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 rich spices and slow-cooked beef creates a memorable taste that will impress everyone.
• Crispy texture – The tortillas are pan-fried to golden perfection, adding a delightful crunch to every bite.
• Versatile meal – Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or any celebration where tacos are welcome.
• Easy preparation – With simple steps and minimal hands-on time, you can enjoy homemade birria tacos without stress.
• Flavorful dipping sauce – The consommé adds an extra layer of flavor that enhances the overall experience.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious birria tacos, having the right tools is essential for efficiency and quality.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Blender
• Skillet

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker or Dutch oven – These allow the beef to cook slowly, ensuring tender meat that falls apart easily.
• Blender – Ideal for puréeing spices and creating a smooth sauce that perfectly coats the meat.

Ingredients

For the Beef 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 the guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Toast the chiles for about 2 minutes until fragrant, turning frequently to avoid burning.

Step 2: Blend Ingredients

1. In a blender, combine toasted chiles with Roma tomatoes, quartered onion, unpeeled garlic cloves, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and bay leaves.
2. Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

1. Place the beef chunks in a slow cooker or Dutch oven.
2. Pour the blended mixture over the beef. Ensure all pieces are covered evenly.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat is tender and easily shredded.

Step 4: Assemble Tacos

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Lightly oil if necessary.
2. Take a corn tortilla and fill it with shredded birria meat and Oaxacan cheese.
3. Fold in half and cook on both sides until crispy and cheese is melted.

Step 5: Serve with Consommé

1. Serve tacos hot with diced onions and chopped cilantro on top.
2. Accompany with a small bowl of consommé for dipping.

Enjoy your delicious homemade birria tacos!

How to Serve Birria Tacos

Birria tacos are a delicious treat that can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation. Here are some serving suggestions that will take your taco night to the next level.

Classic Serving

• Serve with diced white onion and roughly chopped cilantro for a fresh crunch that complements the rich flavors of the birria.

Consommé Dipping Sauce

• Pair your tacos with a small bowl of warm consommé. This flavorful broth is perfect for dipping and adds an extra layer of taste.

Cheese Melt

• For an indulgent twist, add Oaxacan cheese inside the tortilla before folding it. This results in a melty, gooey delight with every bite.

Pickled Garnishes

• Consider serving with pickled red onions or jalapeños. These tangy garnishes enhance the overall flavor profile and add brightness.

Avocado or Guacamole

• A side of sliced avocado or fresh guacamole brings creaminess and balances the spice, creating a harmonious dish.

Salsas

• Offer a variety of salsas on the side—like salsa verde or pico de gallo—for those who want to customize their tacos further.

How to Perfect Birria Tacos

Perfecting birria tacos requires attention to detail during preparation and cooking. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve taco perfection.

• Choose Quality Meat: Use fresh beef chuck roast for optimal tenderness and flavor when slow-cooking your birria.

• De-seed Chiles: Removing seeds from guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles decreases bitterness and enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.

• Blend Ingredients Well: Ensure all ingredients for the marinade are blended until smooth. This ensures even distribution of flavors throughout the meat.

• Cook Low and Slow: Allow your beef to simmer gently for several hours. This slow cooking process tenderizes the meat and develops deep flavors.

• Crisp Tortillas: When frying tortillas for serving, use hot oil until they’re golden brown for that perfect crispy texture.

• Rest Before Serving: Letting your cooked birria rest for at least 15 minutes allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each taco is juicy and flavorful.

Best Side Dishes for Birria Tacos

Serving sides alongside birria tacos can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes, garlic, and spices makes a great accompaniment, soaking up any extra consommé.

2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide protein and serve as a hearty side that pairs well with tacos.

3. Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, lime juice, and chili powder offers a sweet contrast to savory tacos.

4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa create a fun starter before diving into main dishes.

5. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables grilled or roasted bring a smoky flavor that complements the richness of birria.

6. Cabbage Slaw: A light cabbage slaw dressed with lime juice adds freshness and crunch alongside the hearty tacos.

7. Avocado Salad: A refreshing salad made with diced avocados, tomatoes, and onions brings creaminess that balances spicy flavors.

8. Corn Tortilla Chips with Guacamole: Crisp tortilla chips served with creamy guacamole make for an irresistible snack or side dish option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making beef birria tacos can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome.

• Bold Preparation: Not prepping ingredients in advance can lead to a chaotic cooking process. Always gather and measure your ingredients before starting.
• Bold Skipping Marinade: Some might skip marinating the meat. This step is crucial for enhancing flavor, so allow at least 2 hours or overnight for the best results.
• Bold Overcooking Meat: Cooking the beef for too long can make it tough. Follow the recommended cooking time and check for tenderness.
• Bold Ignoring Broth Quality: Using low-quality broth can ruin the dipping sauce. Opt for a good low-sodium beef broth for rich flavor.
• Bold Incorrect Tortilla Choice: Not using the right tortillas can affect texture. Make sure to use corn or cassava flour tortillas as they hold up well when filled with birria.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep leftover broth separate to maintain freshness.

Freezing Birria Tacos

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Wrap tacos individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a container to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating Birria Tacos

• Bold Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat tacos on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Bold Microwave: Use medium heat in a microwave-safe dish covered with a damp paper towel for about 1-2 minutes, checking often.
• Bold Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet until warmed, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep them moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making delicious birria tacos.

What are Birria Tacos?

Birria tacos are flavorful tacos made with slow-cooked beef, traditionally served with a rich dipping sauce called consommé.

How long does it take to make Birria Tacos?

The total time is around 530 minutes, which includes preparation and slow cooking. The wait is worth it for the rich flavors!

Can I customize my Birria Tacos?

Absolutely! You can add toppings like diced avocado, salsa, or different types of cheese according to your preference.

How do I serve Birria Tacos?

Serve them hot with a side of warm consommé for dipping, along with fresh cilantro and diced onion as garnish.

Final Thoughts

Beef birria tacos offer an exciting twist on traditional taco night. Their crispy tortillas filled with tender beef and melted cheese paired with savory consommé create an unforgettable meal. Feel free to customize your toppings or adjust spices to suit your taste!