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

• Unmatched Flavor: The combination of spices and slow-cooked beef creates a rich and savory taste that is hard to resist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, these tacos fit right in!
• Crispy and Melty: Each bite offers a delightful crunch from the tortilla, paired with gooey cheese that melts beautifully.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as diced onions or fresh cilantro, to personalize your tacos.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the birria in advance and reheat it when ready to serve, making it convenient for busy schedules.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything prepared will make the cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker or Dutch oven
• Blender
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Ladle
• Serving platter

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker or Dutch oven: These are essential for achieving tender meat through slow cooking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Blender: Perfect for pureeing the spice mixture until smooth, ensuring even distribution of flavor in the birria.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients like onions and tomatoes without any mess.

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 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 guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles.
2. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chiles until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
3. Transfer toasted chiles to a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for 15 minutes until soft.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

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

Step 3: Cook the Beef

1. Place beef chunks in a slow cooker or Dutch oven.
2. Pour blended sauce over the beef ensuring it is well coated.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until beef is fork-tender.

Step 4: Assemble Tacos

1. Heat corn tortillas on a skillet until warm.
2. Fill each tortilla with shredded birria meat and Oaxacan cheese.
3. Fold tortillas in half and cook until crispy on both sides.

Step 5: Serve with Consommé

1. Ladle some of the reserved broth into small bowls as dipping sauce.
2. Top tacos with diced onion and cilantro before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade birria tacos!

How to Serve Birria Tacos

Serving birria tacos can elevate your meal experience. These delicious tacos are best enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments that enhance their flavors and textures.

Fresh Toppings

• Diced Onion: Adds crunch and a sharp flavor that pairs well with the rich beef.
• Chopped Cilantro: Brings a fresh herbal note that complements the spices in the birria.
• Sliced Radishes: Provides a crisp texture and slightly peppery taste, balancing the richness of the meat.

Flavorful Dipping Sauce

• Consommé: The slow-cooked broth used for dipping is packed with flavor. Serve it warm in small bowls for a delightful experience.
• Salsa Verde: A tangy green sauce made from tomatillos, it adds brightness and acidity to each bite.

Additional Accompaniments

• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens the flavors and adds a zesty kick.
• Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip enhances the richness of the tacos and offers a smooth texture contrast.

How to Perfect Birria Tacos

Perfecting your birria tacos can make a significant difference in taste. Here are some tips to help you master this dish.

• Bold Flavors: Use plenty of spices and herbs to create a deep, rich flavor profile in your birria.
• Slow Cook: Allowing the meat to cook slowly ensures it becomes tender and flavorful. A slow cooker or Dutch oven works well for this.
• Crispy Tortillas: Fry tortillas lightly in oil before assembling your tacos. This adds texture and prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Quality Cheese: Opt for Oaxacan cheese or any melty cheese you prefer to add creaminess to your tacos.
• Resting Time: Letting cooked meat rest before shredding allows juices to redistribute, making every bite juicy and flavorful.

Best Side Dishes for Birria Tacos

Pairing side dishes with birria tacos can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with tomato and spices complements the richness of the tacos.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide protein and fiber, making them an ideal side.
3. Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn coated with mayonnaise, cheese, and chili powder is a tasty addition.
4. Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime adds brightness to your plate.
5. Corn Salad: A refreshing salad with corn, bell peppers, onions, and lime enhances the overall flavor profile.
6. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips paired with salsa make for a fun appetizer before diving into the main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your birria tacos turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Skipping the soaking step: Not soaking the chiles can lead to a bland flavor. Always soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes to enhance their taste.
• Using low-quality meat: Low-quality beef can make your tacos tough and chewy. Opt for a well-marbled beef chuck roast for tenderness and flavor.
• Rushing the cooking process: Cooking birria too quickly may not allow the flavors to develop fully. Slow-cook the beef for at least 8 hours for the best results.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient differs in flavor intensity. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to achieve perfect balance.
• Overfilling the tortillas: Stuffing too much filling into each taco can lead to messy eating. Keep it moderate to enjoy every bite without spills.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure the birria is cooled before sealing.

Freezing Birria Tacos

• Freeze individual tacos wrapped in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Birria Tacos

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tacos in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat on a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about birria tacos that might help you during your cooking experience.

What are Birria Tacos?

Birria tacos are flavorful Mexican tacos filled with slow-cooked beef, often served with a rich dipping sauce called consommé.

Can I use chicken instead of beef for Birria Tacos?

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

How do I make Birria Tacos crispy?

To achieve crispy tacos, pan-fry the tortillas in oil after filling them with cheese and meat, allowing them to get golden brown on both sides.

Is there a vegetarian option for Birria Tacos?

Absolutely! Substitute mushrooms or jackfruit as a filling alongside spices and broth to mimic traditional flavors without meat.

Final Thoughts

These beef birria tacos are not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Customize them with toppings like avocado or salsa for extra flavor. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s sure to impress family and friends!