Crockpot Birra Tacos

Name: Crockpot Birra Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2-3 pounds boneless chuck roast; 1 tablespoon avocado oil or neutral oil (plus more for taco frying); Coarse ground salt and fresh ground pepper; 4 dried Guajillo chiles; 5-6 Chipotle chilis in adobo; 1 small red onion (thinly sliced); 8 cloves garlic (smashed); 32 ounces beef stock; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes; ¼ cup apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 cinnamon stick; 3 dry bay leaves; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ tablespoon fresh grated ginger; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; Corn or flour tortillas; Lime wedges; Fresh cilantro leaves; Diced white onion; Shredded Oaxacan cheese (or Italian cheese)

Published: January 27, 2026

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: With minimal hands-on cooking, you can set it and forget it while the flavors meld together beautifully.
Rich Flavor: The combination of Guajillo chiles, chipotle adobo, and spices creates a deep, complex taste that everyone will love.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these tacos with a variety of toppings such as cilantro, onions, and cheese to customize each taco to your liking.
Feeds a Crowd: This recipe yields 8 servings, making it perfect for family gatherings or meal prep for the week ahead.
Comforting Dish: The warm tortillas filled with tender beef make for a fulfilling meal that’s perfect any time of year.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker (crockpot)
Cast iron skillet or frying pan
High-powered blender or immersion blender
Rimmed baking sheet
Sharp knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: This appliance allows for low-and-slow cooking that enhances flavor and tenderness in your meat.
Cast iron skillet: Perfect for searing the beef before slow cooking; it provides a great crust for added flavor.
High-powered blender: Necessary for blending the sauce to a smooth consistency, ensuring even flavor distribution.
Rimmed baking sheet: Useful for shredding the beef without making a mess in your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Beef

2-3 pounds boneless chuck roast
1 tablespoon avocado oil or neutral oil (plus more for taco frying)
coarse ground salt and fresh ground pepper

For the Flavor Base

4 dried Guajillo chiles
5-6 Chipotle chilis in adobo (from a can)
1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
8 whole cloves garlic (smashed)
32 ounces beef stock
1 tablespoon tomato paste
14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 cinnamon stick
3 dry bay leaves
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ tablespoon fresh grated ginger
1 teaspoon ground coriander

For Serving

Corn or flour tortillas
Lime wedges
Fresh cilantro leaves
Diced white onion
Shredded Oaxacan cheese (or Italian cheese)

How to Make Crockpot Birra Tacos

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Heat avocado oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat for 4–5 minutes.
Liberally salt and pepper the beef on all sides.
Add the beef to the hot skillet and sear on both sides for about 5–6 minutes each until browned.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Beef

Transfer the seared beef to your crockpot.
Add all remaining ingredients—dried chiles, onion, garlic, stock, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, vinegar, spices—to the crockpot.
Stir well to combine everything evenly.
Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours until tender.

Step 3: Shred and Serve

After 8 hours, carefully remove the beef from the crockpot using a fork or tongs onto a rimmed baking sheet.
Shred the beef using two forks until finely shredded.
Discard bay leaves and cinnamon stick from the sauce in the crockpot.
Blend everything until smooth using a high-powered blender or immersion blender.
Return blended sauce back to the crockpot to keep warm.
Add about 1½ to 2 cups of sauce to shredded beef and toss well to coat before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Crockpot Birra Tacos with fresh toppings!

How to Serve Crockpot Birra Tacos

Crockpot Birra Tacos are best enjoyed fresh and warm, allowing the rich flavors to shine through. Pair them with vibrant sides and toppings to elevate your meal experience.

Classic Toppings

Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness that complements the savory beef.
Diced Onion: Raw diced white onion provides a crunchy texture and sharp flavor contrast.
Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens the dish and enhances the flavors.

Accompaniments

Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes for a hearty side that balances the tacos.
Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add richness and protein, making your meal more filling.
Guacamole: Smooth avocado dip adds creaminess and is perfect for spreading on your tacos.

Salsas

Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa offers a zesty kick that pairs wonderfully with the tacos.
Mango Salsa: Sweet mango salsa brings a fruity twist that can surprise your taste buds.

How to Perfect Crockpot Birra Tacos

Creating the perfect Crockpot Birra Tacos involves careful attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.

Choose Quality Meat: Select a good cut of beef, like boneless chuck roast, for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Sear the Meat Well: Don’t skip searing; it locks in juices and adds depth to the overall taste.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spices and herbs will amplify flavors compared to dried alternatives.
Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding or reducing chipotle chilis based on your preference.
Allow for Proper Shredding: After cooking, shred the beef while it’s still warm for easier handling and better texture.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy your tacos right after assembling them for the best experience.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Birra Tacos

Pairing sides with Crockpot Birra Tacos can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some excellent options.

Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayonnaise, cheese, and chili powder brings vibrant flavors.
Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa provide a delightful appetizer or side snack.
Cabbage Slaw: A refreshing slaw made with cabbage, lime juice, and cilantro adds crunch and acidity to balance rich tacos.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables grilled until tender can complement the smoky flavors of birria perfectly.
Black Bean Salad: This hearty salad combines black beans, corn, tomatoes, and lime for a refreshing side dish packed with protein.
Queso Dip: A warm cheese dip with spices is ideal for dipping chips or drizzling over tacos for extra creaminess.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Birra Tacos, it’s easy to make small errors that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

Skipping the searing step: Not searing the beef can lead to a less flavorful dish. Always sear the meat on high heat before adding it to the crockpot.
Overcrowding the crockpot: Adding too much meat or ingredients can prevent even cooking. Stick to the recommended amount for best results.
Neglecting spice balance: Using too few spices may result in bland tacos. Make sure to measure your spices accurately and adjust to taste.
Not shredding beef properly: Shredding the beef too coarsely can lead to tough bites. Use two forks to shred finely for better texture.
Ignoring sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thin, it won’t coat the tacos well. Blend until smooth and adjust with more broth if needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
They will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Crockpot Birra Tacos

Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers or bags.
They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Birra Tacos

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover tacos with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and heat in intervals of 30 seconds until hot.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of broth, and warm tacos for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have additional questions about preparing Crockpot Birra Tacos, check out these answers.

What meat is best for Crockpot Birra Tacos?

Chuck roast works wonderfully due to its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes! You can substitute chicken thighs or breasts for a lighter option while keeping similar flavors.

How spicy are Crockpot Birra Tacos?

The heat level depends on how many chipotle chilis you use. Adjust according to your preference for spice.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything in advance, store it in the fridge overnight, and cook it the next day.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Birra Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or side dishes. Try this recipe today and enjoy a savory taco experience that’s sure to impress!