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Authentic birria tacos with dipping consommé on white kitchen counter

Birria Tacos Recipe

These Birria Tacos are the ultimate Mexican comfort food. Tender shredded beef slow-cooked in a rich, spiced broth, wrapped in crispy tortillas, and served with a flavorful dipping consommé. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with authentic flavor.
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Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Latin American, Mexican
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Slow Cooker Option: 6 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 420kcal
Cost: $20

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Blender or food processor
  • Cast-iron skillet
  • Fine-mesh sieve
  • Tongs
  • Mixing bowls

Ingredients

For the Birria Meat and Broth

  • 3 pounds beef chuck roast trimmed and cut into chunks (or use short ribs, brisket, or chicken thighs)
  • 6 dried guajillo chiles deseeded
  • 4 dried ancho chiles deseeded
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 large onion quartered
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 8 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for searing
  • 1 tablespoon adobo seasoning or Mexican chili powder optional

For Assembling the Tacos

  • 12-16 corn tortillas warmed
  • 2 cups Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
  • 1 diced onion for serving
  • lime wedges for serving
  • pickled jalapeños optional

Instructions

  • Toast chiles in a dry skillet until fragrant, then soak in hot water for 10 minutes.
  • Sear beef chunks in oil until browned on all sides.
  • Blend soaked chiles with tomato paste, garlic, vinegar, and soaking liquid until smooth.
  • Combine beef, sauce, broth, and spices in a pot or slow cooker.
  • Simmer for 2–3 hours (or slow cook 6–8 hours) until meat is tender.
  • Shred meat and strain broth for dipping.
  • Dip tortillas in broth, fill with meat and cheese, and fold.
  • Pan-fry tacos until crispy and golden.
  • Serve with warm consommé, cilantro, onions, and lime wedges.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 650mg | Potassium: 700mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 950IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 180mg | Iron: 3.5mg