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 combination of spices and slow-cooked beef makes each bite rich and satisfying.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for family dinners, parties, or even game day gatherings. These tacos will impress everyone!
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal active cooking time, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen.
• Mouthwatering Dipping Sauce: The consommé adds an extra layer of flavor that elevates the whole dish.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can adjust heat levels or toppings to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your birria tacos, gather the essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet
• Slow cooker or Dutch oven
• Blender
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet: Perfect for achieving a crispy tortilla texture when frying.
• Slow cooker or Dutch oven: Ensures even cooking and tenderizes the beef beautifully.
• Blender: Makes blending sauces easy and smooth for a perfect dipping experience.

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

Start by removing stems and seeds from the guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles. Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast them lightly until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

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

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Place the beef chuck roast in a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Pour the blended sauce over it. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until tender. If using a Dutch oven, cover and simmer on low heat for about 4 hours.

Step 4: Assemble Tacos

Once the beef is tender, shred it with two forks. Heat corn tortillas in a cast iron skillet until slightly crispy. Fill each tortilla with shredded beef and top with diced onion and chopped cilantro. Add Oaxacan cheese before folding.

Step 5: Serve with Consommé

Ladle some of the delicious consommé into small bowls for dipping. Enjoy your birria tacos hot!

How to Serve Birria Tacos

Birria tacos are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer them simple or loaded with toppings, there are plenty of serving suggestions to elevate your taco experience.

Classic Presentation

• Serve the tacos with a side of warm consommé for dipping.
• Garnish with diced onion and cilantro for a fresh burst of flavor.

Toppings Galore

• Add avocado slices for creaminess.
• Top with crumbled queso fresco for a salty finish.

Flavorful Salsas

• Pair with a spicy salsa verde to add heat.
• A mango salsa can provide a sweet contrast to the savory meat.

Side Enhancements

• Offer lime wedges on the side for an acidic kick.
• Serve with pickled red onions for tanginess.

How to Perfect Birria Tacos

Creating the perfect birria tacos involves some key steps. Here are essential tips to ensure your tacos turn out delicious every time.

• Choose quality meat: Select beef chuck roast for tender, flavorful results.
• Soak the chiles: Rehydrate guajillo and ancho chiles in hot water for better blending.
• Blend spices well: Ensure all spices and ingredients are blended into a smooth paste for even distribution of flavors.
• Cook low and slow: Simmer the beef slowly to allow flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.
• Crisp tortillas: Fry corn tortillas in a bit of oil before filling them for added texture.
• Experiment with toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings to find your perfect combination.

Best Side Dishes for Birria Tacos

Pairing side dishes with birria tacos can enhance your meal. Here’s a list of delicious accompaniments that complement the rich flavors of birria.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices makes a great base.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy beans add protein and balance out the meal.
3. Elote: Grilled corn on the cob topped with cheese and chili powder adds sweetness.
4. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip provides a refreshing contrast.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa are always a hit.
6. Pickled Vegetables: A tangy mix of pickled veggies can brighten up your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Birria tacos can be a delightful treat, but making them can come with challenges. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the soaking process: Not soaking the chiles properly can lead to a bitter flavor. Make sure to soak them in hot water until they are soft.
• Overcooking the meat: Cooking the beef chuck roast for too long can dry it out. Stick to the recipe’s recommended cook time for tender meat.
• Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season the broth adequately can result in bland tacos. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed during cooking.
• Using low-quality tortillas: Choosing cheap tortillas can ruin your birria tacos’ texture. Opt for fresh corn or cassava flour tortillas for the best results.
• Not straining the consommé: Failing to strain the sauce before serving can leave unwanted bits. Always strain your consommé for a smooth dipping sauce.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover birria tacos in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Birria Tacos

• Wrap individual tacos in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
• You can freeze them 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.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking often.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add tacos and warm for about 2-3 minutes per side until crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Birria Tacos?

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

How do I make my Birria Tacos crispy?

To achieve crispy birria tacos, fry corn tortillas in oil until golden brown, then fill them with meat and cheese before frying again briefly.

Can I make Birria Tacos ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the birria filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer, then assemble and fry your tacos when ready.

What kind of cheese is best for Birria Tacos?

Oaxacan cheese is ideal due to its meltability, but you can also use mozzarella or Monterey Jack as substitutes.

Are Birria Tacos spicy?

The spiciness depends on the type of chiles used. Guajillo chiles provide mild heat, while arbol chiles add more spice. Adjust according to your preference!

Final Thoughts

Birria tacos are a satisfying dish that brings bold flavors and textures together. Whether you enjoy them as a quick weeknight meal or serve them at gatherings, these tacos offer endless customization options like toppings and sauces. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; you may find yourself making it again and again!