Ingredients
For the Birria Sauce:
- 3 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed
- 2 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed
- 2 dried pasilla chiles (optional, for extra depth)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, quartered
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 4 cups beef broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
For the Tacos:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast (or beef short ribs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the meat)
- 2 bay leaves
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- 1 cup consommé (from the birria broth) for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Birria Sauce: Dry toast the chiles in a skillet, soak them, then blend with garlic, onion, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Cook the Beef: Brown seasoned beef in a pot, add birria sauce, bay leaves, vinegar, and broth. Simmer for 3-4 hours until tender.
- Assemble the Tacos: Shred the beef, warm tortillas, add beef, cheese, and heat until crispy. Garnish with onions, cilantro, and lime.
Notes
- For a richer dipping sauce, melt cheese into the consommé.
- Vegetarian option: replace beef with mushrooms or jackfruit.
- Adjust chili quantity for preferred heat level.
- Substitute mozzarella for Oaxaca cheese if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg