Birria Tacos: Savory, Tender, and Irresistible

Birria Tacos are a beloved Mexican dish featuring slow-cooked, spiced meat (traditionally beef or goat) served in warm tortillas with fresh toppings and a rich consommé for dipping. Their tender texture and bold flavors have made them a global sensation.

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Prep Time: 30

Cook Time: 3

Total Time: 3 30

Servings: tacos

Calories: 420kcal

Cost: $$

Equipment

Large Dutch oven or heavy pot with lid
Blender or food processor
Skillet or griddle
Tongs
Cutting board and knife

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck roast or goat meat cut into large chunks
4 dried guajillo chiles stems and seeds removed
2 dried ancho chiles stems and seeds removed
2 dried chile de árbol optional, for heat
1 white onion quartered
4 cloves garlic
2 tomatoes quartered
2 cups beef broth
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt plus more to taste
1/2 tsp black pepper
12 corn tortillas
1/2 cup chopped cilantro for garnish
1/2 cup diced white onion for garnish
1 lime cut into wedges
1 cup shredded cheese (Oaxaca or mozzarella) optional

Instructions

Toast dried chiles in a dry skillet until fragrant, then soak in hot water for 10 minutes.
In a blender, combine soaked chiles, tomatoes, quartered onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Season meat with salt and pepper. Sear in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot until browned on all sides.
Pour blended sauce over the meat. Add beef broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 2.5–3 hours, until meat is tender and shreds easily.
Remove meat, shred with forks, and return to the pot. Skim fat from the top of the broth (reserve some for frying tortillas).
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium. Dip tortillas in the reserved fat, then fill with shredded meat and cheese (if using). Fold and cook until crispy on both sides.
Serve tacos with chopped onion, cilantro, and lime wedges. Pour consommé (broth) into small bowls for dipping.

Notes

For a spicier version, add more chile de árbol. For a shortcut, use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time. Birria can also be made with chicken, pork, or lamb. For a vegetarian version, use mushrooms or jackfruit.

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