Name: Birria Tacos Recipe: Bold and Flavorful
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 270 min
Ingredients: Birria:; 2 lbs beef chuck roast (cut into chunks); 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 onion (chopped); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 3 guajillo chiles (stemmed, seeded); 2 ancho chiles (stemmed, seeded); 1 chipotle chile (stemmed, seeded (optional)); 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes; 4 cups beef broth; 1 tsp oregano; 1 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp cloves; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 2 bay leaves; Tacos:; 12 corn tortillas; 2 cups Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; Optional: Cilantro (onion, lime wedges); Suggested Pairings: Mexican rice (agua fresca)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Birria Tacos are a vibrant Mexican classic, perfect for festive gatherings, family dinners, or indulgent taco nights. Tender, slow-cooked beef in a rich, chile-infused broth, stuffed into crispy, cheesy corn tortillas, and served with a savory consomé for dipping, these tacos deliver bold, unforgettable flavors. Arranged on a white ceramic platter, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, these Birria Tacos offer a colorful, inviting aesthetic. This recipe delivers traditional Birria Tacos, adaptable for dietary preferences, best served hot for a satisfying, immersive experience.

Ingredients

For the Birria:

2 lbs beef chuck roast or shank, cut into 2-inch chunks
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
1 dried chipotle chile, stemmed and seeded (optional, for heat)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
4 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 tsp dried oregano (Mexican preferred)
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 bay leaves

For the Tacos:

12 corn tortillas
2 cups shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Serving:

Optional: Chopped fresh cilantro, diced white onion, lime wedges
Suggested Accompaniments: Consomé (from braising liquid), Mexican rice, refried beans
Suggested Pairings: Mexican soda, agua fresca
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic platter
Suggested Equipment: Large pot or Dutch oven, blender, large skillet, tongs

Step-by-Step Process

Toast Chiles: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, toast guajillo, ancho, and chipotle chiles for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, turning frequently. Remove and soak in 1 cup hot water for 15 minutes until softened.
Sear Beef: In the same pot, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and pepper; sear for 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Add onion to the pot; cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Make Broth: Blend soaked chiles, soaking water, diced tomatoes, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, and cloves until smooth. Return beef to pot; add chile paste, beef broth, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low. Cover and simmer for 3-4 hours until beef is tender and shreds easily.
Shred Beef and Strain Consomé: Remove beef, shred with two forks. Strain broth (consomé) into a bowl, skimming fat if desired. Return the beef to the pot with 1 cup consomé to keep it moist.
Assemble Tacos: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip a corn tortilla in consomé, place in skillet, add 2-3 tbsp shredded beef and 2 tbsp cheese. Fold in half; cook 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and cheese melts. Repeat for remaining tacos, adding oil as needed.
Serve: Arrange tacos on a white ceramic platter. Garnish with cilantro, onion, and lime wedges. Serve hot with consomé for dipping, Mexican rice, refried beans, Mexican soda, or agua fresca.

Tips for Better Birria Tacos

Use chuck roast or shank for tender, flavorful beef; trim excess fat to reduce greasiness.
Toast chiles lightly to enhance flavor; don’t burn to avoid bitterness.
Blend chile paste until smooth for a velvety consomé.
Skim fat from consomé for a lighter dipping broth if preferred.
Use Oaxaca cheese for authenticity; mozzarella is a good substitute.
Keep tortillas warm and pliable by covering with a damp cloth before assembly.
Taste consomé before serving; adjust salt or add a splash of lime for brightness.
Enhance aesthetic: Arrange tacos neatly on a white ceramic platter, garnish generously with cilantro and lime for a vibrant look.

Variations and Customization

Chicken Birria Tacos: Replace beef with 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs; reduce simmer time to 1.5-2 hours.
Vegetarian Birria Tacos: Use jackfruit or mushrooms, vegetable broth, and vegan cheese.
Gluten-Free Birria Tacos: Naturally gluten-free; ensure broth and tortillas are gluten-free.
Low-Sodium Birria Tacos: Reduce salt to 1/2 tsp and use low-sodium broth and tomatoes.
Spicy Birria Tacos: Add 1-2 extra chipotle chiles or 1/2 tsp cayenne to broth.
Slow Cooker Birria Tacos: After searing beef and blending chiles, cook all in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
Low-Fat Birria Tacos: Trim beef fat, use less oil for frying, and reduce cheese to 1 cup.
Quesabirria Tacos: Double cheese to 3 cups for extra gooeyness.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store leftover beef and consomé separately in airtight containers in the fridge for 4 days.
Reheat beef in the microwave or skillet with consomé for 1-2 minutes; reheat consomé in a saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Freeze beef and consomé in airtight containers for 3 months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Store tortillas at room temperature for 2 days or freeze for 1 month.
Serve tacos hot for the best texture; consomé should be warm for dipping.
Use leftover beef in quesadillas or over rice; use consomé as a soup base.
Don’t leave at room temperature for over 2 hours.
Pair with light sides, like rice, to balance richness.
Presented on a white ceramic platter with vibrant garnishes for an inviting charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 6 servings (2 tacos each, with consomé):

Calories: 520 kcal
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 780mg
Total Carbohydrates: 34g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 34g
Vitamin A: 20% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 15% Daily Value
Calcium: 25% Daily Value
Iron: 25% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by brand. These are high in protein and moderate in sodium; try low-sodium or vegetarian versions. Serve with veggies for balance.

Conclusion

This Birria Tacos recipe offers a bold, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. It transforms simple ingredients into a Mexican classic. Its rich preparation and vibrant presentation make it a favorite. The tender beef and cheesy tacos, with charming garnishes and consomé, delight every time. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its immersive appeal.