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

• Bold flavors: The combination of spices and chiles creates a rich and satisfying taste experience.
• Easy preparation: With a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it while the beef becomes tender.
• Versatile dish: Perfect for dinner parties or casual family meals, these tacos are sure to impress.
• Dippable goodness: Enjoy the crispy tacos with a side of flavorful consommé for a unique twist.
• Customizable toppings: Add your favorite garnishes like onions, cilantro, or avocado for extra flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing beef birria tacos is simple when you have the right tools. Make sure to gather everything before you start cooking for a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Blender
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Ideal for achieving tender and flavorful beef without constant supervision.
• Skillet: Useful for toasting tortillas and adding that perfect crispiness before serving.
• Blender: Essential for creating a smooth sauce from the cooked chiles and tomatoes, enhancing the flavor.
• Knife and cutting board: Necessary for efficiently chopping vegetables and cutting the meat into chunks.

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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.
* Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant (about 2–3 minutes).
* Transfer the toasted chiles to a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for about 15 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

Once softened, drain the chiles and place them in a blender.
* Add the Roma tomatoes, quartered onion, unpeeled garlic cloves, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and bay leaves to the blender.
* Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Place the beef chuck roast chunks in your slow cooker.
* Pour the blended sauce over the meat ensuring it’s evenly coated.
* Cook on low for about 8 hours or until the meat is tender.

Step 4: Prepare Tortillas

After cooking, remove the beef from the slow cooker.
* Shred it using two forks.
* Heat a skillet over medium heat. Warm each corn tortilla until pliable.

Step 5: Assemble Tacos

To assemble your birria tacos:
* Place some shredded beef on one half of each tortilla.
* Top with diced onions and Oaxacan cheese.
* Fold over to create a taco shape.

Step 6: Serve with Consommé

Serve your tacos hot with a small bowl of consommé on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your delicious birria tacos!

How to Serve Birria Tacos

Birria tacos are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a meal at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your taco experience.

Classic Serving

• Consommé Dipping Sauce: Serve your tacos with a side of the flavorful consommé for dipping, adding moisture and richness.

Toppings Galore

• Diced Onion: Freshly diced white onion adds a nice crunch and sharp flavor to complement the savory beef.
• Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkle some roughly chopped cilantro on top for a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish.

Cheesy Delight

• Oaxacan Cheese: Melt cheese inside the tortilla for extra creaminess. This traditional cheese adds a unique flavor profile.

Garnish with Lime

• Lime Wedges: Provide lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos, enhancing the flavors with acidity.

Avocado Slices

• Creamy Avocado: Add slices of avocado or guacamole for a creamy texture that balances the spices in the birria.

How to Perfect Birria Tacos

Perfecting birria tacos is all about technique and ingredients. Here are some essential tips to ensure your tacos turn out amazing.

• Bold Seasoning: Use plenty of spices in your marinade to infuse deep flavor into the beef.
• Slow Cooking: Cook the beef low and slow; this breaks down tough fibers and enhances tenderness.
• Fresh Tortillas: Opt for freshly made corn or cassava tortillas for an authentic taste and better texture.
• Crispy Edges: Pan-fry the tacos after filling them to achieve crispy edges and melty cheese inside.
• Resting Time: Let the meat rest after cooking to keep it juicy before shredding.

Best Side Dishes for Birria Tacos

Pairing side dishes with birria tacos can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices complements the rich flavors of birria.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a hearty side that balances well with tacos.
3. Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn slathered in mayonnaise, cheese, and chili powder is a deliciously sweet and spicy treat.
4. Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime adds brightness to your plate.
5. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole pairs perfectly with the spiciness of birria, adding richness to every bite.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies such as bell peppers and zucchini add a smoky flavor that complements your meal beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making delicious birria tacos can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Bold Flavoring: Not seasoning the meat properly can lead to bland tacos. Ensure you use enough spices and broth for rich flavor.
• Bold Tortilla Quality: Using low-quality tortillas may result in a soggy taco. Opt for fresh corn or cassava flour tortillas for the best texture.
• Bold Cooking Time: Cooking the meat for too short a time will leave it tough. Slow-cook your beef until it’s tender and falls apart easily.
• Bold Dipping Sauce: Forgetting to prepare the consommé for dipping is a missed opportunity. Make sure to set aside some of the cooking liquid for a flavorful dip.
• Bold Cheese Selection: Using the wrong cheese can ruin the melt factor. Choose Oaxacan cheese or another melting cheese for that gooey goodness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover birria tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the consommé in a separate container to maintain its flavor and consistency.

Freezing Birria Tacos

• You can freeze birria tacos for up to 3 months.
• Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Birria Tacos

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tacos on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: For quick reheating, microwave each taco on high for about 30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each taco for 2-3 minutes per side, adding a little broth if needed to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about birria tacos that might help you.

What are Birria Tacos?

Birria tacos are savory Mexican tacos filled with slow-cooked beef, typically served with a tasty dipping sauce known as consommé.

How do I make Birria Tacos crispy?

To achieve crispy birria tacos, pan-fry them in oil after filling with cheese and meat. This adds texture and flavor.

Can I use chicken instead of beef for Birria Tacos?

Yes! You can substitute beef with chicken or turkey for a lighter version while still enjoying those delicious flavors.

What should I serve with Birria Tacos?

These tacos pair well with fresh toppings like diced onions, cilantro, lime wedges, and your favorite salsas.

How do I store leftover Birria Tacos?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze them wrapped securely for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

Birria tacos are not only delicious but also versatile! With their rich flavors and customizable toppings, they can suit any palate. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and add your personal twist!