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. These tacos are perfect for family gatherings, casual get-togethers, or a cozy night in. The combination of rich flavors and textures makes them a standout dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The blend of spices and slow-cooked beef creates a rich flavor that is simply irresistible.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, you can whip up these delicious tacos without any hassle.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for dinner parties or casual meals, these tacos suit any occasion.
• Crispy and Cheesy: The combination of crispy tortillas and melty Oaxacan cheese elevates this dish to a whole new level.
• Dipping Delight: Enjoy them with a savory consommé dip that enhances the overall experience.

Tools and Preparation

To make these birria tacos, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Gathering everything beforehand will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Heavy-duty pot or Dutch oven
• Blender
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Tongs
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy-duty pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for slow-cooking the beef until tender, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.
• Blender: Use it to create a smooth sauce from the chiles and other ingredients for an even coating on your meat.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping ingredients quick and easy, saving you time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Birria

• 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

1. Remove stems and seeds from the guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles.
2. Toast the chiles in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Transfer toasted chiles to a blender along with Roma tomatoes, quartered onion, unpeeled garlic cloves, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and bay leaves.
4. Blend until smooth.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. In a heavy-duty pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the beef chunks.
2. Pour the blended sauce over the beef and stir to coat evenly.
3. Bring to a simmer then cover and reduce heat to low; cook for about 8 hours or until meat is fork-tender.

Step 3: Assemble Tacos

1. Heat corn tortillas in a skillet until warm.
2. Add shredded birria meat to each tortilla along with diced onions and Oaxacan cheese.
3. Fold tortillas in half and cook on both sides until crispy.

Step 4: Serve with Consommé

1. Ladle some of the cooking liquid into small bowls for dipping.
2. Garnish tacos with fresh cilantro before serving.

Enjoy your delicious birria tacos!

How to Serve Birria Tacos

Birria tacos are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your birria taco experience.

Classic Style

• Serve with Consommé: Dip your tacos in the warm, flavorful consommé for an authentic taste.
• Top with Fresh Ingredients: Add diced onion and cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Taco Bar

• Build-Your-Own Tacos: Set up a taco bar with all the fixings. Let guests customize their tacos with cheese, onions, and salsas.
• Include Various Salsas: Offer different salsa options like tomatillo salsa or chipotle salsa for added flavor.

Family Style

• Share on a Platter: Arrange the tacos on a large platter for everyone to enjoy together.
• Pair with Drinks: Serve alongside refreshing beverages like horchata or agua fresca.

How to Perfect Birria Tacos

Creating perfect birria tacos is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your tacos turn out delicious every time.

• Use Quality Meat: Choose well-marbled beef chuck roast for juicy and tender meat.
• Soak Chilies Properly: Soak guajillo, ancho, and arbol chilies until soft for maximum flavor.
• Blend Ingredients Smoothly: Ensure your sauce is blended until smooth for even distribution of flavors.
• Cook Low and Slow: Slow-cook the beef to allow flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
• Crisp Tortillas: Lightly fry tortillas in oil before assembling for extra crispiness.
• Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on toppings like cheese, onions, and cilantro for a colorful presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Birria Tacos

To complement your birria tacos, consider serving these tasty side dishes. Each one adds an extra layer of flavor and makes your meal even more satisfying.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of birria.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy beans seasoned with garlic and onion create a comforting side dish.
3. Grilled Corn Elote: Charred corn on the cob slathered with creamy sauce and topped with cheese adds sweetness.
4. Avocado Salad: A fresh salad made with diced avocados, tomatoes, and lime juice for a refreshing crunch.
5. Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made from chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds brightness to your meal.
6. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with zesty salsa offer an easy appetizer option before enjoying the main dish.
7. Pickled Red Onions: Tangy pickled onions provide acidity that balances the richness of the tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Birria Tacos, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Skipping the soaking step: Not soaking the chiles may result in a bitter flavor. Always soak them in hot water for about 15-20 minutes for the best taste.

• Overcooking the beef: Cooking the beef too long can make it tough instead of tender. Follow the cooking times closely to ensure juicy, flavorful meat.

• Using low-quality tortillas: Cheap tortillas can break easily and ruin your tacos. Opt for fresh corn or cassava flour tortillas that hold up well.

• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Under-seasoning can lead to bland tacos. Taste your beef and broth mixture during cooking and adjust seasonings as needed.

• Not letting it rest: Serving immediately after cooking can compromise flavors. Let your birria rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to enhance the taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Birria Tacos in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Birria Tacos

• For longer storage, freeze unsauced tacos wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw before reheating.

Reheating Birria Tacos

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Place individual tacos on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 30-60 seconds, checking often to prevent sogginess.

• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil and warm each taco for about 2-3 minutes per side until crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Birria Tacos:

What are Birria Tacos?

Birria Tacos are delicious Mexican tacos made with slow-cooked beef, often served with a rich dipping sauce known as consommé.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes! You can easily substitute chicken for beef in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times as chicken cooks faster than beef.

How do I make the consommé?

To make the consommé, simply reserve some of the cooking liquid from the birria after it’s finished cooking. Strain it and serve it alongside your tacos.

Are there any variations of Birria Tacos?

Absolutely! You can customize your Birria Tacos with different cheeses, salsas, or toppings like avocado or jalapeños to suit your taste preferences.

Can I make Birria Tacos ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the birria a day in advance and assemble the tacos when you’re ready to serve them. Just reheat before serving!

Final Thoughts

Birria Tacos offer an irresistible blend of flavors and textures that are sure to impress at dinner time. Their versatility allows you to adapt them based on personal preferences or dietary needs. Try adding your favorite toppings or sauces for a unique twist!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Birria Tacos

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Switch up your taco night with these irresistible Birria Tacos, featuring tender beef slow-cooked to perfection, melty Oaxacan cheese, and crispy tortillas. Each bite is a flavor explosion that pairs beautifully with a savory consommé dipping sauce. These tacos are perfect for family gatherings, casual get-togethers, or cozy nights in. Whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, everyone will delight in the rich flavors and satisfying textures of this standout dish.

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Ingredients

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• 4 pounds beef chuck roast
• 10 guajillo chiles
• 5 ancho chiles
• 2 Roma tomatoes
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• Corn tortillas or cassava flour tortillas
• Oaxacan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chiles: Remove stems and seeds from the chiles. Toast them in a dry pan until fragrant. Blend with tomatoes, broth, and spices until smooth.
2. Cook the Beef: In a heavy-duty pot, combine beef chunks with the blended sauce. Simmer on low for about 8 hours until tender.
3. Assemble Tacos: Warm tortillas in a skillet, fill with shredded beef and cheese, then fold and cook until crispy.
4. Serve: Ladle some cooking liquid into bowls for dipping, garnish with diced onion and cilantro.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 480 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tacos (150g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg