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. Watch the video below to see how I make them in my kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and slow-cooked beef creates a rich, savory flavor that is simply irresistible.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a family gathering, these tacos are sure to impress your guests.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like jalapeños or avocado for an extra kick.
• Crispy Tortillas: The tortillas are pan-fried to a perfect crispiness, creating a delightful contrast with the tender meat.
• Flavorful Consommé: The dipping sauce enhances every bite and adds an authentic touch to your meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best birria tacos, having the right tools is essential. These will help you achieve the perfect results for this tasty dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Blender
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Tongs
• Slotted spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for slow cooking the beef until it becomes tender and flavorful.
• Blender: Necessary for pureeing the sauce ingredients into a smooth consistency.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping tortillas without burning your fingers while frying them.

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 guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles.
2. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chiles for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Soak them in hot water for 15 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a blender, combine soaked chiles, roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic cloves, vinegar, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and 1 cup of beef broth.
2. Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add remaining broth.
2. Add beef chunks and pour in the blended sauce along with bay leaves.
3. Bring to a boil; then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 8 hours or until beef is tender.

Step 4: Assemble Tacos

1. Heat corn tortillas on a skillet until warm.
2. Fill each tortilla with shredded meat and sprinkle with diced onion and cilantro.
3. Top with Oaxacan cheese before folding.

Step 5: Serve with Consommé

1. Ladle some of the cooking liquid into small bowls for dipping.
2. Enjoy your delicious birria tacos!

How to Serve Birria Tacos

Serving birria tacos is an experience that elevates taco night. You can enjoy these crispy delights in various ways that enhance their rich flavors and textures.

Classic Dipping Style

• Use a bowl of the warm consommé as a dip for your tacos. The savory broth adds moisture and flavor, making each bite irresistible.

Topped with Fresh Ingredients

• Garnish your tacos with diced white onion and chopped cilantro. These fresh toppings brighten the dish and add crunch.

Cheese Lovers’ Delight

• Melt Oaxacan cheese inside the tortillas before adding the beef. This creates a gooey, cheesy layer that complements the rich birria.

Spicy Kick

• Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to your tacos for those who enjoy extra heat. It enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.

Accompany with Lime Wedges

• Serve lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the tacos. The acidity cuts through the richness of the birria, balancing each bite.

How to Perfect Birria Tacos

Perfecting birria tacos requires attention to detail and a few key tips to ensure deliciousness in every bite.

• Choose Quality Meat: Using high-quality beef chuck roast ensures tender and flavorful meat after slow cooking.

• Soak Chiles Properly: Soaking guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles helps extract their flavors. Aim for at least 15 minutes in hot water before blending.

• Slow Cook for Flavor: Cooking the beef low and slow allows it to absorb all the spices. This results in melt-in-your-mouth meat that falls apart easily.

• Crisp Tortillas Right Before Serving: Lightly frying tortillas just before serving adds a delightful crunch that contrasts well with the soft filling.

• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Don’t hesitate to tweak spices based on personal preference. A little more cumin or salt can make a big difference!

Best Side Dishes for Birria Tacos

Pairing side dishes with birria tacos can elevate your dining experience even further. Here are some excellent options that complement their robust flavors.

1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice makes a perfect side that’s creamy and spicy.

2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a hearty balance alongside birria tacos. Top them with cheese or serve them plain for simplicity.

3. Guacamole: A fresh guacamole brings creaminess and zest to your meal. Pair it with tortilla chips as an appetizer before serving tacos.

4. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice flavored with spices can be served as a mild side dish that absorbs any leftover juices from your tacos.

5. Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime adds brightness and freshness alongside rich birria.

6. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips paired with a tangy salsa make for an easy starter or snack while waiting for your main course.

7. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers can offer a smoky flavor complementing the richness of birria tacos.

8. Mexican Pickled Onions: These tangy onions add crunch and acidity, balancing out the flavors beautifully when served alongside your tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Birria Tacos, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Bold seasoning: Not seasoning the meat properly can lead to bland tacos. Always taste your broth and adjust the spices as necessary.
• Bold cooking time: Skipping the long simmer time can result in tough meat. Allowing the beef to cook slowly ensures it becomes tender and flavorful.
• Bold tortilla choice: Using the wrong type of tortilla can ruin the texture. Corn tortillas work best for a crispy bite, but you can also use cassava flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.
• Bold cheese selection: Choosing the wrong cheese can impact flavor. Oaxacan cheese melts beautifully, so opt for it when making quesabirria.
• Bold dipping sauce: Forgetting to prepare a dipping sauce means missing out on flavor. The consommé is essential for enhancing each taco’s taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Birria Tacos in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Birria Tacos

• Wrap individual tacos in foil or plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Birria Tacos

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat tacos for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel; heat for 1-2 minutes.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm tacos for about 2-3 minutes per side until crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about Birria Tacos, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some common inquiries answered.

What are Birria Tacos?

Birria Tacos are delicious Mexican-style tacos filled with slow-cooked beef, often served with a rich consommé for dipping.

How do I make Birria Tacos spicy?

To make your Birria Tacos spicier, add more arbol chiles or incorporate hot sauce into your dipping consommé.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Feel free to substitute chicken for beef in this recipe to create Chicken Birria Tacos.

What do I serve with Birria Tacos?

You can serve them alongside rice, beans, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

How long does it take to cook Birria?

Birria typically requires at least 8 hours of slow cooking for tender meat, but you can also speed up the process using a pressure cooker.

Final Thoughts

Birria Tacos offer an incredible blend of flavors and textures that will impress anyone at your dinner table. With options to customize fillings and toppings, you can easily make this dish your own. Don’t hesitate to try these mouthwatering tacos; they might just become your new favorite!

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

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Birria Tacos

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8

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Description

Switch up your taco night with these delicious Birria Tacos, featuring tender beef slow-cooked in a rich, spicy sauce. The combination of crispy tortillas and melted Oaxacan cheese creates an irresistible bite, while the accompanying consommé adds a depth of flavor that will have everyone coming back for more. Perfect for any gathering or simply a cozy dinner at home, these tacos are customizable with your favorite toppings. Follow this easy recipe to impress your family and friends with an authentic taste of Mexican cuisine.

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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
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• Corn or cassava flour tortillas
• Oaxacan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chiles by removing stems and seeds, then toast them in a skillet until fragrant. Soak the chiles in hot water for 15 minutes.
2. In a blender, combine soaked chiles, roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic cloves, vinegar, spices, and broth; blend until smooth.
3. In a large pot or Dutch oven, add beef chunks and pour in the blended sauce along with remaining broth. Simmer on low for about 8 hours until tender.
4. Heat tortillas in a skillet, fill each with shredded meat, diced onion, cilantro, and Oaxacan cheese before folding.
5. Serve with heated consommé for dipping.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tacos (approx. 250g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 100mg