Birria Tacos are the perfect combination of spice and comfort, offering a deliciously rich experience in every bite. These tacos are filled with tender shredded beef that has been slow-cooked in a spiced consommé, then pan-fried for that irresistible crispy texture. Whether you’re planning a taco night or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s a true delight for any taco lover looking to elevate their dining experience.
Why You’ll Love This Birria Tacos
These Birria Tacos recipe will quickly become a favorite for many reasons. First, the rich flavor profile makes each bite a savory delight. Second, they’re versatile and can be served with various toppings. Third, the slow-cooked method ensures tender meat, while the crispy tortillas provide a delightful crunch. Additionally, this dish is perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive gatherings. You can adjust the spice level to your preference, making them suitable for everyone. Finally, with easy Birria Tacos preparation, you’ll find that it’s a rewarding cooking experience.
Ingredients for Birria Tacos
Gather these items:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 white onion, quartered
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 cups water
- Salt to taste
- 5 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and deseeded
- 3 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and deseeded
- 2 dried pasilla chilies, stemmed and deseeded
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
- 1.5 tsp cumin seeds or ground cumin
- 1.5 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns or ground pepper
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 cup beef broth (reserved from pot)
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1.5 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese or mozzarella
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced white onion
- Lime wedges
How to Make Birria Tacos Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Place beef, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and salt in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Skim any foam, reduce heat, and simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
- Step 2: Toast dried chilies in a skillet until fragrant, then soak in hot water for 15 minutes. Blend with other chili sauce ingredients and some broth until smooth.
- Step 3: Strain chili sauce into the broth pot. Simmer for 30 more minutes. Remove meat, shred, and return to pot.
- Step 4: Heat skillet. Dip tortillas in top of broth (oily layer), fill with meat and cheese, and fry until crisp.
- Step 5: Garnish tacos with cilantro, onion, and lime. Serve with consommé on the side for dipping.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Birria Tacos
Keep these in mind:
- Perfect for an easy dinner or taco night.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or fewer chilies.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
- For a vegan option, substitute beef with jackfruit or mushrooms.
- Pair with a refreshing beverage to complement the spice.
Best Ways to Serve Birria Tacos
For the ultimate experience, serve Birria Tacos with consomé for dipping. You can also add sides like rice or beans for a complete meal. Toppings like avocado, salsa, and radishes can elevate the flavors, making each taco unique. Don’t forget to include lime wedges for that zesty touch!
How to Store and Reheat Birria Tacos
After enjoying your homemade Birria Tacos, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for up to three days. To reheat, warm the tacos in a skillet until crispy again or microwave them for a few seconds. Enjoy them as a quick meal prep option!
Frequently Asked Questions About Birria Tacos
What’s the secret to perfect Birria Tacos?
The secret lies in the slow-cooked beef and the rich, spiced consommé. Using a combination of dried chilies adds depth to the flavor. This method ensures that the meat is tender and full of flavor, making your traditional Birria Tacos a hit!
Can I make Birria Tacos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and consommé in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and assemble your crispy Birria Tacos recipe for a quick meal!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Birria Tacos?
To avoid mistakes, ensure that you properly soak and blend the chilies for the sauce. Additionally, don’t rush the cooking process; slow cooking is crucial for tender meat. Following the Birria Tacos cooking tips will help you succeed!
Variations of Birria Tacos You Can Try
Explore different takes on this classic dish! You can create Spicy Birria Tacos by adding extra chilies or make a Vegan Birria Tacos option with jackfruit. Try using different tortillas, like flour or whole grain, to switch things up. Each variation offers a unique twist on the authentic flavor.

For more delicious recipes, check out our Creamy Sausage Potato Chowder or Irresistible Thai Red Curry Kabobs. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, don’t miss our Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies. For more information on the health benefits of spices, visit NCBI.
Print
The Best Birria Tacos Recipe for Unforgettable Flavor
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The Best Birria Tacos are crispy tacos filled with tender shredded beef soaked in a rich, spiced consommé, then pan-fried to perfection.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 1 white onion, quartered
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 cups water
- Salt to taste
- 5 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and deseeded
- 3 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and deseeded
- 2 dried pasilla chilies, stemmed and deseeded
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
- 1.5 tsp cumin seeds or ground cumin
- 1.5 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns or ground pepper
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 cup beef broth (reserved from pot)
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1.5 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese or mozzarella
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced white onion
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Place beef, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and salt in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Skim any foam, reduce heat, and simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
- Toast dried chilies in a skillet until fragrant, then soak in hot water for 15 minutes. Blend with other chili sauce ingredients and some broth until smooth.
- Strain chili sauce into the broth pot. Simmer 30 more minutes. Remove meat, shred, and return to pot.
- Heat skillet. Dip tortillas in top of broth (oily layer), fill with meat and cheese, and fry until crisp.
- Garnish tacos with cilantro, onion, and lime. Serve with consommé on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Perfect for an easy dinner or taco night.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or fewer chilies.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
