Birria Tacos

Switch up taco night with these beef birria tacos (quesabirria). Their crispy tortilla, melty cheese, slow-cooked birria, and flavorful consommé dipping sauce will have you going back for seconds, and likely thirds. Watch the video below to see how I make them in my kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and slow-cooked beef creates a rich and savory taste that is hard to resist.
• Crispy Texture: Preparing the tacos with crispy tortillas adds a delightful crunch to every bite.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or casual taco nights, these birria tacos suit any occasion.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe makes cooking enjoyable for everyone.
• Perfect for Dipping: The accompanying consommé sauce elevates the experience, making each taco even more delicious.

Tools and Preparation

To make these mouthwatering birria tacos, having the right tools can streamline your cooking process. Here are some essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Blender or food processor
• Large mixing bowl
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker or Dutch oven: These tools are perfect for slow-cooking the beef until it’s tender and flavorful.
• Blender or food processor: Essential for blending the sauce ingredients smoothly, ensuring a rich and cohesive flavor profile.

Ingredients

For the Beef Mixture

• 4 pounds beef chuck roast (cut into 3-inch chunks)
• 10 guajillo chiles
• 5 ancho chilies
• 3 arbol chilies
• 2 Roma tomatoes
• 1 white onion (quartered)
• 6 garlic cloves (unpeeled)
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• 3 bay leaves

For Assembly

• Corn tortillas (or cassava flour tortillas)
• Diced white onion
• Roughly chopped cilantro
• Oaxacan cheese

How to Make Birria Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Chiles

Start by removing the stems and seeds from the guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles. Place them in a pot of boiling water for about 10 minutes until they soften. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

In a blender, combine the softened chiles, Roma tomatoes, quartered onion, unpeeled garlic cloves, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and bay leaves. Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Place the beef chunks in your slow cooker or Dutch oven. Pour the blended sauce over the meat. Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours (or until tender), stirring occasionally if using a Dutch oven.

Step 4: Assemble Tacos

Once cooked, shred the beef using forks. Heat corn tortillas in a pan until warm. Add shredded beef and top with diced onion and Oaxacan cheese. Fold in half to create tacos.

Step 5: Serve with Consommé

Ladle some of the cooking liquid into small bowls as a dipping sauce. Serve your delicious birria tacos hot alongside the consommé for an extra burst of flavor!

How to Serve Birria Tacos

Birria tacos are a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer them simple or loaded with toppings, serving them right can enhance your dining experience.

Classic Style

• Serve with diced white onion and fresh cilantro sprinkled on top for a burst of flavor.

Dipping Sauce

• Pair with the flavorful consommé for dipping. This rich broth adds moisture and enhances the taste of the tacos.

Cheese Delight

• Add Oaxacan cheese inside your tortillas for a melty, cheesy goodness that complements the beef filling.

Squeeze of Lime

• Serve lime wedges on the side to add a zesty kick. A little squeeze can brighten up each bite.

Salsa Options

• Offer different salsa varieties, such as salsa verde or pico de gallo, to cater to diverse tastes.

How to Perfect Birria Tacos

Achieving the perfect birria tacos is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your taco-making game:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables enhance flavor significantly.

• Slow Cook for Flavor: Allowing the beef to cook slowly will make it tender and infuse it with rich flavors from the spices.

• Crisp Tortillas: Lightly fry your corn tortillas before filling them for an extra crispy texture that holds up well.

• Balance Your Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and spices according to your preference for a perfectly seasoned taco.

• Keep it Warm: Serve your tacos warm. Use a tortilla warmer or wrap them in a cloth until ready to serve.

Best Side Dishes for Birria Tacos

When serving birria tacos, consider pairing them with some delicious side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes a great side that balances the flavors of the tacos.

2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide protein and richness, making for a satisfying meal alongside birria tacos.

3. Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayo, cheese, and chili powder offers a sweet and spicy contrast.

4. Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip adds freshness and a touch of indulgence that pairs well with birria tacos.

5. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa provide a perfect appetizer before diving into the main dish.

6. Pickled Red Onions: These tangy pickles add acidity and crunch, brightening up each bite of taco goodness.

7. Cabbage Slaw: A crunchy slaw dressed in lime juice adds texture and balances the richness of the meat-filled tacos.

8. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with spices create a hearty side dish that complements any taco night.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making birria tacos, it’s easy to stumble into common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using the wrong meat: Choosing a lean cut can lead to dry tacos. Opt for beef chuck roast for tenderness.
• Not soaking the chiles: Skipping the soaking step can result in bitter flavors. Always soak guajillo and ancho chiles to enhance their taste.
• Overcooking or undercooking the beef: Achieving the right texture is crucial. Cook the beef low and slow until it’s fork-tender.
• Skipping the consommé: Serving without dipping sauce misses out on flavor. Always prepare and serve with a flavorful consommé.
• Ignoring tortilla quality: Using low-quality tortillas can ruin your tacos. Choose fresh corn or cassava flour tortillas for better taste and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Birria Tacos

• Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Birria Tacos

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook each taco for about 2-3 minutes per side until crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about birria tacos that might help you out.

What are Birria Tacos?

Birria tacos are delicious Mexican tacos filled with slow-cooked meat, often served with a flavorful dipping sauce called consommé.

How do I make the best Birria Tacos?

To make the best birria tacos, use high-quality beef chuck roast, soak your chiles properly, and ensure your tortillas are fresh.

Can I use other meats for Birria Tacos?

Yes! You can substitute beef with lamb or turkey if you prefer, but adjust cooking times accordingly for different meats.

What should I serve with Birria Tacos?

Consider serving them with diced onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and your favorite salsa for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

Birria tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be customized with various toppings and sauces to suit your taste. Whether for dinner or special occasions, they promise satisfaction in every bite. Try this recipe today and explore how you can make it uniquely yours!