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 rich combination of spices and slow-cooked beef creates an irresistible taste that will impress your family and friends.
• Crispy Texture: Frying the tortillas until crispy adds a delightful crunch, making each bite satisfying.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. These tacos are sure to please everyone.
• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish without any hassle.
• Dipping Delight: The consommé serves as a tasty dipping sauce, enhancing the overall experience of enjoying these tacos.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare these delicious birria tacos, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker or Dutch oven
• Blender or food processor
• Skillet or frying pan
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker or Dutch oven: Essential for low and slow cooking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully while tenderizing the meat.
• Blender or food processor: Used to blend the chiles and other ingredients into a smooth sauce, ensuring even distribution of flavor.
• Skillet or frying pan: Ideal for frying the tortillas to achieve that perfect crispy texture.

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 Assembling Tacos

• 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 all chiles.
2. In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the chiles until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
3. Soak toasted chiles in hot water for 20 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

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

Step 3: Cook the Beef

1. Place beef chunks in a slow cooker or Dutch oven.
2. Pour the blended sauce over the meat.
3. Cook on low for at least 8 hours or on high for about 4 hours until meat is tender.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Warm corn tortillas in the skillet; add a slice of Oaxacan cheese on one half of each tortilla.
3. Spoon shredded beef onto tortillas; fold over and cook until crispy on both sides.

Step 5: Serve with Consommé

1. Serve tacos with diced onion and cilantro on top.
2. Use reserved consommé as a dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor!

How to Serve Birria Tacos

Serving birria tacos is all about enhancing their rich flavors and textures. These tacos are not just a meal; they are an experience that you can elevate with various accompaniments.

Top It Off with Fresh Ingredients

• Diced White Onion – Freshly diced onion adds a crunchy texture and a sharp flavor that complements the rich beef.
• Chopped Cilantro – The bright taste of cilantro adds freshness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime juice brings acidity, cutting through the richness of the meat.

Pair with Dipping Sauce

• Birria Consommé – Serve the tacos with the flavorful broth as a dipping sauce for an extra layer of taste.
• Salsa Verde – A zesty green salsa can add a refreshing kick, perfect for those who enjoy some heat.

Add Extra Cheese

• Oaxacan Cheese – Melted cheese inside the taco creates a gooey, delicious texture that pairs beautifully with the beef.
• Queso Fresco – Crumbled queso fresco on top provides a creamy finish that balances the spices in the dish.

How to Perfect Birria Tacos

To achieve the best birria tacos, focus on key techniques and ingredients. Follow these tips to make your tacos truly outstanding.

• Bold seasoning – Use fresh spices and herbs for marinating your beef to enhance its flavor depth.
• Slow cooking – Opt for low and slow cooking methods to ensure your meat is tender and flavorful.
• Crispy tortillas – Fry your tortillas until they’re golden brown for added texture in every bite.
• Right cheese choice – Use Oaxacan cheese or other melting varieties for that authentic gooey goodness inside your tacos.

Best Side Dishes for Birria Tacos

Pairing side dishes with birria tacos can create a well-rounded meal. Consider these delightful options that complement the rich flavors of the tacos.

1. Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices makes a perfect base alongside your tacos.
2. Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans provide protein and balance out the meal’s richness.
3. Guacamole – Creamy avocado dip adds richness and freshness to each bite of taco.
4. Corn Elote – Grilled corn topped with cheese, mayo, and chili powder brings sweetness and spice.
5. Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa offer a tasty appetizer before diving into your main dish.
6. Pickled Vegetables – Bright pickled onions or carrots add acidity and crunch that enhance the overall taste experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Birria Tacos, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using the wrong cut of meat: Selecting a lean cut instead of beef chuck roast can lead to dry tacos. Always use beef chuck for best results.
• Not soaking the chiles: Failing to soak the guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles can result in an unbalanced flavor. Soak them in hot water for at least 15 minutes before blending.
• Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to properly season the broth can make your birria bland. Don’t skip any spices; they enhance the overall taste.
• Cooking for too short a time: Rushing the cooking process can lead to tough meat. Allow at least 8 hours in a slow cooker or 4 hours on the stovetop for tender meat.
• Overstuffing the tortillas: Filling tortillas too much can cause them to break while frying. Use just enough filling for a delicious taco without overloading.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Birria Tacos in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Birria Tacos

• Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place wrapped tacos in a freezer-safe bag; they will keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating Birria Tacos

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Cover tacos with a damp paper towel and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and place tacos inside. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Birria Tacos?

Birria Tacos are traditional Mexican tacos filled with slow-cooked beef, melty cheese, and served with a flavorful dipping sauce known as consommé.

How do I make the consommé for Birria Tacos?

To make consommé, use the cooking liquid from your birria after it’s done cooking. Strain it and serve it alongside your tacos for dipping.

Can I use chicken instead of beef for Birria Tacos?

Yes! You can substitute beef with chicken or turkey if you prefer a lighter option while still enjoying delicious flavors.

What type of cheese is best for Birria Tacos?

Oaxacan cheese is ideal due to its meltability, but you can also use mozzarella or any cheese that melts well if you can’t find Oaxacan cheese.

How spicy are Birria Tacos?

The level of spice depends on the type and amount of chiles used. Adjust according to your preference by adding less spicy chiles or omitting them altogether.

Final Thoughts

These Beef Birria Tacos offer rich flavors and satisfying textures that are sure to impress at any dinner table. Feel free to customize your toppings or adjust spice levels based on personal preferences. Enjoy making these delightful tacos with friends and family!