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Birria Tacos

Savor Ultimate Birria Tacos: Easy, Flavor-Packed Recipe

Birria Tacos are a must-try for their rich flavors and satisfying textures, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 tacos
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chili Paste
  • 4 pieces Dried Guajillo Peppers Feel free to substitute with any dried chili of choice.
  • 2 pieces Dried Ancho Chiles Can replace with more guajillo if needed.
  • 2 tablespoons Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Cannot be replaced without sacrificing flavor.
  • 1 cup Onion (Chopped) Essential base flavor; no substitutions recommended.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Cloves Use garlic powder as a substitute if necessary.
  • 1 can Crushed Tomatoes Fresh tomatoes can be swapped if desired.
For the Meat and Broth
  • 4 cups Organic Beef Stock Substitute with vegetable stock for a vegan option.
  • 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar Lemon juice can be an alternative.
  • 1 leaf Bay Leaves Enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon Mexican Oregano Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme Enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon Allspice Enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • 3 pounds Chuck Roast Beef Consider lamb, chicken, or jackfruit for a vegan version.
For Tacos Assembly
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can replace with any cooking oil.
  • to taste Sea Salt Basic seasoning; adjust to your preference.
  • to taste Black Pepper Basic seasoning; adjust to your preference.
  • to taste Garlic Powder Basic seasoning; adjust to your preference.
  • 12 pieces Organic Corn Tortillas Use small street taco-size or flour tortillas if desired.
  • 1 cup Shredded Oaxaca Cheese Swap with vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro Can be omitted if desired.
  • 1 cup Pico de Gallo Optional topping; fresh is best.

Equipment

  • saucepan
  • Blender
  • Dutch oven
  • skillet

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Begin by boiling 4 cups of organic beef stock in a saucepan over medium heat. Meanwhile, soak 4 dried guajillo peppers and 2 dried ancho chiles in the hot stock for 15 minutes until softened. Transfer the softened peppers, along with 1 chopped onion, 4 garlic cloves, and 1 can of crushed tomatoes to a blender. Blend until smooth, creating a rich, flavorful chili paste.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear 3 lbs. of chuck roast beef, turning every few minutes until the meat is golden brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Once seared, remove the beef and set it aside while you continue with the next step.
  3. In the same pot, add the remaining sautéed ingredients from the chili paste, and cook until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in your blended chili paste alongside 1 teaspoon each of bay leaves, Mexican oregano, thyme, cumin, ground cinnamon, smoked paprika, and allspice. Return the seared beef to the pot, pour in 2 cups of beef stock, and bring to a simmer.
  4. Cover the Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Allow it to braise for 2.5 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds. Check occasionally to ensure there’s enough liquid, adding a little water if necessary to avoid drying out.
  5. Once the beef is tender, carefully remove the pot from the oven and let it cool slightly. Use two forks to shred the beef into bite-sized pieces, and reserve 1 cup of the braising broth for dipping sauce, straining out any solids. The remaining broth can be used in the tacos for added flavor.
  6. To assemble your Birria Tacos, quickly dip organic corn tortillas into the reserved consomé to soften, ensuring they’re coated without becoming overly soggy. In a heated skillet over medium heat, add the tortillas, filling them with shredded beef, chopped onions, and shredded Oaxaca cheese. Fry until crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side, until the cheese melts.
  7. Plate the tacos immediately after frying, accompanied by the reserved consomé for dipping. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and pico de gallo if desired. Enjoy each delightful bite!

Nutrition

Serving: 1tacoCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Consider storing the meat and tortillas separately to maintain texture and flavor before serving your delicious Birria Tacos.

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