If you love flavorful, juicy, and cheesy tacos, then this Beef Birria Tacos recipe is a must-try! Originating from Jalisco, Mexico, birria is a slow-cooked, tender, and richly spiced beef stew that is served in tacos, often dipped into its flavorful broth for an extra punch of taste. These tacos are crispy, cheesy, and absolutely mouthwatering. Perfect for a cozy dinner, a party, or a weekend feast!
In this recipe, beef is slow-cooked with dried chilies, aromatic spices, and a touch of vinegar, creating an incredibly rich and complex flavor. The meat is then shredded, stuffed into corn tortillas with melted cheese, and fried until crispy. The result? A taco that is crunchy, juicy, cheesy, and packed with authentic Mexican flavors.
What Are Birria Tacos?
Birria tacos, also known as “Tacos de Birria”, originate from the Mexican state of Jalisco and have become incredibly popular worldwide. These crispy, cheesy, and juicy tacos are made by stuffing slow-cooked, spiced beef into corn tortillas dipped in consommé (rich birria broth) before frying them to golden perfection.
The secret to the best birria tacos is in the slow-cooked beef, which is braised in a blend of dried chilies, garlic, tomatoes, and aromatic spices until incredibly tender. The tacos are then assembled with melted cheese and served with a side of consommé for dipping. The combination of crunchy, juicy, and spicy flavors makes these tacos truly irresistible!
Ingredients
For the Birria (Beef Stew):
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast (or short ribs, cut into chunks)
- 6 dried guajillo chilies
- 2 dried ancho chilies
- 2 dried pasilla chilies (optional, for extra depth)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Tacos:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or Oaxaca cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup finely diced white onion
- Lime wedges, for serving
How to Make Beef Birria Tacos
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) if cooking the birria in the oven. If using a slow cooker, set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
2. Remove stems and seeds from all dried chilies. In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the chilies for about 30 seconds per side, until fragrant. Transfer the chilies to a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes until softened.
3. In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, beef broth, chopped onion, garlic, tomatoes, vinegar, and all the spices. Blend until smooth. If needed, add more broth for a pourable consistency.
4. In a large Dutch oven or slow cooker, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef chunks until browned on all sides (about 4-5 minutes per side). Pour the blended sauce over the beef. Add bay leaves and stir. Cover and simmer on low heat for 3-4 hours (or Instant Pot on high pressure for 45 minutes). The meat should be fall-apart tender.
5. Once cooked, remove the beef and shred it using two forks. Strain the broth to remove solids, leaving a rich, flavorful consomé (dipping sauce).
6. Heat a pan or griddle over medium heat. Dip a corn tortilla into the birria broth to coat it lightly. Place the tortilla onto the pan, then add shredded beef and cheese on one half. Fold the tortilla in half and press down gently. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime. Serve with a small bowl of consomé on the side for dipping. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and juicy birria tacos!
How to Assemble & Fry Birria Tacos
Dip and Fry the Tortillas
Heat a pan or griddle over medium heat. Dip a corn tortilla into the birria broth to coat it lightly. Place the tortilla onto the pan, then add shredded beef and cheese on one half.
Cook Until Crispy
Fold the tortilla in half and press down gently. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime. Serve with a small bowl of consomé on the side for dipping.
What to Serve with Birria Tacos
Birria tacos are perfect on their own, but they pair beautifully with these sides:
- Mexican Rice – A classic, flavorful side to complete the meal.
- Refried Beans – Creamy, seasoned beans balance the spice of the tacos.
- Pickled Jalapeños – Adds a tangy, spicy contrast to the rich meat.
- Fresh Guacamole – The creaminess complements the bold flavors.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote) – Grilled, cheesy, and full of flavor!
Tips for the Best Birria Tacos
- Use a mix of dried chilies for the best depth of flavor.
- Let the meat slow cook for ultimate tenderness.
- Dip the tortilla in broth before frying for extra crispiness.
- Use Oaxaca cheese for an authentic melt, or mozzarella as a great substitute.
- Serve fresh! These tacos taste best when hot and crispy.
Variations of Birria Tacos
- Chicken Birria Tacos – Swap beef for shredded chicken.
- Lamb Birria – Traditional Jalisco-style birria uses goat or lamb.
- Vegetarian Birria Tacos – Try using jackfruit or mushrooms instead of meat.
- Spicy Birria – Add extra chipotle chilies for more heat.
History of Birria Tacos
Birria originated in Jalisco, Mexico, where it was traditionally made with goat meat and slow-cooked in an underground oven. Over time, beef became the more common meat choice. In recent years, birria tacos gained massive popularity in the U.S. and worldwide, thanks to their crispy, cheesy, and juicy appeal.
These tacos became famous on social media, with street food vendors in places like Los Angeles, New York, and Mexico City creating viral videos of their cheesy birria tacos dipped in consommé.
Why You’ll Love These Birria Tacos
- Packed with bold Mexican flavors
- Cheesy, crispy, and juicy
- Perfect for parties or family meals
- Easy to make with slow cooker or stovetop options
This Ultimate Beef Birria Tacos Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, game day, or a fiesta, they’re sure to impress.
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