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

• Rich Flavor: The blend of spices and slow-cooked beef creates a depth of flavor that is unique and satisfying.
• Easy Preparation: With minimal hands-on time, this recipe allows you to enjoy delicious birria tacos without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or casual weeknight meals; these tacos are sure to impress.
• Crispy Texture: The tortillas get a delightful crispness when fried, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to each bite.
• Delicious Dipping Sauce: The accompanying consommé enhances the flavors and makes this dish even more special.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare these delicious birria tacos efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or heavy pot
• Blender
• Large mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Skillet

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or heavy pot: Ideal for slow-cooking the beef evenly while infusing it with rich flavors from the spices.
• Blender: Perfect for making a smooth sauce from the chiles and tomatoes, ensuring all the flavors meld together beautifully.

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Ingredients

For the Beef 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 Serving

• 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 the stems and seeds from the guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

Transfer the toasted chiles to a blender. Add the Roma tomatoes, quartered onion, unpeeled garlic cloves, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and beef broth. Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat, add the beef chunks. Pour the blended sauce over them. Add bay leaves. Bring it to a boil before reducing heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 8 hours or until tender.

Step 4: Prepare Tortillas

Once your beef is cooked and tender, remove it from the pot. Shred it using forks. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Dip corn tortillas into the reserved consommé briefly then place them in the skillet until crispy.

Step 5: Assemble Tacos

Fill each tortilla with shredded beef and top with diced onion and chopped cilantro. Add slices of Oaxacan cheese before folding in half.

Step 6: Serve with Consommé

Serve your birria tacos warm with a small bowl of consommé on the side for dipping. Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Birria Tacos

Serving birria tacos is a delightful experience that can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy them with traditional toppings or prefer a unique twist, these serving suggestions will elevate your taco night.

Classic Toppings

• Diced White Onion: Adds a crunchy texture and fresh flavor.
• Chopped Cilantro: Offers a burst of herbal freshness that complements the rich beef.
• Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice for an added zesty kick.

Dipping Sauce

• Consommé: Serve the flavorful broth alongside your tacos for dipping. This enhances the overall taste and keeps the tacos moist.

Cheese Options

• Oaxacan Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creaminess to each bite.
• Queso Fresco: Crumbly and mild, this cheese provides a nice contrast to the savory beef.

Spicy Kick

• Salsa Verde: A tangy green salsa that adds heat and brightness.
• Pickled Jalapeños: For those who love a spicy crunch, pickled jalapeños are perfect.

How to Perfect Birria Tacos

Perfecting birria tacos takes some practice, but following these tips will help you achieve delicious results every time.

• Bold Spice Blending: Toast your dried chilies before blending for richer flavors in the sauce.
• Patience in Cooking: Slow-cooking the beef allows it to become tender and absorb all the spices.
• Crispy Tortillas: Fry your tortillas in a bit of oil until crispy before filling them for added texture.
• Layer Flavors: Use both fresh and dried herbs to deepen the flavor profile of your birria.

Best Side Dishes for Birria Tacos

Pairing side dishes with birria tacos can enhance your meal and provide balance. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices, perfect for soaking up juices.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy beans seasoned with garlic and onion offer a comforting side.
3. Guacamole: Smooth avocado dip adds richness and creaminess to your plate.
4. Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob topped with cheese, mayo, and chili powder for a sweet-spicy treat.
5. Nopalitos Salad: Fresh cactus paddles mixed with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for a refreshing crunch.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled until caramelized serve as a colorful side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can make your birria tacos even more delicious. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the soaking of chiles: Not soaking the chiles can lead to a gritty texture. Always soak guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles in hot water for about 15 minutes before blending.

• Overcooking the beef: Cooking the beef for too long can make it dry and tough. Monitor cooking times closely; aim for tenderness without losing moisture.

• Ignoring seasoning balance: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning may result in bland tacos. After cooking, taste your broth and adjust salt or spices as needed.

• Using low-quality tortillas: Cheap tortillas can fall apart easily. Opt for high-quality corn or cassava flour tortillas for better structure and flavor.

• Neglecting the garnishes: Skipping garnishes like onions and cilantro can diminish flavor depth. Always add fresh toppings for balance and freshness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover birria tacos in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the meat and tortillas separate to maintain texture.

Freezing Birria Tacos

• Freeze cooked birria meat in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
• Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.

Reheating Birria Tacos

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat tacos on a microwave-safe plate for about 30-60 seconds, checking regularly.
• Stovetop: Warm a skillet over medium heat. Add tacos and heat on each side until crispy, about 3-4 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Birria Tacos?

Birria tacos are delicious Mexican tacos filled with slow-cooked beef, often served with a flavorful dipping sauce known as consommé.

How do I make the best Birria Tacos?

To make the best birria tacos, use quality ingredients, particularly flavorful spices, and let the beef simmer long enough to break down into tender bites.

Can I customize my Birria Tacos?

Absolutely! You can customize by adding different toppings such as avocado, lime wedges, or your favorite salsa for added flavor.

What is the difference between Birria Tacos and Quesabirria?

Quesabirria is a variation where cheese is added inside the taco before frying it crisp. This gives an extra layer of flavor and texture compared to traditional birria tacos.

Final Thoughts

These beef birria tacos are not only incredibly flavorful but also versatile enough to adapt to your preferences. Whether you choose to add extra toppings or modify spices, this recipe promises satisfaction at every bite. Don’t hesitate to try making them; you’ll find new favorites with each batch!