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Birria Tacos

Savory Birria Tacos That’ll Transform Your Taco Night

Indulge in the flavors of Birria Tacos, featuring tender shredded beef in crispy tortillas, customizable for everyone’s taste.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 tacos
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Chili Paste
  • 5 pieces Dried Guajillo Peppers Substitution: Use dried ancho peppers for a milder taste.
  • 3 pieces Dried Ancho Chiles Can replace with additional guajillo peppers if necessary.
  • 2 pieces Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Substitution: Use fresh jalapeños for a lighter spice level.
  • 1 cup Onion, chopped Yellow or white onions work well.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Substitution: Use garlic powder in a pinch.
  • 0.5 cup Crushed Tomatoes Fresh tomatoes can be used if in season.
  • 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar Substitution: White vinegar can be used if needed.
  • 2 pieces Bay Leaves Omit if unavailable.
  • 2 tbsp Mexican Oregano Substitution: Regular oregano can be used.
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme Can be omitted.
  • 0.5 tsp Cumin Optional for milder flavors.
  • 0.5 tsp Ground Cinnamon Omit if preferred.
  • 0.5 tsp Smoked Paprika Substitution: Regular paprika for a non-smoky version.
  • 0.5 tsp Ground Allspice Omit if not on hand.
Meat
  • 3 lbs Organic Chuck Roast Beef, chopped Alternative: Lamb or shredded chicken for variation.
  • 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil Any cooking oil can be used.
Tacos
  • 12 pieces Organic Corn Tortillas Substitute with flour tortillas for a different texture.
  • 1 cup Shredded Oaxaca Cheese Alternative: Vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro Omit if desired.
  • Pico de Gallo Use homemade or store-bought.
Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Omit if fresh garlic is preferred.
  • 0.5 Diced Onion Use the same or different type of onion.
  • 2 cups Water Can use more beef stock if preferred.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Blender
  • Skillet

Method
 

Chili Paste Preparation
  1. Remove the stems and seeds from the dried guajillo and ancho chiles. Boil beef stock, then soak the chiles for 15-20 minutes until softened.
  2. Transfer the softened chiles to a blender and add crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, and allspice. Blend until smooth.
Beef Browning
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the chopped beef with sea salt and black pepper, then sear in the pot for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Simmering
  1. In the same Dutch oven, add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the chili paste.
  2. Pour in the remaining beef stock and water, stirring to combine. Return the seared beef back into the pot, ensuring it’s fully submerged.
  3. Let it simmer briefly for another 5 minutes on low heat.
Braising
  1. Cover the Dutch oven tightly with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Braise the beef for about 2.5 hours, or until fork-tender.
  2. Remove from the oven and allow the beef to cool slightly before shredding.
Taco Assembly
  1. In a shallow bowl, pour some consomé from the pot. Dip each tortilla briefly into the consomé.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Fry the dipped tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side, adding shredded beef and cheese.
  3. Cook until the cheese is melty and the tortilla is golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes total.
Serving
  1. Place the crispy Birria Tacos on a serving plate and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve with warm consomé and toppings like pico de gallo.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tacoCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 20mg

Notes

Double tortilla for sturdiness. Toast tortillas for best texture. Store leftovers separately for freshness.

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