Switch up taco night with these beef birria tacos (quesabirria). Their crispy tortilla, melty cheese, slow-cooked birria, and flavorful consommé dipping sauce will have you going back for seconds, and likely thirds. These tacos are perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or just a cozy night in. Enjoy the rich flavors and tender meat that make this dish stand out!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and slow-cooked beef creates an unforgettable taste.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for taco night or any festive occasion, these tacos can be enjoyed by everyone.
• Comforting Meal: Warm and satisfying, birria tacos are great for chilly evenings.
• Crispy Texture: The tortillas become delightfully crispy when grilled with cheese, adding a nice crunch to each bite.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can create a spectacular meal without much hassle.

Tools and Preparation

To achieve the best results with your birria tacos, having the right tools on hand will make preparation easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker or Dutch oven
• Blender
• Skillet
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker or Dutch oven: Ideal for slow-cooking the beef until it’s tender and full of flavor.
• Blender: Necessary for pureeing the sauce ingredients smoothly to create a rich flavor base.
• Skillet: Perfect for crisping the tortillas and melting the cheese to perfection.

this recipe

Ingredients

For the Birria

• 4 pounds beef chuck roast (cut into 3-inch chunks)
• 10 guajillo chiles
• 5 ancho chilies
• 3 arbol chilies
• 2 Roma tomatoes
• 1 white onion (quartered)
• 6 garlic cloves (unpeeled)
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• 3 bay leaves

For Serving

• Corn tortillas (or cassava flour tortillas)
• Diced white onion
• Roughly chopped cilantro
• Oaxacan cheese

How to Make Birria Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Chiles

Start by removing the stems and seeds from all the chiles. Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

Transfer the toasted chiles to a blender. Add in the Roma tomatoes, quartered onion, unpeeled garlic cloves, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and bay leaves. Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

In your slow cooker or Dutch oven, add the beef chuck roast chunks. Pour the blended sauce over the meat. Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours or until the meat is tender.

Step 4: Shred the Meat

Once cooked, remove the beef from the pot. Shred it using two forks. Return it to the pot to soak in some of that delicious sauce.

Step 5: Assemble Tacos

In a skillet over medium heat, place your corn tortillas. Add a generous amount of shredded beef on one half of each tortilla along with some Oaxacan cheese. Fold it over and cook until golden brown on both sides.

Step 6: Serve with Consommé

Serve your birria tacos hot with diced onions and chopped cilantro on top. Don’t forget to have a bowl of warm consommé on the side for dipping!

How to Serve Birria Tacos

Serving birria tacos can turn a simple meal into a festive dining experience. The rich flavors of the beef and the crunchy tortillas pair beautifully with various toppings and sauces.

Top Toppings

• Diced White Onion: Adds a fresh crunch and mild flavor that complements the beef.
• Chopped Cilantro: Offers a burst of freshness that brightens every bite.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice enhances the flavors and adds brightness.
• Salsa Verde: A tangy sauce that provides an extra kick, perfect for spice lovers.

Dipping Sauce

• Birria Consommé: The slow-cooked broth is perfect for dipping your tacos, enhancing their flavor dramatically.

Tortilla Choice

• Corn Tortillas: Traditional choice that adds authenticity and flavor.
• Cassava Flour Tortillas: Great gluten-free alternative that holds up well to filling.

How to Perfect Birria Tacos

Perfecting birria tacos is all about balancing flavors and textures. Follow these tips to elevate your taco game.

• Use Quality Meat: Selecting a good cut of beef chuck roast ensures tender meat with rich flavor.
• Soak Chiles Properly: Soaking guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles in hot water softens them, making them easier to blend into a smooth sauce.
• Slow Cook with Patience: Cooking the meat low and slow allows it to become tender while absorbing all the delicious spices.
• Crisp Tortillas Before Serving: Lightly frying your tortillas in oil before assembling adds a delightful crunch.
• Serve Hot: Enjoying your birria tacos immediately after cooking keeps them warm and flavorful.

Best Side Dishes for Birria Tacos

Pairing side dishes with birria tacos can enhance your meal even further. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob topped with creamy sauce, cheese, and spices.
2. Refried Beans: Smooth, creamy beans make a hearty side that complements the tacos well.
3. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip adds richness and balances out the flavors of the tacos.
4. Rice with Cilantro and Lime: Fluffy rice flavored with lime zest and fresh cilantro provides a refreshing contrast.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with spicy salsa make for an excellent starter or snack alongside tacos.
6. Pickled Red Onions: Tangy pickled onions add acidity which cuts through the richness of the birria.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t let your birria tacos fall short! Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Bold seasoning: Skipping on the spices can lead to bland flavor. Make sure you measure out the cumin, oregano, and spices carefully for the best taste.
• Bold cooking time: Rushing the slow-cooking process can result in tough meat. Allow the beef to simmer for a full 8 hours for tender, flavorful results.
• Bold tortilla choice: Using the wrong tortillas can affect texture. Opt for corn or cassava flour tortillas for an authentic experience that holds up to dipping.
• Bold assembly: Overfilling your tacos can make them hard to eat. Use just enough filling so you can enjoy every bite without spilling.
• Bold broth use: Neglecting the consommé when serving can miss out on rich flavor. Always serve with a side of warm broth for dipping.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover birria tacos in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Birria Tacos

• Place tacos in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Birria Tacos

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tacos in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Warm each taco for about 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making birria tacos.

What are Birria Tacos?

Birria tacos are made with slow-cooked beef that is seasoned with spices and served in tortillas, often accompanied by a flavorful dipping broth called consommé.

Can I use other meats for Birria Tacos?

Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken or turkey if desired. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I make Birria Consommé?

To prepare the consommé, use the cooking liquid from the beef after it has been braised. Strain it, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm alongside your tacos.

Are there vegetarian options for Birria Tacos?

While traditional birria is meat-based, you can create a vegetarian version using portobello mushrooms or jackfruit as substitutes for the meat.

What sides pair well with Birria Tacos?

Delicious sides include rice, beans, or a fresh salad. You could also serve pickled vegetables as a refreshing contrast.

Final Thoughts

These birria tacos are a delightful twist on taco night that everyone will love. With their crispy tortillas and rich flavors, they offer endless customization options! Experiment by adding different toppings like avocado or hot sauce to personalize your experience. Enjoy making this dish; it’s sure to impress!

Print

Beef Birria Tacos

---

• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 people (16 tacos) 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Switch up your taco night with these irresistible beef birria tacos! Featuring slow-cooked beef, melty cheese, and crispy tortillas, each bite is bursting with rich flavors. These quesabirria tacos are perfect for gatherings, cozy family dinners, or simply indulging in a comforting meal at home. Serve them alongside a warm dipping broth for an authentic experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, you’ll find that making this delightful dish is a breeze!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 pounds beef chuck roast
• 10 guajillo chiles
• 5 ancho chiles
• 3 arbol chilies
• 2 Roma tomatoes
• 1 white onion (quartered)
• 6 garlic cloves (unpeeled)
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• 3 bay leaves
• Corn tortillas (or cassava flour tortillas)
• Diced white onion
• Roughly chopped cilantro
• Oaxacan cheese

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the chiles: Remove stems and seeds, toast in a dry skillet for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Blend the sauce: In a blender, combine toasted chiles, Roma tomatoes, quartered onion, unpeeled garlic cloves, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and bay leaves. Blend until smooth.
3. Cook the beef: Add beef chunks to a slow cooker or Dutch oven and pour the blended sauce over the meat. Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours until tender.
4. Shred the meat: After cooking, shred the beef with two forks and return it to the pot to soak in the sauce.
5. Assemble tacos: In a skillet over medium heat, place corn tortillas filled with shredded beef and Oaxacan cheese. Cook until golden brown on both sides.
6. Serve: Top with diced onions and chopped cilantro; serve hot with consommé for dipping.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tacos (200g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For added flavor, try marinating the beef overnight with spices before cooking. Gluten-free? Use cassava flour tortillas as an alternative. Customize toppings by adding avocado or salsa verde for extra zing.