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Birria Tacos Recipe

Birria Tacos

Delicious and savory Birria Tacos served with a flavorful dipping sauce, perfect for any taco lover!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Chili Paste Soaking Time 20 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 tacos
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Chili Paste
  • 4 dried guajillo peppers
  • 4 dried ancho chiles
  • 4 chipotle peppers in adobo
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup organic beef stock sub with water if needed
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons Mexican oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
The Meat and Consomme Sauce
  • 3 lbs organic chuck roast beef chopped into medium-large chunks
  • 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 onion diced
  • 4 cups organic beef stock
  • 2 cups water
Tacos
  • 12 organic corn tortillas
  • shredded Oaxaca cheese
  • 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Pico de Gallo optional

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven

Method
 

  1. TO MAKE THE CHILI PASTE: Remove the stems and seeds from all of the dried ancho and guajillo chiles and add the beef stock to a medium-sized pot and bring to a boil. Next, add chiles, turn off the heat and cover and allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes.
  2. When the peppers are softened, add them to a high-powered blender or food processor along with the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth and thick. NOTE: You can add another ½ cup or more of beef stock (or water) for desired consistency + less thickness.
  3. TO MAKE THE 'MEAT': Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  4. In a dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, add the chopped beef chunks and sear on each side (seasoning each side with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder) for 3-4 minutes or until golden. Remove seared meat from pot and set onto a plate with paper towel.
  5. In the same pot, add the onions, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 1-2 minutes. Add the chili paste and stir together, allowing everything to simmer for about 1-2 minutes. Add the beef stock and water, stirring to combine. Add the seared beef and stir again and reduce the heat to low and allow to simmer for another minute or so.
  6. LET EVERYTHING BRAISE IN THE OVEN: Carefully, transfer the dutch oven into the oven and let everything slowly cook and braise for about 2 ½ hours or until the beef is really tender and can be easily shredded using forks.
  7. Remove from oven and begin shredding all of the meat until completely 'pulled' in texture. NOTE: You want to have a good amount of sauciness to serve over the tortillas (plus for dipping).
  8. TO ASSEMBLE THE TACOS: Remove 1 cup of the broth/liquid from the cooked beef and add to a small bowl. Add some fresh chopped cilantro to the top and set aside as the dipping sauce.
  9. In a medium skillet or fry pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and using a paper towel, gently wipe it evenly at the base of the skillet.
  10. Carefully dip a tortilla at the top part of the dipping sauce and place it in the heated skillet/pan and fry for a few seconds. Top with shredded beef, diced onions, chopped parsley, and shredded cheese. Flip in half and allow the cheese to melt and become gooey before flipping it carefully onto the opposite side again for a nice 'char'.
  11. Remove from heat once golden on both side and repeat until all tacos are made.
  12. Serve with the dipping sauce, Pico de Gallo, or whatever else you love and enjoy! Bon Appetit!

Notes

These Birria Tacos are best enjoyed with a side of consomme for dipping. Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite ingredients like avocado or jalapeños.