Birria Tacos Recipe is a delicious fusion of tender, spiced meat and crispy, cheesy tortillas, served with a rich dipping consomé for an unforgettable flavor experience.
Birria tacos are a culinary marvel, blending rich, spiced meat with crispy tortillas and gooey cheese. This birria tacos recipe (also known as tacos de birria or quesabirria tacos) is nothing short of a showstopper. At its core, it starts with tender birria de res (beef stew) that’s slow-cooked to perfection. The result? Juicy, cheesy tacos paired with a flavorful consomé for dipping. Whether you’re using an oven, Instant Pot, or slow cooker, this recipe ensures success at every step. Let’s dive into the process!
Looking for more delicious meal ideas? Try these flavorful recipes: Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe for a fun twist on traditional lasagna, Yum Yum Sauce Recipe for a creamy, savory topping perfect for any dish, Mini Meatloaf Recipe for a quick and easy dinner, Barilla Lasagna Recipe for a classic Italian meal, and Salisbury Steak Recipe for a comforting, hearty dish. Each one is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings!
What Are Birria and Birria Tacos?
What Is Birria?
Birria, originating from Jalisco, Mexico, is a traditional dish usually made with goat or lamb, but beef has become a popular option. At first, it was served as a stew with consomé, perfect for chilly days. However, this iconic dish has evolved into birria tacos, which have taken the food world by storm.
What Are Birria Tacos?
Birria tacos are made by filling corn tortillas with braised meat, frying them in the flavorful fat from the stew, and often adding cheese. The tacos are served alongside a bowl of the consomé for dipping. Basically, they are a Mexican food lover’s dream. While they may look intricate, the process is straightforward when broken into simple steps.
Ingredients for Birria Tacos Recipe
Essential Ingredients:
- Dried Chiles: Guajillo, ancho, and chiles de árbol are key for creating a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Mexican Oregano: Its fragrant aroma sets it apart from Italian oregano.
- Mexican Cinnamon: Snappy and brittle, it enhances the dish with subtle sweetness.
- Meat: Chuck roast, short ribs, and oxtail are excellent options for tender, flavorful birria.
These ingredients can be found in most Latin markets, making it easier to follow this birria tacos recipe authentically.
How to Make Birria
1. Prepare the Meat
- Firstly, bring the meat to room temperature and season it generously with salt.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, sear the meat on all sides to lock in the flavor.
2. Create the Sauce
- Soak dried chiles, tomatoes, onion, and garlic in water and simmer for 20 minutes. This softens them, making the sauce smooth and rich.
- After that, blend the mixture with beef broth until velvety smooth.
3. Braise the Birria
- Add the meat back to the pot and pour the sauce over it.
- Then, simmer gently and cover the pot before transferring it to the oven. Cook for about 3–3.5 hours, or until the meat easily shreds with a fork.
How to Make Birria Tacos Recipe
1. Shred the Meat
Once the birria is cooked, remove the meat from the sauce and shred it with two forks. Set it aside.
2. Prepare the Consomé
- Skim some fat from the sauce and set it aside for frying the tortillas.
- Mix chopped onions, cilantro, and lime juice into the remaining consomé for added freshness.
3. Assemble the Tacos
- Dip a tortilla in the reserved fat and place it in a hot skillet.
- Afterward, fill the tortilla with shredded birria and a handful of Oaxacan or mozzarella cheese.
- Fold the tortilla and fry until crispy and golden brown on both sides.
Tips for Perfect Birria Tacos Recipe
- Cuts of Meat: While beef is common, lamb or goat can also be used for a traditional twist.
- Make Ahead: Birria improves in flavor over time. Prepare the meat and sauce a day before serving.
- Tortillas: Use fresh corn tortillas for the best texture and taste.
Can I Make This in an Instant Pot or Slow Cooker?
Instant Pot Instructions:
- First, make the sauce as described.
- Use the sauté function to sear the meat directly in the pot.
- Add the sauce and set it to “Stew” or high pressure for 50 minutes.
Slow Cooker Instructions:
- Sear the meat and prepare the sauce as usual.
- Combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on high for 6–7 hours.
Birria Tacos Recipe Step-by-Step
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds chuck roast or short ribs
- 6 dried guajillo chiles
- 3 dried ancho chiles
- 3 dried chiles de árbol
- 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 5 cloves garlic
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1 large white onion
- Beef broth
- Corn tortillas
- Oaxacan or mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meat
- At first, bring the meat to room temperature and season with salt.
- Heat a pot over medium-high and sear the meat.
- Make the Sauce
- Simmer chiles, tomatoes, onion, and garlic in water for 20 minutes.
- Blend the softened ingredients with oregano, cinnamon, and broth.
- Cook the Birria
- Pour the sauce over the meat and simmer gently.
- Transfer the pot to the oven and braise for 3–3.5 hours.
- Assemble the Tacos
- Afterward, shred the meat and dip tortillas in the reserved fat.
- Fry the tortillas in a skillet, add cheese and meat, and fold into tacos.
- Serve
- Finally, serve the tacos hot with consomé for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these birria tacos with lime wedges, pickled onions, or avocado slices for added flavor.
- A side of Mexican rice or beans complements the dish perfectly.
Best Birria Tacos Recipe
Firstly, select the perfect cut of meat for the best birria tacos. Traditionally, birria uses goat or lamb, but beef works well for its tender texture and rich flavor. So, choose cuts like chuck roast or short ribs for a hearty dish. During preparation, blend dried chiles such as guajillo, ancho, and chiles de árbol with aromatic spices to create a flavorful marinade. This step infuses the meat with its signature taste before braising it to perfection.
Then, cook the meat until it becomes tender, and prepare the consomé from the braising liquid for added depth. Before making the tacos, dip tortillas into the fat that rises to the surface of the consomé, then fry them until slightly crispy. Finally, fill the tacos with juicy meat, melted cheese, and garnish with fresh cilantro and onion. Serve with a bowl of consomé for dipping, ensuring a flavorful bite every time.
Quesabirria Tacos Recipe
Quesabirria tacos combine the best of birria and cheesy quesadillas. At first, cook the meat in a rich, spiced broth, just like traditional birria. Then, dip the tortillas in the flavorful fat from the consomé and fry them until golden. This adds a crispy texture that complements the cheese and meat.
Afterward, add shredded cheese, preferably Oaxacan or mozzarella, to the tortilla along with the tender birria meat. Fold the taco and cook until the cheese melts perfectly. Finally, serve the tacos with a side of consomé for dipping, giving a cheesy twist to the classic birria tacos.
Birria Tacos Recipe Easy
Firstly, this easy birria tacos recipe simplifies the traditional process without sacrificing flavor. Instead of slow-braising for hours, use an Instant Pot or pressure cooker to speed up the cooking time. So, you can enjoy tender, flavorful meat in under an hour.
After that, dip the tortillas in the broth’s fat and fry them quickly, making them crispy yet pliable. Then, fill the tacos with meat, cheese, and garnishes, creating a satisfying and quick version of the dish. Finally, this recipe is perfect for weeknights when you crave authentic birria flavors without the long wait.
Birria Tacos Recipe Authentic
Authentic birria tacos recipe highlights the traditional preparation methods from Jalisco, Mexico. At first, marinate the goat or lamb meat in a blend of dried chiles, cinnamon, garlic, and other spices to ensure deep, authentic flavors. Then, slow-braise the meat until it becomes tender and absorbs the spices fully.
During cooking, the consomé will develop its rich, spiced taste, which is crucial for an authentic experience. Afterward, dip the tortillas in the fat and pan-fry them before stuffing them with the braised meat and cheese. Finally, serve the tacos with lime, cilantro, and a side of consomé, delivering a truly traditional Mexican flavor.
Birria Recipe
Firstly, birria is a savory stew known for its bold flavors and tender meat. Traditionally, use goat meat, but beef or lamb work well too. So, start by marinating the meat in a mixture of dried chiles, garlic, cumin, and cinnamon to create a flavorful base.
Then, slow-cook the meat until it falls apart effortlessly, producing a rich and hearty dish. During cooking, the spices and meat juices will combine, resulting in a deeply aromatic consomé. Finally, serve birria in a bowl with warm tortillas or use it as a filling for birria tacos.
Birria Tacos Recipe Slow Cooker
A slow cooker makes birria tacos easy and convenient. At first, combine the meat and spice mixture in the slow cooker, eliminating the need for constant monitoring. Because the slow cooker maintains low and steady heat, the meat becomes tender over several hours.
After that, the flavorful broth and fat will rise to the top, perfect for dipping tortillas. Then, fry the tortillas and assemble them with meat, cheese, and toppings. Finally, this slow cooker version ensures all the authentic flavors with minimal effort.
Birria Tacos Recipe on Stove
Firstly, making birria tacos on the stove requires attention to detail to achieve tender meat. Start by browning the meat to lock in flavor, then simmer it in a pot with spices and broth. During the slow cooking process, the flavors will meld together beautifully.
Afterward, dip the tortillas in the fat and pan-fry them directly on the stove. Then, stuff the tacos with the shredded meat and melted cheese, creating a fresh and crispy meal. Finally, cooking on the stove lets you adjust flavors as you go, ensuring the perfect birria tacos.
Shrimp Birria Tacos Recipe
Shrimp birria tacos offer a seafood twist on the classic dish. At first, prepare a spiced marinade using dried chiles, garlic, and spices, just like traditional birria. Then, cook fresh shrimp quickly, allowing them to absorb the rich flavors of the marinade.
Afterward, dip the tortillas in the sauce and fry them to achieve a crispy texture. Finally, fill the tacos with the spiced shrimp, cheese, and fresh garnishes, serving with a side of consomé for dipping. This variation provides a lighter yet equally delicious option for birria lovers.
Conclusion
Birria tacos are more than just a trend—they’re a celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures. This birria tacos recipe combines tender, spiced meat with crispy tortillas and melty cheese, resulting in a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delicious meal that will wow everyone at the table!
FAQs About Birria Tacos Recipe
Firstly, birria tacos consist of tortillas filled with tender, flavorful meat. So, the meat is typically marinated in a blend of spices and then braised until it becomes soft and juicy. After that, the tacos are usually dipped in the flavorful consomé and fried to a crispy texture.
The sauce, or consomé, is made from the broth created during the slow-cooking of the meat. Firstly, blend dried chiles like guajillo and ancho with spices such as garlic, cumin, and oregano. Then, pour the mixture into the braising liquid, creating a rich, spicy, and savory sauce that enhances the birria tacos.
Firstly, the best cuts of meat for birria tacos are beef chuck, short ribs, or goat. So, beef chuck offers a good balance of flavor and tenderness, while short ribs provide extra richness. Another great option is goat meat, which is traditional and offers a unique, robust flavor.
Birria broth is made from the juices released by the meat during cooking. At first, marinate the meat in a mixture of dried chiles, garlic, and spices. Then, slow-cook the meat until it becomes tender, and the broth takes on a rich, deep flavor from the meat, chiles, and seasonings.
Firstly, corn tortillas are the best choice for birria tacos due to their traditional flavor. So, they hold up well when dipped in consomé and fried. Afterward, corn tortillas help provide a sturdy base to contain the juicy meat and cheese, making them ideal for the dish.
Don’t miss out! Follow me on Facebook now and join the community.
Birria Tacos Recipe
Did you like the recipe? Click on a star to rate it!
Ingredients
For the Birria:
- 3 lbs beef chuck short ribs, or goat (cut into chunks)
- 4 dried guajillo chiles
- 2 dried ancho chiles
- 2 dried chiles de arbol optional, for spice
- 1 onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic peeled
- 2 tomatoes chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 1 cinnamon stick Mexican cinnamon preferred
- 4 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 2 cups Oaxacan cheese or mozzarella shredded
- Corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 lime cut into wedges
For the Consomé (Broth):
- 1-2 cups of reserved broth from the birria
- 1 tablespoon cilantro chopped
- 1 small onion minced
- 1 lime squeezed
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Birria:
- Firstly, bring the beef to room temperature and season generously with salt and pepper.
- So, heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add oil and sear the meat in batches for about 3 minutes per side. Remove the meat and set it aside.
- Then, in the same pot, add the dried guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles, chopped onion, tomatoes, garlic, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon stick. Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer for 20 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Afterward, transfer the softened vegetables and chiles to a blender, along with some of the broth. Blend until smooth, then pour the sauce back into the pot with the meat.
- Finally, bring it to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 3-3.5 hours until the meat is tender and shreds easily.
Shred the Meat:
- At first, remove the meat from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly.
- So, shred the meat using two forks.
- Then, strain the sauce (consomé) into a separate bowl, discarding the solids, and set the broth aside for later use.
Prepare the Tacos:
- Firstly, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- So, dip each corn tortilla into the top layer of the reserved consomé to soak up some of the flavorful fat.
- Then, add the tortilla to the hot skillet and cook until it becomes slightly crispy on one side.
- Afterward, flip the tortilla and add a handful of shredded meat and a small handful of shredded cheese on top. Fold the tortilla into a taco shape.
- Also, cook the taco on both sides until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serve:
- Finally, transfer the tacos to a plate. Serve with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and a small bowl of consomé for dipping.
Make It And Enjoy