Description:
Birria tacos are flavorful, slow-cooked beef tacos dipped in a savory, spiced consommé. With crispy, cheesy tortillas and tender meat, these tacos are the perfect comfort food that’s become a viral sensation.

Servings:

This recipe makes about 10-12 tacos, serving 4-6 people.

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast or short ribs
  • 2 dried guajillo chiles
  • 2 dried ancho chiles
  • 2 dried chipotle chiles
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 5 garlic cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh cilantro and diced onions, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce:
    Remove the stems and seeds from the dried chiles. In a pot of boiling water, simmer the chiles for about 5 minutes, until softened. Drain and transfer the chiles to a blender, along with the onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, cloves, and 1 cup of beef broth. Blend until smooth.
  2. Cook the beef:
    Season the beef generously with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sear the beef on all sides over medium-high heat until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Pour the chile sauce over the beef, add the remaining beef broth, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Cover and simmer on low heat for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
  3. Shred the beef:
    Remove the beef from the pot and shred it using two forks. Skim any excess fat from the broth (this broth is your consommé for dipping).
  4. Assemble the tacos:
    Heat a skillet over medium heat. Dip the corn tortillas in the consommé and place them on the skillet. Add a handful of shredded cheese and some of the shredded beef to one half of the tortilla. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  5. Serve:
    Serve the tacos with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and lime wedges. Don’t forget a small bowl of the consommé on the side for dipping!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 2 Tacos)

  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Protein: 27g
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 710mg