My Fave Birria Tacos: A Flavorful Mexican Classic

There’s nothing quite like the combination of tender, slow-cooked meat and crispy tortillas, and birria tacos deliver that in the most delicious way possible. This iconic Mexican dish has gained popularity worldwide for its rich, flavorful broth and mouthwatering tacos. Birria is traditionally made with goat meat, but beef is often used as a more accessible substitute—and it works wonderfully. With its slow-cooked beef in a vibrant, spicy broth and served in warm, cheesy tortillas, birria tacos are a must-try for anyone craving a comforting, flavorful meal.

This recipe is perfect for weekend gatherings or a special dinner with family and friends. The beef chuck roast or short ribs are simmered to perfection in a blend of aromatic spices, dried chilies, and beef broth, creating a deep, savory base. The beef becomes so tender that it practically falls apart, ready to be stuffed into corn tortillas, topped with melted cheese, and garnished with fresh cilantro. It’s a dish that will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich, Bold Flavors

The combination of guajillo, ancho, and chipotle chilies infuses the beef with a smoky, spicy kick, while the cinnamon adds a subtle sweetness that balances the heat.

2. Tender, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef

Cooking the beef low and slow results in melt-in-your-mouth, juicy meat that’s perfect for tacos.

3. Perfectly Crispy Tacos

When the birria is stuffed into corn tortillas and fried with cheese, it creates the perfect balance of crispy and gooey textures.

4. Customizable Heat

Adjust the spice level to your taste—use fewer chilies for a milder flavor or add extra chipotle for more heat.

5. Make-Ahead Friendly

You can make the birria ahead of time, and the flavors only improve as they sit, making this an ideal dish for meal prep or hosting a party.

Ingredients

For the Birria:

• Beef chuck roast or short ribs
• Dried guajillo chilies, seeds removed
• Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
• Dried ancho chilies, seeds removed
• Roma tomatoes, chopped
• Onion, quartered
• Garlic cloves
• Beef broth
• Apple cider vinegar
• Ground cumin
• Oregano
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tacos:

• Corn tortillas
• Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges, for serving

Variations

• Meat Options: While beef is traditional, you can also make birria with lamb, goat, or even chicken for a different flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add more chipotle peppers or a few extra dried chilies to make the broth spicier and the tacos even bolder.
• Toppings: Try adding diced onions, radishes, or salsa to your tacos for extra crunch and flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian birria taco, swap the beef for jackfruit, which has a similar texture when cooked and shredded.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chilies and Sauce

Start by removing the seeds from the dried guajillo and ancho chilies. Toast them lightly in a dry skillet for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes to rehydrate. Once softened, blend the chilies with the chipotle pepper in adobo, chopped Roma tomatoes, onion, garlic, and a bit of beef broth until smooth.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Season the beef with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat and brown the beef on all sides. This step adds flavor and depth to the meat.

Step 3: Simmer the Birria

Add the blended sauce to the pot with the beef. Pour in the remaining beef broth and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 2.5-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 4: Shred the Beef

Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the broth to soak in all that delicious flavor.

Step 5: Prepare the Tacos

To assemble the tacos, heat a skillet over medium heat. Warm the corn tortillas and then dip them into the birria broth to soak up the flavor. Place a tortilla in the skillet, add some shredded beef, and top with shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until the cheese is melted and the outside of the tortilla is crispy and golden.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the tacos hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for a burst of brightness. Enjoy with a side of the birria broth for dipping!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Browning the Meat: Don’t skip the step of browning the beef—this caramelization adds extra depth of flavor to the birria.
• Making the Broth: If the broth reduces too much during cooking, you can add more beef broth or water as needed.
• Crispy Tacos: For an extra crispy shell, lightly fry the tortillas in some oil after dipping them in the broth.
• Keep the Broth for Dipping: The leftover birria broth makes a great dipping sauce for your tacos and adds even more flavor.

How to Serve

Birria tacos are perfect on their own as a main dish, but they’re also great when served with a side of rice, beans, or a fresh salad. Squeeze some lime over the tacos for added zest, and serve with a cold drink to balance the richness of the tacos. You can even serve the remaining birria broth as a soup to dip the tacos in for extra flavor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover birria and broth in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also store the shredded beef in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Freezing

To freeze the birria, let it cool completely before transferring the beef and broth to a freezer-safe container. Reheat it in a pot on the stove when ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat the birria by gently warming it on the stove over low heat. If the meat has been frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can cook the birria in a slow cooker. After browning the beef, transfer it to the slow cooker, add the sauce and broth, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender.

2. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, lamb, goat, or chicken can all be used in place of beef. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.

3. How can I make the broth spicier?

To increase the heat, add more chipotle peppers or some extra dried chilies, such as arbol or pasilla.

4. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

While corn tortillas are traditional and give the best flavor, you can use flour tortillas if preferred.

5. How do I make the tacos extra crispy?

After assembling the tacos, you can fry them in oil for a few minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

6. Can I make birria without apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy note that balances the richness of the beef. You can substitute it with regular vinegar or omit it if needed.

7. Can I skip soaking the dried chilies?

Soaking the chilies softens them, making them easier to blend into the sauce. While you could skip this step, it’s recommended for the best texture and flavor.

8. How do I store leftover birria tacos?

Store the leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in a skillet to maintain the crispy texture.

9. Can I make the birria ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the birria a day or two in advance. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it an ideal dish for meal prep.

10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use corn tortillas and ensure the broth and other ingredients don’t contain any gluten.

Conclusion

My fave birria tacos are the ultimate comfort food, combining rich, tender beef with crispy tortillas and gooey cheese. This recipe brings the deep flavors of Mexico straight to your kitchen, and whether you’re making it for a crowd or a family dinner, it’s sure to be a hit. With its blend of spices, smoky chilies, and melt-in-your-mouth beef, birria tacos are a dish you’ll crave again and again. Enjoy them with your favorite toppings and dipping broth for a truly unforgettable meal.

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