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Birria Tacos

Irresistible Birria Tacos – Melty, Flavorful, and Homemade

Experience the mouthwatering flavors of Birria Tacos with succulent beef and melty cheese, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 tacos
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chili Paste
  • 4 cups beef stock or water
  • 4 pieces dried guajillo peppers
  • 2 pieces dried ancho chiles
  • 2 pieces chipotle peppers in adobo adjust to spice level
  • 1 piece onion yellow or sweet
  • 4 cloves garlic cloves fresher is better
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes or whole canned
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
  • 2 pieces bay leaves remove before serving
  • 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano or regular oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
For the Tacos
  • 3 pounds chuck roast beef or lamb, chicken, goat
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or any neutral oil
  • to taste sea salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or fresh minced garlic
  • 12 pieces corn tortillas or flour for a different texture
  • 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese or vegan cheese
  • to taste chopped fresh cilantro optional
  • 1 cup pico de gallo homemade or store-bought

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven
  • Blender
  • Skillet
  • small pot

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Start by boiling 4 cups of beef stock in a small pot. Remove from heat and add 4 dried guajillo peppers and 2 dried ancho chiles, soak for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Transfer the peppers and stock to a blender, add 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, 1 onion, 4 cloves of garlic, 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and spices. Blend until smooth and set aside.
  3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Season 3 pounds of chuck roast beef with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Sear on all sides for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Add the chili paste to the seared beef in the Dutch oven with 2 cups of beef stock and a couple of bay leaves. Stir and cover with a lid. Braise for approximately 2.5 hours.
  5. Once done, remove the Dutch oven from oven, let cool for about 10 minutes. Shred the beef until pull-apart texture, discarding any large fat pieces or bay leaves.
  6. For crispy tacos, dip each tortilla into the consomé, fry in a skillet for about 30 seconds on each side until golden. Fill each tortilla with shredded beef, diced onions, and Oaxaca cheese, fold and cook until crispy.
  7. Warm the remaining consomé and serve in small bowls for dipping. Garnish tacos with cilantro and pico de gallo as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tacoCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Double tortillas help prevent sogginess. Frying tortillas enhances texture. Adjust spice levels gradually. Keep shredded beef warm while frying tortillas. Store leftovers separately for better texture and flavor.

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