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Imagine biting into a crispy, golden tortilla filled with tender, juicy, slow-braised beef, oozing with melted cheese, and dipped into a rich, flavorful consommé. Sounds mouthwatering, right? That’s exactly what Birria Tacos bring to the table!
These tacos have taken the food world by storm, popping up everywhere—from street vendors in Mexico to high-end restaurants and viral social media food trends. If you haven’t tried them yet, you’re seriously missing out!
Birria is a traditional Mexican stew, originally from Jalisco, Mexico. But when someone had the genius idea to stuff that slow-cooked meat into crispy, cheesy tacos and dip them into the deep red consommé, a legendary dish was born.
What makes Birria Tacos even better? They’re perfect for feeding a crowd! Whether you’re hosting a game night, a birthday party, or just a weekend family gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, making it at home is easier than you think—no need to wait in long food truck lines!
If you’re a fan of bold, meaty flavors, then these Birria Tacos are a must-try! The slow-cooked, spiced beef, paired with crispy, cheese-crusted tortillas, makes them the ultimate comfort food. If you love indulgent taco recipes, you might also enjoy my Taco Meat Recipe—a simple and flavorful base for all your taco cravings. And for a fun, cheesy twist, check out my Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps—a quick and satisfying meal that’s just as crave-worthy as these tacos!
What Are Birria Tacos?
Let’s clear this up—Birria Tacos are NOT your average taco! They are crunchy, cheesy, juicy, and packed with bold flavors.
Traditionally, birria is a slow-cooked Mexican stew made with goat, beef, or lamb in a broth infused with dried chiles, tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic spices. While the stew itself is fantastic, tacos made with this meat take it to another level.
The magic happens when the corn tortillas are dipped in the rich, red birria consommé, then grilled with shredded birria meat and gooey melted cheese. The result? A taco with crispy edges, smoky flavors, and an explosion of umami-packed goodness.
And the best part? You dip each bite into the consommé, just like a French dip sandwich, making every mouthful even juicier!
They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach—well, these tacos are so good, they’ll win over anyone’s heart! Ready to make them? Let’s go!
Why You’ll Love This Birria Tacos Recipe
- Ultra Flavorful: A perfect balance of spicy, smoky, and savory flavors.
- Perfect for a Crowd: Make a big batch and watch them disappear in seconds!
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: No more waiting in long lines at taco spots.
- Budget-Friendly: Making Birria Tacos at home costs way less than buying them.
- Customizable: Switch up the protein, toppings, and spice level to your liking.
- Crispy & Juicy: The perfect texture combo—crispy tortillas, melty cheese, and juicy beef.
- Pairs with Everything: Serve with fresh guacamole, salsa, or Mexican rice!
How to Make Birria Tacos
Quick Overview
Making Birria Tacos does take some time, but I promise—it’s 100% worth it. The process includes:
- Slow-cooking the birria beef until it’s fall-apart tender.
- Shredding the meat and saving the flavorful broth (consommé).
- Dipping tortillas in the consommé and filling them with cheese and meat.
- Crisping up the tacos on a skillet for that perfect crunch.
- Dipping and devouring!
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 4 Hours
Total Time: 4 Hours 20 Minutes
Servings: 10-12 tacos
Key Ingredients for Birria Tacos
- Beef chuck roast (3 lbs) – You can also use short ribs or a mix of beef cuts.
- Dried guajillo chilies (4-5) – Adds a deep, smoky sweetness.
- Dried ancho chilies (2-3) – Mildly spicy with hints of chocolate.
- Dried chipotle chilies (1-2) – Adds a smoky heat.
- Roma tomatoes (2-3) – Enhances the broth’s richness.
- Garlic cloves (4-5) – Because garlic makes everything better!
- White onion (1 large) – Adds depth of flavor to the consommé.
- Beef broth (4 cups) – The base of your consommé.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp) – Helps tenderize the meat.
- Ground cumin (1 tsp) – Essential for authentic Mexican flavors.
- Oregano (1 tsp) – Adds a nice herbal touch.
- Bay leaves (2) – Boosts aroma and depth of flavor.
- Cinnamon stick (1 small piece) – Optional, but adds warmth to the broth.
- Corn tortillas – Use fresh, pliable tortillas for best results.
- Shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese – Melty and gooey goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Birria Stew
- Toast the dried chilies in a pan for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Blend chilies, tomatoes, garlic, and onion with broth to create a rich sauce.
- Sear the beef in a large pot, then pour in the sauce and remaining broth.
- Add spices, vinegar, and bay leaves.
- Simmer on low heat for 3-4 hours until meat is fall-apart tender.
Step 2: Shred the Beef
- Remove beef from the broth and shred with two forks.
- Strain the broth to create a smooth consommé for dipping.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
- Dip tortillas in the consommé.
- Add shredded beef and cheese, then fold the tacos.
Step 4: Grill the Tacos
- Heat a skillet and cook tacos until crispy and golden brown on both sides.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve hot with a side of consommé for dipping!
Looking for more hearty, Mexican-inspired dishes? Try my Smoked Sausage and Potatoes for a smoky, savory alternative to tacos, or spice things up with Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles for an Asian-fusion take on bold, meaty flavors.
What to Serve with Birria Tacos
- Mexican Rice – A classic, flavorful side.
- Guacamole – Creamy avocado goodness.
- Pico de Gallo – Fresh and zesty.
- Spicy Salsa Verde – For an extra kick.
- Horchata or Margaritas – Perfect drink pairings!
Top Tips for Perfecting Birria Tacos
✔ Use high-quality beef for the best flavor.
✔ Toast the chilies before blending for a deeper taste.
✔ Let the stew simmer low & slow for the most tender meat.
✔ Dip tortillas well in the consommé for ultimate crispiness.
✔ Use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking and burning.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing:
- Store leftover birria meat in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed bag.
Reheating:
- Warm up the meat in a pan with a little broth.
- Reheat tacos in a skillet until crispy again.
Birria Tacos
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast or a mix of short ribs and brisket
- 4-5 dried guajillo chilies
- 2-3 dried ancho chilies
- 1-2 dried chipotle chilies
- 3 Roma tomatoes
- 1 large white onion chopped
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 small cinnamon stick optional
- 1 tbsp salt or to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Corn tortillas for assembling
- 2 cups shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Birria Stew
- Toast dried chilies in a pan until fragrant.
- Blend chilies, tomatoes, onion, and garlic with beef broth to create a smooth sauce.
- Sear the beef in a large pot, then pour in the chili sauce.
- Add vinegar, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and seasonings.
- Simmer on low heat for 3-4 hours until meat is fall-apart tender.
Step 2: Shred the Beef
- Remove beef from the broth and shred using two forks.
- Strain the broth to create a smooth consommé for dipping.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
- Dip tortillas in the consommé, then fill with shredded beef and cheese.
- Fold the tortillas in half to form the tacos.
Step 4: Cook the Tacos
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook tacos on both sides until crispy and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve hot with extra consommé on the side for dipping.
FAQ
1. Can I make Birria Tacos ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the meat a day before and assemble tacos fresh.
2. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Chicken birria is just as delicious.
3. How spicy are Birria Tacos?
They have a mild kick but can be adjusted with more/less chilies.
4. Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes! Simply skip the cheese.
5. How do I make them extra crispy?
Use a cast-iron skillet and let the tacos cook a little longer.