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 cooking offers an irresistible taste that will impress everyone at your table.
• Great for Gatherings: Perfect for parties or family dinners, these tacos are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy them as a main dish or serve with sides like rice and beans for a complete feast.
• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and simple steps, you’ll find this recipe is accessible even for beginner cooks.
• Comfort Food: These tacos provide that cozy, satisfying feeling that makes any meal feel special.

Tools and Preparation

To make the perfect birria tacos, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. They simplify the cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker or pot
• Blender
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Tongs
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker or pot: This tool allows for low-and-slow cooking, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
• Blender: Ideal for creating a smooth sauce from the chiles and spices, enhancing the overall flavor of your tacos.

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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 Serving

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

How to Make Birria Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Chiles

Start by removing the stems and seeds from the guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles.

• Toast the chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
• Soak the toasted chiles in hot water for 15 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, Roma tomatoes, quartered onion, unpeeled garlic, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, black pepper, ground cumin, oregano, ground cloves, cinnamon, ground ginger, and bay leaves.

• Blend until smooth. This will be your flavorful marinade.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Place the beef chuck roast in your slow cooker or pot.

• Pour the blended sauce over the meat ensuring it is well-coated.
• If using a slow cooker, cover and cook on low for about 8 hours. If using a pot on the stove, simmer on low heat for about 4 hours or until meat is tender.

Step 4: Assemble Tacos

Once cooked, shred the beef using two forks.

• Heat corn tortillas in a skillet until warm.
• Fill each tortilla with shredded beef and top with diced onion and cilantro.
• Add Oaxacan cheese if desired.

Step 5: Serve with Consommé

Ladle some of the leftover broth into small bowls for dipping.

Enjoy your homemade birria tacos!

How to Serve Birria Tacos

Serving birria tacos is all about enhancing their rich flavors and textures. These tacos are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, making them a hit at any gathering.

Classic Presentation

• On a Plate: Serve the tacos on a colorful plate with a side of consommé for dipping.
• With Fresh Toppings: Add diced white onion and chopped cilantro on top for extra freshness.

Dipping Sauce

• Consommé Dip: Serve warm beef broth as a dipping sauce to enhance the flavors of the tacos.
• Salsa Verde: A zesty salsa verde pairs well, adding a tangy contrast to the rich beef.

Taco Bar Style

• DIY Assembly: Set up a taco bar with all toppings and sauces, allowing guests to customize their own birria tacos.
• Variety of Tortillas: Offer both corn and cassava flour tortillas for different tastes and dietary preferences.

How to Perfect Birria Tacos

Perfecting birria tacos requires attention to detail and some helpful tips to ensure they are delicious every time.

• Use Quality Meat: Choose fresh beef chuck roast for tender, flavorful meat after slow cooking.
• Soak Chiles Properly: Soak the guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles in hot water to soften them, enhancing their flavor.
• Season Generously: Don’t shy away from salt and spices; they are key in developing deep flavors in your birria.
• Low and Slow Cooking: Cook the birria slowly for several hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Crispy Tortillas: Fry tortillas in oil just until crispy before filling them with meat and cheese for added texture.

Best Side Dishes for Birria Tacos

To complement your birria tacos, consider these delightful side dishes that enhance your meal experience.

1. Mexican Rice: A flavorful side that balances the richness of the birria with its lightness.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and richness, making them a perfect pairing.
3. Grilled Corn Salad: This refreshing salad brings sweetness and crunch, great for summer gatherings.
4. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip offers a buttery texture that contrasts nicely with crispy tacos.
5. Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa adds brightness and acidity which elevates the dish’s overall flavor.
6. Pickled Onions: Sweet and tangy pickled onions provide an excellent contrast to the savory meat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making birria tacos can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your result.

• Bold preparation: Failing to prepare the ingredients properly can lead to uneven cooking. Always chop and measure everything before you start cooking for a smoother process.
• Bold overcooking the meat: If you overcook the beef, it will become tough. Use a slow cooker or simmer gently to ensure tender meat.
• Bold ignoring the spices: Skipping or underestimating spices can dull flavors. Properly measure and adjust according to your taste for a rich depth of flavor.
• Bold using low-quality tortillas: Cheap tortillas may fall apart when dipped in consommé. Invest in good-quality corn or cassava flour tortillas for the best texture.
• Bold rushing the dipping sauce: A hurried sauce can lack depth. Give your broth time to simmer and develop its flavors before serving.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store birria tacos in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the filling and tortillas separate if possible to maintain texture.

Freezing Birria Tacos

• Freeze cooked birria filling in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
• Wrap tortillas separately in foil before freezing to prevent them from getting soggy.

Reheating Birria Tacos

• Bold Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Bold Microwave: Wrap tacos in a damp paper towel and microwave in 30-second intervals until hot. This prevents them from drying out.
• Bold Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Warm each taco for about 2-3 minutes per side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about birria tacos that can help enhance your cooking experience.

What are Birria Tacos?

Birria tacos are a delicious Mexican dish filled with slow-cooked beef, served with a flavorful broth for dipping.

How do I make Birria Tacos spicy?

To make your birria tacos spicier, add more arbol chilies or include some jalapeños in the marinade.

Can I use chicken instead of beef for Birria Tacos?

Yes! You can substitute chicken for beef by following the same recipe, adjusting cook times as needed for tender results.

What should I serve with Birria Tacos?

Serve birria tacos with fresh cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, and sides like rice or beans for a complete meal.

How do I store leftover Birria Tacos?

Store leftover birria filling separately from tortillas in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days.

Final Thoughts

Birria tacos are not only flavorful but also versatile. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or spice levels. They’re perfect for gatherings or a cozy night at home—give this recipe a try!