Delicious homemade birria tacos with rich meat and vibrant toppings

My Favorite Birria Tacos

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Birria tacos are a delicious and comforting dish from Mexico. They are tender beef tacos served with a rich, flavorful broth. This recipe combines spices and chiles to create a taste that is both authentic and satisfying. Making birria tacos at home allows you to enjoy this special meal any time you want, and it’s perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners.

how to make My Favorite Birria Tacos

Ingredients:

  • 4 dried guajillo peppers
  • 4 dried ancho chiles
  • 4 chipotle peppers in adobo
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup organic beef stock (you can sub with water)
  • 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 Tbsps Mexican oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground allspice
  • 3 lbs. organic chuck roast beef, chopped into medium-large chunks
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 4 cups organic beef stock
  • 2 cups water
  • 12 organic corn tortillas
  • Shredded Oaxaca cheese
  • 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Pico de Gallo

Directions:

TO MAKE THE CHILI PASTE: Start by removing the stems and seeds from the dried guajillo and ancho chiles. Soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes until soft. In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, chipotle peppers, chopped onion, garlic cloves, crushed tomatoes, beef stock, apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, cumin, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and allspice. Blend until smooth to make your chili paste.

TO MAKE THE ‘MEAT’: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chopped beef with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Brown the beef in the pot for about 5-7 minutes on all sides. Once browned, add the chili paste you made earlier to the pot, along with the diced onion, beef stock, and water. Stir everything together.

LET EVERYTHING BRAISE IN THE OVEN: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let it cook for about 3 hours, or until the beef is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.

TO ASSEMBLE THE TACOS: Use two forks to shred the beef in the pot. Heat the corn tortillas on a hot skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. To assemble, place some shredded beef on a tortilla, add shredded Oaxaca cheese, and top with fresh cilantro and Pico de Gallo. Serve with a side of the broth for dipping.

how to serve My Favorite Birria Tacos

Serve the birria tacos hot with a side of the delicious broth for dipping. Don’t forget to add extra fresh cilantro and Pico de Gallo on the side for added flavor. These tacos pair well with a cold drink like agua fresca or soda for a perfect meal.

how to store My Favorite Birria Tacos

To store leftovers, place the leftover beef and broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can refrigerate for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the shredded beef and broth in freezer bags for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat the mixture in a pot on low heat.

tips to make My Favorite Birria Tacos

  • For added flavor, let the beef marinate in the chili paste overnight in the fridge before cooking.
  • Use fresh tortillas, as they add a wonderful texture and taste compared to store-bought ones.
  • Experiment with toppings—avocado slices or radish can add a nice crunch.

variation

You can make vegetarian birria tacos by substituting the beef with jackfruit or mushrooms. Just follow the same cooking process with the chili paste for a meat-free option.

FAQs

Q: Can I make birria tacos ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the beef and broth a day in advance. Just reheat before serving.

Q: What can I serve with birria tacos?
A: Popular sides include rice, beans, and simple salads. You can also serve fresh lime wedges for those who want an extra zing.

Q: Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
A: Yes! You can cook the beef in a slow cooker on low for about 8 hours instead of using the oven.