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Birria Tacos

Birria tacos are packed with tender, slow-braised beef and bold chili flavor, then pan-fried until crispy and served with a savory consommé for dipping. This recipe brings restaurant-style birria tacos right to your kitchen using simple steps and approachable ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Birria

  • 3 pounds beef chuck roast (cut into large chunks)

  • 3 dried guajillo chilies, stems and seeds removed

  • 2 dried ancho chilies, stems and seeds removed

  • 1 small onion, quartered

  • 5 cloves garlic

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 2 bay leaves

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 4 cups beef broth

For the Tacos

  • Corn tortillas

  • Shredded mozzarella or Oaxaca cheese

  • Chopped onion and fresh cilantro

  • Lime wedges

Directions

Step 1: Soften the Chilies

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add dried chilies and simmer for 10 minutes until softened. Drain.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Blend softened chilies with onion, garlic, vinegar, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and 1 cup beef broth until smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Birria

Place beef in a large pot or Dutch oven. Pour sauce over meat, add bay leaves, and remaining beef broth.
Cover and simmer on low for 3 hours (or cook in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours) until beef is fall-apart tender.

Step 4: Shred the Meat

Remove beef from pot and shred with forks. Reserve broth (this is your consommé).

Step 5: Assemble Tacos

Dip tortillas into the consommé, then place on a hot skillet. Add cheese and shredded beef. Fold and cook until crispy on both sides.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot with chopped onion, cilantro, lime wedges, and small bowls of consommé for dipping.

Tips for the Best Birria Tacos

  • Dip tortillas lightly — too much broth makes them soggy

  • Use low heat for crispy, golden tacos

  • Birria tastes even better the next day

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx. 2 tacos)

  • Calories: 520

  • Fat: 28g

  • Saturated Fat: 11g

  • Carbohydrates: 32g

  • Protein: 38g

  • Sugar: 3g

  • Sodium: 780mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.