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Birria Tacos Recipe

Birria Tacos Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

Birria Tacos are a traditional Mexican dish featuring slow-cooked, tender beef (or goat) in a spiced broth, served in warm tortillas with cheese and garnished with onions and cilantro. These tacos are accompanied by consommé for dipping, making them indulgent and full of rich, complex flavors.

  • Total Time: 3.5-4.5 hours
  • Yield: Makes about 12 tacos

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

  1. Prepare the Birria Sauce: Dry toast the chiles in a skillet, soak them, then blend with garlic, onion, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, and cloves.
  2. Cook the Beef: Brown seasoned beef in a pot, add birria sauce, bay leaves, vinegar, and broth. Simmer for 3-4 hours until tender.
  3. 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.
  • Author: Martha
  • 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