Description
Birria Tacos are crispy, cheesy tacos stuffed with tender beef slow-simmered in a rich chile-spiced consommé. Served with lime wedges and a dipping broth, these tacos are the ultimate Mexican comfort food perfect for weekends or gatherings.
Ingredients
3 pounds beef chuck roast
1.5 pounds beef short ribs (bone-in)
5 dried guajillo chiles
3 dried ancho chiles
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
2 roma tomatoes
1 white onion
6 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
4 cups beef broth or water
2 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
4 cloves
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon thyme
12 corn tortillas
2 cups shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup diced white onion (for topping)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Remove stems and seeds from dried chiles. Toast briefly in a dry skillet, then soak in hot water for 15 minutes.
- Blend softened chiles with chipotle peppers, tomatoes, garlic, onion, apple cider vinegar, and spices into a smooth paste.
- Season beef with salt and pepper. Sear on all sides in a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Pour chile paste over meat. Add beef broth, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick. Cover and simmer on low for 3–4 hours until meat is tender.
- Remove beef, shred with forks, and return to consommé. Skim fat from the surface and reserve for frying.
- Dip tortillas in reserved fat, then fry in a skillet. Add cheese, shredded beef, onion, and cilantro. Fold and cook until crispy.
- Serve tacos hot with a small bowl of consommé for dipping and lime wedges on the side.
Notes
Swap beef for lamb or goat for a traditional twist.
Use flour tortillas for a softer taco.
Cheese options: Oaxaca, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or cheddar.
For spicier tacos, add more chipotle peppers or cayenne.
Reheat tacos in a skillet to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Simmered
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg