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Delicious birria tacos filled with seasoned meat and fresh herbs on soft corn tortillas.

MY FAVE BIRRIA TACOS

Sana Umer
These Birria Tacos are rich, juicy, and bursting with deep Mexican flavor. Slow-cooked beef is shredded, stuffed into tortillas, and crisped in savory consommé. Perfectly cheesy, crispy, and addictive—your new favorite taco night recipe.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 servings
Calories 540 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Birria:

  • 3 pounds beef chuck roast cut into large pieces
  • 1 pound beef short ribs optional, for richness
  • 1 onion quartered
  • 5 garlic cloves
  • 3 dried guajillo peppers stemmed and seeded
  • 3 dried ancho peppers stemmed and seeded
  • 2 dried chile de árbol peppers optional for heat
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

For the Tacos:

  • Corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella or Oaxaca cheese
  • Chopped cilantro & onions for serving
  • Lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Chiles: Boil dried chiles for 5 minutes until soft. Blend with garlic, onion, vinegar, and spices to make a smooth paste.
  • Season Beef: Place beef in a large pot or Dutch oven. Pour chile sauce over it.
  • Add Liquid: Add beef broth, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves.
  • Slow Cook: Cover and simmer for 3–4 hours until beef is tender and shreddable. Remove meat and shred.
  • Prepare Consommé: Remove cinnamon stick and bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Assemble Tacos: Dip tortillas into the consommé, then fill with beef and cheese.
  • Cook Tacos: Pan-fry on each side until crispy and cheese melts.
  • Serve: Garnish with cilantro, onions, and lime. Serve with consommé for dipping.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Birria tastes even better the next day—perfect for meal prep.
  • Customizing the Flavor: Add chipotle peppers for smokiness or extra chile de árbol for heat.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve with rice, beans, Mexican street corn, or a fresh slaw.
  • Allergy-Friendly Options: Use corn tortillas for a naturally gluten-free meal.
  • Storage Tips: Store birria and consommé separately for 4 days; freeze up to 3 months.
Keyword authentic birria recipe, beef birria, birria tacos, cheesy birria tacos, consommé tacos, crispy tacos, Mexican tacos