Beef Birria Tacos: 8 Steps to Flavorful Delight

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Beef Birria Tacos have become a staple in my kitchen, especially for gatherings. These tacos are more than just a meal; they represent a tradition of slow-cooked, flavorful beef infused with a blend of spices that truly capture the essence of Mexican cuisine. The tender brisket wrapped in warm corn tortillas, served with a side of consommé for dipping, is pure comfort food. Let’s jump into this delicious journey of making your own Beef Birria Tacos!

Why You’ll Love This Beef Birria Tacos

This recipe for Beef Birria Tacos is not only straightforward, but it also delivers incredible flavor that will impress your friends and family. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love making this dish:

Rich, deep flavors that come from slow-cooking the beef.
Perfect for any gathering or festive occasion.
Easy to customize with your choice of toppings.
Authentic taste that rivals your favorite taqueria.
Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Great for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
Family-friendly; kids and adults alike will love these tacos.
Enjoy a traditional Mexican dish that brings everyone together.

Ingredients for Beef Birria Tacos

Gather these items:

4 chilies de arbol
3 dried Guajillo chilies
2 dried Pasilla chilies
3 pounds brisket
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons oil
1 medium onion (chopped)
5 garlic cloves (minced)
2 teaspoons coriander
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons oregano
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cinnamon stick
2 bay leaves
6 cups chicken stock
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
16 corn tortillas
4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

How to Make Beef Birria Tacos Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Step 2: Place the dried chili de arbol, guajillo, and pasilla chilies in a heat safe bowl and add enough boiling water to cover the chilies. Place another bowl on top to keep the chilies submerged. Let sit for 30 minutes. Drain the water and discard the stems and seeds. Set aside.
Step 3: Season the brisket generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the brisket and sear on all sides until seared. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic, coriander, cumin, oregano, and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Add back the brisket along with the rehydrated chilies, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and chicken stock. Cover and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and continue cooking the brisket in the oven for 2 ½ hours or until the meat is fall-apart tender.
Step 5: Remove the brisket from the pot and shred the meat using two forks. Strain the braising liquid, discarding the ingredients but keeping the liquid. Ladle ½ cup of the braising liquid over the shredded beef, tossing to coat.
Step 6: Combine chopped onion and cilantro in a medium bowl. Season with lime juice and salt. Set aside.
Step 7: Heat a nonstick sauté pan over medium heat. Carefully dip the tortilla in the top part of the braising liquid where the fat resides. Place the tortilla in the pan and cook for 1 minute or until lightly browned. Flip over and top with shredded brisket and shredded cheese on one half of the tortilla. Fold over to create a taco and cook until lightly browned on both sides. Remove taco and repeat with remaining ingredients.
Step 8: Serve with warm au jus for dipping and onion cilantro topping.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Beef Birria Tacos

Keep these in mind:

For extra flavor, let the beef marinate overnight in spices.
Use homemade beef broth for a richer taste.
Experiment with toppings like avocado or pickled onions.
Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Beef Birria Tacos

There are many delicious ways to serve these tacos:

Pair with a side of Mexican rice or beans for a complete meal.
Top with cheese, avocado, or fresh salsa for added flavor.
Don’t forget to serve with a small bowl of consommé for dipping!

How to Store and Reheat Beef Birria Tacos

To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. This method will help keep your tacos crispy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Birria Tacos

What’s the secret to perfect Beef Birria Tacos?

The secret lies in slow-cooking the beef until tender and flavorful. Using quality spices and fresh ingredients is essential for achieving that authentic taste.

Can I make Beef Birria Tacos ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving and assemble your tacos for fresh, delicious results.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Beef Birria Tacos?

Ensure you don’t rush the cooking process. Slow cooking helps develop deeper flavors. Also, avoid overfilling your tortillas to prevent tearing.

Variations of Beef Birria Tacos You Can Try

If you’re feeling adventurous, try these variations:

Make spicy beef birria by adding more chilies or hot sauce.
Use different cuts of beef, like chuck roast, for a different texture.
For a cheesy twist, add cheese inside the taco before folding.

Delicious Beef Birria Tacos served with consommé

For more delicious recipes, check out our Gingerbread Tiramisu or Sizzling Cheesy Beef Rice. You can also try our Cranberry Custard Pie for a sweet treat!