Birria Tacos have become a beloved staple, known for their rich, savory flavors. This homemade recipe offers a delightful blend of tender beef, aromatic spices, and soft tortillas, making it an irresistible dish. With origins rooted in Mexican cuisine, these tacos are often served with a flavorful broth, perfect for dipping. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure that captures the essence of authentic Mexican street food.
Why You’ll Love This Birria Tacos
This Birria Tacos recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Here are a few reasons why this dish stands out:
- Rich, slow-cooked flavors that melt in your mouth.
- Perfect for gatherings, ensuring everyone enjoys a hearty meal.
- Versatile – try it with beef, chicken, or even vegan options.
- Ideal for meal prep, making lunches easy and delicious.
- Served with a savory broth, enhancing the eating experience.
- Great for those looking to explore traditional Mexican cuisine.
Ingredients for Birria Tacos
Gather these items:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast (or goat meat, cut into chunks)
- 2 dried guajillo chilies
- 2 dried ancho chilies
- 1 onion (quartered)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 bay leaf
- 8–10 corn tortillas
- 1 cup chopped onion (for topping)
- 1 cup chopped cilantro (for topping)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Salsa (optional, for serving)
How to Make Birria Tacos Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Remove the stems and seeds from the guajillo and ancho chilies. Soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Add a little of the soaking water and blend until smooth.
- Step 3: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and sear on all sides until browned.
- Step 4: Pour the blended chili sauce over the seared meat, then add the beef broth, apple cider vinegar, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 2–3 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shredded. Alternatively, cook in a slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours.
- Step 6: Once the meat is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir it into the broth.
- Step 7: In a skillet, heat the corn tortillas one at a time until warm and pliable.
- Step 8: Place a generous amount of the birria meat on one half of each tortilla and fold to form a taco.
- Step 9: Top the tacos with chopped onions and cilantro.
- Step 10: Serve the tacos with a small bowl of the birria broth for dipping, along with lime wedges and salsa if desired.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Birria Tacos
Keep these in mind:
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Use fresh tortillas for the best results.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.
- For a spicier kick, add more chilies or hot sauce.
- Pair with a refreshing drink like horchata to balance the flavors.
Best Ways to Serve Birria Tacos
These tacos can be served in various delightful ways:
- With birria tacos sauce for added flavor.
- Accompanied by a side of rice and beans for a full meal.
- As a spicy birria tacos option by adding jalapeños.
How to Store and Reheat Birria Tacos
To enjoy your homemade birria tacos later, store the shredded meat and broth separately in airtight containers. You can reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave. Ensure to warm the tortillas just before serving for that fresh taste. This method is perfect for meal prep and enjoying leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Birria Tacos
What are birria tacos?
Birria tacos are a traditional Mexican dish featuring tender, marinated meat, typically beef or goat, served in soft tortillas. They are often accompanied by a flavorful dipping broth, known as consomme.
Can I make birria tacos ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meat and broth a day in advance. Simply store them in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. This makes for an easy and satisfying meal.
How do I avoid common mistakes with birria tacos?
Ensure to properly soak the chilies and blend the sauce until smooth for optimal flavor. Additionally, don’t rush the cooking process; slow-cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Variations of Birria Tacos You Can Try
There are several delightful variations to explore:
- Chicken birria tacos for a lighter option.
- Vegan birria tacos using jackfruit or mushrooms.
- Serving with a spicy consomme for an extra kick.
- Experiment with different toppings like avocado or cheese for a unique twist.

For more delicious recipes, check out our Gingerbread Tiramisu or Cranberry Custard Pie.

Enjoy your Birria Tacos with a side of Peppermint Christmas Float for a festive touch!
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Delicious Birria Tacos: 10 Steps to Perfection
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A homemade recipe for delicious birria tacos.
Ingredients
- For the Birria:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast (or goat meat, cut into chunks)
- 2 dried guajillo chilies
- 2 dried ancho chilies
- 1 onion (quartered)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 bay leaf
- For the Tacos:
- 8–10 corn tortillas
- 1 cup chopped onion (for topping)
- 1 cup chopped cilantro (for topping)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Salsa (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Remove the stems and seeds from the guajillo and ancho chilies. Soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes until softened.
- In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Add a little of the soaking water and blend until smooth.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks and sear on all sides until browned.
- Pour the blended chili sauce over the seared meat, then add the beef broth, apple cider vinegar, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 2–3 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shredded. Alternatively, cook in a slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours.
- Once the meat is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir it into the broth.
- In a skillet, heat the corn tortillas one at a time until warm and pliable.
- Place a generous amount of the birria meat on one half of each tortilla and fold to form a taco.
- Top the tacos with chopped onions and cilantro.
- Serve the tacos with a small bowl of the birria broth for dipping, along with lime wedges and salsa if desired.
- Enjoy your Homemade Birria Tacos as a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Use fresh tortillas for best results.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop/Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
