Okay, friend, let’s talk Birria Tacos! Have you SEEN these things blowing up on Pinterest?! I swear, every time I log on, there’s another drool-worthy photo of crispy, cheesy tacos getting dunked in that gorgeous, rich broth. I knew I had to figure out how to make them, and let me tell you, this recipe? It’s a winner.
What I love most is how easy these Birria Tacos are to throw together. Seriously! Don’t let the long cook time scare you; it’s mostly hands-off simmering. Plus, they’re SO visually appealing – total social media gold, right? I remember the first time I made them; even *my* picky eater devoured them. And the best part? That rich, flavorful birria? It’s just the thing to warm you up on a chilly Seattle evening.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Birria Tacos
Okay, so why *this* Birria Tacos recipe? Trust me, you’re gonna love it. It’s:
- Easy Peasy: Seriously, the prep is quick! Most of the time is just letting it simmer away.
- Flavorful AF: We’re talking incredibly rich, deep, savory flavors that’ll blow your mind. This is the *best* birria!
- Total Showstopper: These tacos look AMAZING. Perfect for the ‘gram, guaranteed.
- Shareable (and I mean that in every sense!): They’re great to make with friends, and everyone will be begging for the recipe.
Ingredients for Making Authentic Birria Tacos
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up the *best* Birria Tacos ever. Don’t skimp – quality ingredients make all the difference, trust me!
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks (don’t be shy with the size!)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed (smashing releases all that yummy flavor!)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (just a *pinch* for warmth!)
- 4 dried guajillo peppers, stemmed and seeded (these give it that authentic kick!)
- 2 dried ancho peppers, stemmed and seeded (for a little more depth of flavor)
- 4 cups beef broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste (don’t be afraid to season generously!)
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese (melts like a DREAM, but Monterey Jack works too!)
- Chopped cilantro and onion for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving (gotta have that zing!)
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Delicious Birria Tacos
Okay, peeps, ready to get your Birria Tacos on? Don’t worry; it’s easier than you think! I’m gonna walk you through it, step by step, so you can make these viral tacos like a pro. Let’s jump right into how to make these dreamy tacos!
- First, in a big pot or Dutch oven (the kind with a lid!), toss in your beef chuck, onion, garlic, bay leaves, oregano, cumin, chili powder, cinnamon, guajillo peppers, ancho peppers, and beef broth. Basically, EVERYTHING except the tortillas, cheese, and garnishes! Season it all generously with salt and pepper – don’t be shy!.
- Now, bring that pot to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, turn the heat down to low, slap on that lid, and let it simmer. And I mean SIMMER. For 3-4 hours. Yes, you read that right. This is where the magic happens, and the beef gets fall-apart tender. Trust me, the wait is WORTH IT!.
- Okay, time to shred! Take the beef out of the pot (careful, it’s hot!) and shred it with two forks. It should practically fall apart. Mmm!
- Here’s a *super* important step: strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve. We want that liquid gold, but not all the chunky bits. Discard the solids (or compost them!). But HOLD ONTO THAT BROTH. seriously.
- Alright, now for the fun part! Heat up a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Dip each corn tortilla in that glorious, reserved broth. Seriously, give it a good dunk! This is key for flavor AND that gorgeous red color.
- Lay the broth-soaked tortilla on the hot griddle. Pile half of the tortilla with that shredded beef and a generous amount of Oaxaca cheese. Seriously, load it up!.
- Fold the tortilla in half, like a taco (duh!). Now, cook it for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the cheese is melty and gooey, and the tortilla is crispy and golden brown. If you want it extra crispy, give it a little press with your spatula.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped cilantro and onion, and with lime wedges for squeezing. You HAVE to have the lime! And the MUST-HAVE PART? Serve with the reserved broth for dipping. Oh. My. Goodness.
There you have it! A *step by step* guide for the *best* Birria Tacos! Get ready to become everyone’s favorite cook!
Tips for the Best Homemade Birria Tacos
Wanna take your Birria Tacos to the NEXT LEVEL? Here are a few of my go-to secrets! Trust me, these little tweaks make a HUGE difference.
- Spice it up (or down!): Not a fan of heat? No problem! Use fewer dried peppers, or remove the seeds entirely. Want more of a kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- Sear that beef!: For even MORE flavor, sear the beef chuck in a hot pan before adding it to the pot. Just get a good brown on all sides. It creates a richer, more complex flavor in the long run.
- Cheese, please!: Oaxaca cheese is my fave because it melts like a dream and has that slightly tangy flavor. But if you can’t find it, Monterey Jack or even mozzarella will work just fine. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese!
These quick tips ensures you have the *best* *homemade Birria Tacos* ever!
Serving Suggestions for Your Birria Tacos
Okay, so you’ve got your amazing, Pinterest-worthy Birria Tacos… now what? Don’t let them fly solo! I always like to serve mine with a few simple sides to make it a complete meal. Some of my faves? A bright, tangy slaw cuts through the richness perfectly. Or a side of Mexican rice is always a winner! And don’t forget the extra lime wedges, seriously!
FAQ About Making Birria Tacos
Got questions about making the *best* Birria Tacos? Don’t sweat it! I’ve got answers to some of the most common questions I get asked. Let’s dive in!
Can I make Birria Tacos in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just toss everything into your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be fall-apart tender. Easy peasy!
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Birria Tacos?
I like to reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. This helps get the tortilla nice and crispy again. You can also pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave, if you can, it does make them a bit soggy.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Chuck roast is my go-to because it gets super tender and has great flavor, but you *could* use beef brisket or even short ribs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. The key is low and slow, no matter what cut you use!
How do I make the Birria broth less spicy?
If you’re worried about the spice level, remove the seeds and veins from the guajillo and ancho peppers before adding them. That’s where most of the heat comes from! You can always add a little bit of chili powder at the end if you want more of a kick. This easy tweak will ensure a mild but *flavorful* taco!
How to Store and Reheat Your Birria Tacos
Okay, so you’ve got leftovers? Lucky you! Seriously though, storing and reheating them right is key to keeping that yummy flavor and texture. Trust me, nobody wants a soggy taco!
To store, keep the shredded beef separate from the tortillas. That way, they don’t get all soggy. Store the broth in a separate container too. Everything in the fridge, okay? When you’re ready to reheat, skillet is the way to go! Just dip the tortilla in the broth like before and heat it up with the beef and cheese. Crispy perfection every time!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Birria Tacos
Alright, so what are we *really* eating here? One serving (that’s 2 tacos) is roughly 650 calories, 40g fat, 35g protein, and 40g carbs. Keep in mind, it’s just an estimate, okay? It can change based on what you use!
Enjoyed This Birria Tacos Recipe? Leave a Comment Below!
Loved this Birria Tacos recipe? Let me know in the comments! Rate it, share it on social media, and tag me – I wanna see your taco creations!
PrintBirria Tacos
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Make these trendy and easy Birria Tacos for a visually appealing and shareable meal.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 dried guajillo peppers, stemmed and seeded
- 2 dried ancho peppers, stemmed and seeded
- 4 cups beef broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese
- Chopped cilantro and onion for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the beef chuck, onion, garlic, bay leaves, oregano, cumin, chili powder, cinnamon, guajillo peppers, ancho peppers, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is very tender and easily shredded.
- Remove the beef from the pot and shred it with two forks. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids. Reserve the broth for dipping.
- Dip each corn tortilla in the reserved broth, then place it on a hot griddle or skillet.
- Top half of the tortilla with shredded beef and Oaxaca cheese. Fold the tortilla in half and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy and golden brown.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped cilantro and onion, and with lime wedges for squeezing. Serve with the reserved broth for dipping.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili powder and dried peppers to control the spice level.
- For extra flavor, sear the beef chuck before adding it to the pot.
- Oaxaca cheese can be substituted with Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg



