Name: Birria Tacos
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h 5 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks; 4 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed; 2 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed; 1 white onion, quartered; 6 cloves garlic, peeled; 3 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon salt; 12 corn tortillas; 1 cup shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese; ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro; ½ cup chopped white onion

Hey y'all! Are you ready to dive into some irresistible, cheesy, juicy Birria Tacos? These crave-worthy tacos are packed with tender, flavorful beef and an out-of-this-world consommé for dipping. They’re perfect for weekend feasts, family gatherings, or any time you need a bite that's bold, rich, and unforgettable. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Birria Tacos Recipe

Deep, complex flavors from dried chiles and spices make every bite amazing.
Perfect for meal prep—leftovers taste even better!
Fun, interactive experience with the crispy, juicy tacos and the rich dipping broth.
Customizable: spice it up or mellow it down based on what you like.
Bursting with authentic Mexican taste you can easily recreate at home.

Ingredients for Traditional Birria Tacos

3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
1 lb beef short ribs, bone in
8 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
3 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
3 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
2 dried pasilla chiles, stemmed and seeded
1 large white onion, peeled and quartered
5 garlic cloves, peeled
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon dried oregano (preferably Mexican)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons kosher salt (plus more to taste)
18-20 corn tortillas
2 cups shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 small white onion, finely diced (for topping)
Lime wedges, for serving

Directions: How to Make Birria Tacos

Step 1: Prepare and Toast the Chiles

Heat a large dry skillet over medium heat. Toast guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chiles for about 30 seconds per side, just until fragrant—don’t let them burn!
Transfer chiles to a bowl and cover with hot water. Soak for 10 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Make the Birria Sauce

Drain soaked chiles and add them to a blender with the quartered onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, dried oregano, cumin, cloves, black pepper, and 1 cup beef broth.
Blend until totally smooth.

Step 3: Sear the Meat

Season beef chuck and short ribs with 2 teaspoons kosher salt.
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat a splash of oil over medium-high heat.
Brown the beef pieces on all sides, working in batches if necessary (about 8-10 minutes total). Remove to a plate.

Step 4: Simmer the Birria

Add the blended chile sauce to the pot, scraping up the browned bits.
Return the beef and pour in remaining beef broth.
Add bay leaves and cinnamon stick.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2.5-3 hours, or until beef is fall-apart tender.
Remove bay leaves and cinnamon stick.
Shred the beef in the pot using two forks. Skim some fat from the top; reserve for frying tacos.

Step 5: Assemble and Fry Birria Tacos

Heat a large skillet or griddle to medium-high. Lightly brush corn tortillas on both sides with reserved fat from the birria broth.
Spoon shredded birria beef onto one half of each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and fold over.
Grill on each side until tortillas are crispy and cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 6: Serve Birria Tacos with Consommé

Strain some warm birria broth into a small cup for dipping (consommé).
Garnish tacos with diced onion, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. Serve hot and dunk into the consommé!

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: About 6

Notes: Birria Tacos Success Tips

If you can't find all the dried chiles, try ordering them online from sites like MexGrocer.
For extra flavor, refrigerate the birria overnight and reheat the next day—it's even better after the flavors meld.
Skim off extra fat from the broth for lighter tacos, but save some for perfect crisping.

Birria Tacos Variations

Lamb Birria Tacos: Use bone-in lamb shoulder or shank instead of beef.
Chicken Birria Tacos: Substitute beef with bone-in chicken thighs.
Vegetarian Birria Tacos: Swap out meat for meaty mushrooms and black beans, adding extra oil for richness.

Required Equipment for Birria Tacos

Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
Blender
Large skillet or griddle
Tongs and slotted spoon

Birria Tacos Storage Instructions

Store leftover shredded birria and consommé in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat beef and broth gently on the stovetop. Fried tacos are best fresh, but can be crisped up in a skillet after storage.
Freeze birria beef and broth for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve Birria Tacos: Pairings & Recommendations

Pair with classic Mexican rice, refried beans, or elote (Mexican street corn).
Enjoy with a chilled Mexican lager or agua fresca.
Serve with pickled red onions or creamy avocado slices for extra zing.

Pro Tips for Best Birria Tacos Ever

Be sure to toast the chiles briefly for a richer, smokier chili flavor (learn more here).
Don’t skip the cheese—Oaxaca melts beautifully, giving those perfect cheese pulls.
Brush tortillas with birria fat before frying for the crispiest, most flavorful crunch.

FAQ: Birria Tacos

Can I make Birria Tacos in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After searing the meat and blending the chile sauce, add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours.

What’s the best cheese for Birria Tacos?

Oaxaca cheese is the most traditional and melty, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack work great too.

Is Birria Tacos spicy?

They’re mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or fewer chiles to suit your preference.

Birria Tacos