My Fave Birria Tacos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These birria tacos will quickly become a staple in your taco repertoire. From the juicy, perfectly seasoned beef to the melted Oaxaca cheese, every bite is bursting with flavor. The slow-braised beef, paired with a rich consomé for dipping, creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for taco lovers. The addition of crispy tortillas and fresh cilantro elevates the flavor even more, while the option to make these tacos gluten-free, dairy-free, and even vegan-friendly ensures everyone can enjoy them. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a gathering, these tacos are sure to impress.

Ingredients

Chili Paste:

• 4 dried guajillo peppers

• 4 dried ancho chiles

• 4 chipotle peppers in adobo

• 1 onion, chopped

• 4 garlic cloves

• ½ cup crushed tomatoes

• ½ cup organic beef stock (You can sub with water)

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 2 bay leaves

• 2 tablespoons Mexican oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon ground allspice

The Meat + Consommé (Dipping Sauce):

• 3 lbs. organic chuck roast beef, chopped into medium-large chunks (You can also use shank cut of beef, lamb, or chicken)

• 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ onion, diced

• 4 cups organic beef stock

• 2 cups water

Tacos:

• 12 organic corn tortillas

• Shredded Oaxaca cheese

• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro

• Pico de Gallo (Optional, or use your favorite recipe)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Chili Paste:

   • Remove the stems and seeds from the dried ancho and guajillo chiles. Add the beef stock to a pot, bring to a boil, and then add the chiles. Turn off the heat, cover, and let them sit for 15-20 minutes.

   • Once softened, transfer the chiles to a blender or food processor along with the other ingredients. Blend until smooth and thick. Add more beef stock or water for a thinner consistency if necessary.

2. Prepare the Meat:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef chunks with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Remove the beef and set aside.

   • In the same pot, sauté the diced onions for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the chili paste and stir for 1-2 minutes before adding the beef stock and water. Stir to combine.

   • Return the seared beef to the pot, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 1 minute before transferring the Dutch oven to the oven to braise for 2 ½ hours or until the beef is tender and easily shredded.

3. Shred the Meat:

   • After braising, remove the Dutch oven from the oven and shred the beef with forks. Ensure there’s enough sauce to drizzle over the tortillas and for dipping.

4. Assemble the Tacos:

   • Remove 1 cup of the cooking broth and set it aside for dipping. Add fresh chopped cilantro to the broth for extra flavor.

   • Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly coat it with olive oil. Dip each tortilla into the consomé and fry it in the skillet for a few seconds on each side.

   • Once crispy, top the tortilla with shredded beef, diced onions, chopped cilantro, and shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla and allow the cheese to melt before flipping it to get a nice char on both sides.

   • Repeat the process for the remaining tortillas.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the tacos with dipping sauce, Pico de Gallo, or any other toppings you enjoy.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 tacos

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Variations

• Vegan Option: Substitute the beef with mushrooms or jackfruit for a plant-based version. Make sure to use vegetable stock in place of beef stock.

• Spicier Tacos: Add more chipotle peppers or a few extra jalapeños to the chili paste for an added kick.

• Chicken Birria Tacos: Use chicken thighs or breasts instead of beef for a lighter variation.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cooked meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the consomé in a separate container.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm the meat in a skillet over low heat with some of the consomé. You can reheat the tortillas on a dry skillet or in the oven to maintain their crispness.

FAQs

1. Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the birria meat and consomé ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, chicken can be used as a substitute for beef. Opt for chicken thighs for the best texture.

3. How do I keep the tortillas from getting soggy?

Be sure to fry the tortillas immediately after dipping them into the consomé. This will create a crispy layer, keeping the tortillas from becoming soggy.

4. Can I use store-bought chili paste?

While homemade chili paste enhances the flavor, you can use store-bought birria chili paste in a pinch.

5. What can I serve with birria tacos?

These tacos are great with sides like Mexican rice, beans, or a simple salad. You can also serve them with a side of guacamole or pickled vegetables.

6. What’s the best cheese for birria tacos?

Oaxaca cheese is the traditional cheese used in birria tacos, but you can also use mozzarella or any other melting cheese if needed.

7. Can I freeze the birria meat?

Yes, the cooked birria meat freezes well for up to 3 months. Be sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

8. How can I make the tacos spicier?

Add more chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chili paste for an extra kick of heat.

9. Can I make the birria tacos gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free corn tortillas to make the tacos completely gluten-free.

10. How long does it take to braise the beef?

The beef should braise in the oven for about 2 ½ hours, or until it’s tender enough to shred easily.

Conclusion

My Fave Birria Tacos are the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and crispy goodness. With tender, flavorful beef and a rich dipping consomé, these tacos are a game-changer. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or just craving something delicious, this recipe will elevate your taco game to the next level. Enjoy!

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