Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
My All-Time Favorite Birria Tacos Recipe First Image

Birria Beef Tacos


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Chef Gourmet
  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-free, Dairy optional

Description

Delicious birria beef tacos made with tender beef chuck roast, spices, and served with tortillas.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lb beef chuck roast (cut into large chunks)
  • 1 lb beef short ribs or beef shank (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 3 dried guajillo chiles
  • 3 dried ancho chiles
  • 12 dried chiles de árbol (optional, for heat)
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 1 (14 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups beef broth or water
  • tacos: Corn tortillas
  • tacos: Oaxacan cheese or mozzarella, shredded
  • tacos: Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • tacos: White onion, finely diced
  • tacos: Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chiles: Remove stems and seeds from dried chiles. Toast lightly in a dry skillet, then soak in hot water for 15 minutes.
  2. Make the Sauce: Blend softened chiles with onion, garlic, tomatoes, vinegar, spices, and some soaking liquid until smooth.
  3. Cook the Beef: Place beef in a large pot or Dutch oven. Pour sauce over meat, add bay leaves and broth. Cover and simmer on low for 2½–3 hours until beef is fork-tender.
  4. Shred the Meat: Remove beef, shred with forks, and return to the pot. Adjust seasoning as needed. Reserve broth (consommé) for dipping.
  5. Assemble the Tacos: Dip tortillas into the consommé, then place on a hot skillet. Add cheese and shredded beef, fold, and fry until crispy and golden on both sides.
  6. Serve: Top with cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime. Serve hot with consommé for dipping.

Notes

  • For extra heat, use more chiles de árbol.
  • Customize toppings to your preference.
  • Store leftover beef and broth for later use.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow cooking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tacos
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg