Go Back

Birria Tacos

Delicious slow-cooked beef tacos served with a flavorful dipping broth that captures the essence of Mexican tradition.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 tacos
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Birria
  • 3 lbs chuck roast or beef shank (cut into chunks) Use quality meat for tenderness.
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 4 pcs dried guajillo chiles (stems and seeds removed)
  • 2 pcs dried ancho chiles (stems and seeds removed)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 large onion (quartered)
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For the Tacos
  • 12 pcs corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
  • 1 pcs lime wedges (for serving)
  • optional pickled red onions

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add the guajillo and ancho chiles. Let them soak for about 15 minutes until they soften.
  2. In a blender, combine the softened chiles, beef broth (about 1 cup), garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, and cinnamon. Blend until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Pour the chili marinade over the browned beef. Add the remaining beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to low, and let it cook for 2.5 to 3 hours or until the meat is tender and shreddable.
  2. Once the meat is fully cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the beef with two forks and set aside. Strain the cooking liquid and reserve for dipping.
Serving
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, warm the corn tortillas one by one. Add a generous amount of shredded meat and sprinkle with cheese. Fold the tortillas in half and cook until crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Serve the tacos hot, garnished with cilantro, lime wedges, and optional pickled onions. Don’t forget a small bowl of the reserved dipping broth for extra flavor!

Notes

Adapt for Dietary Preferences: Swap the beef for chicken or use jackfruit for a vegetarian version. Adjust the number of chiles based on your heat tolerance. Store leftover filling and broth separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. For extra crunch, try pan-frying the folded tacos in a little oil once filled.