cup Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese, shredded

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

Prepare the Birria Base: Toast the guajillo and ancho chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Transfer to a bowl and soak in warm water for 15 minutes.

Blend the Sauce: Drain the chilies and blend them with the chipotle pepper, tomatoes, onion, garlic, vinegar, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of beef broth if needed for a smooth consistency.

Cook the Meat: Sear the beef in a large pot or Dutch oven until browned on all sides. Pour in the blended sauce and the remaining beef broth. Cover and simmer on low for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender and shreds easily.

Shred the Beef: Remove the beef, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. Adjust the seasoning of the consomé if needed.

Prepare the Tacos: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Dip a tortilla into the birria sauce, then lay it flat in the skillet. Add cheese and shredded beef to one half of the tortilla, fold it in half, and cook until crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Serve: Garnish the tacos with cilantro and serve with lime wedges and a small bowl of consomé for dipping.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Variations

Protein Alternatives: Swap the beef for lamb, goat, or even chicken for a different take on birria tacos.

Cheese Options: Use Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or cheddar if you prefer a different cheese.

Spice Level: Add extra chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne for a spicier kick.

Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with jackfruit or mushrooms for a plant-based option while keeping the bold flavors.

Tortilla Choice: Use flour tortillas for a slightly softer taco shell.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover birria meat in an airtight container with some consomé to keep it moist. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Reheat the meat in a pot over low heat with a splash of consomé. Reheat tacos in a skillet or oven for crispiness.

Related Recipes:

Mexican Street Tacos

FAQs

How do I make the tacos crispier?

I ensure the skillet is hot before adding the tortilla and avoid overcrowding the pan to get perfectly crispy tacos.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! I like to prepare the birria meat a day in advance to let the flavors deepen. Simply reheat and assemble the tacos when ready to serve.

What’s the best way to serve the consomé?

I serve it warm in a small bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added brightness.

Can I use pre-made taco shells?

While possible, I recommend fresh tortillas dipped in the sauce for an authentic and flavorful experience.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as gluten-free corn tortillas are used, this dish is naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

Birria tacos are a culinary masterpiece, perfect for special occasions or when you crave a comforting, hearty meal. The combination of tender meat, crispy tortillas, and rich consomé is truly irresistible. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

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