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Birria Tacos

Irresistible Birria Tacos That’ll Spice Up Your Taco Night

Irresistible Birria Tacos that combine tender beef with crispy tortillas, perfect for any taco night.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Braising Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 4 tacos
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chili Paste
  • 4 dried guajillo peppers Provides smokiness and depth; substitute with another dried chili for different flavor profiles.
  • 2 dried ancho chiles Adds sweetness and complexity; same substitution note as guajillo.
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo Offers heat and tanginess; use fewer for less spice.
  • 0.5 cup crushed tomatoes Adds moisture and sweetness; substitute with fresh tomatoes if preferred.
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar Balances flavors with acidity; red wine vinegar is a possible substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Mexican oregano Infuses traditional flavor; regular oregano works as a substitute.
  • 0.5 teaspoon cumin Provides warmth and earthiness; coriander can be used as a replacement.
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika Contributes smoky flavor; regular paprika can replace it.
For the Meat
  • 3 lbs organic chuck roast Main protein, tender and flavorful when shredded; lamb or chicken are good alternatives.
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil For searing meat; other oils like coconut or canola may be used.
  • sea salt & black pepper Essential seasoning for flavor enhancement.
For the Tacos
  • 12 corn tortillas Base for the tacos; use flour tortillas for a different texture.
  • shredded Oaxaca cheese Creamy texture and traditional flavor; mozzarella can substitute if unavailable.
  • 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro Fresh garnish for vibrancy; omit if not preferred.
For the Broth
  • 4 cups organic beef stock Main liquid for braising; vegetable stock for vegetarian options.
  • 2 cups water Adjust the liquid content based on desired richness.
  • 2 bay leaves Enhances the broth's aroma; omit if not available.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme Adds an herby note; omit if not available.
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adds subtle sweetness; omit if desired.
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground allspice Offers warmth and complexity; omit if not handy.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adds extra flavor depth; fresh garlic is preferred.
  • 0.5 onion For cooking with meat; not necessary, can substitute with shallots.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Blender
  • saucepan
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Birria Tacos
  1. Boil ½ cup of beef stock in a saucepan. Add 4 dried guajillo peppers and 2 dried ancho chiles, soaking them for about 15-20 minutes until soft. In a blender, combine the softened chiles, 4 cloves of garlic, ½ cup crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons Mexican oregano, ½ teaspoon cumin, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. Blend until smooth, creating a rich chili paste ready for flavoring the meat.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Season 3 lbs of organic chuck roast with sea salt and black pepper, then sear the beef chunks in the hot oil until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Once browned, remove the beef and sauté ½ diced onion in the same pot for another 3 minutes until translucent.
  3. Return the seared beef to the Dutch oven, adding the chili paste from Step 1. Pour in 4 cups of organic beef stock and 2 cups of water, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Add in 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon ground allspice. Simmer the mixture for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld before sealing with a lid.
  4. Transfer the covered Dutch oven to your preheated oven and braise for 2½ hours. This slow cooking process allows the beef to become incredibly tender and soak up all the aromatic flavors. Check occasionally to ensure the liquid level is sufficient, adding water if necessary. When fork-tender, carefully remove the pot from the oven and let it cool slightly before shredding the beef inside.
  5. While the meat cools, reserve some broth for dipping and heat oil in a pan for frying. Dip each corn tortilla quickly in the rich consomé, then fill them with shredded beef, sautéed onions, and a sprinkle of shredded Oaxaca cheese. Fold the tortillas in half and fry in hot oil until crispy and golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Serve the tantalizing Birria Tacos garnished with fresh cilantro and your favorite toppings like pico de gallo. Don’t forget a side bowl filled with consomé for dipping, amplifying every delicious bite and adding a comforting touch to your meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tacoCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Consider marinating your meat in the chili paste overnight for even deeper flavor.

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