Fave Birria Tacos

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Introduction

Fave Birria Tacos are a flavorful and satisfying Mexican dish that combines tender, slow-braised beef with aromatic spices, served in crispy tortillas with melted cheese and a side of rich consommé for dipping. The moment I made these tacos for the first time, the kitchen was filled with an irresistible, mouthwatering aroma. The tender beef, cooked to perfection in a broth of chiles, garlic, and spices, creates a depth of flavor that’s simply unbeatable.

Originating from Jalisco, birria is traditionally made with goat or beef, and over time, it has become a beloved taco filling. What makes these tacos truly special is the combination of textures—the crispy, slightly charred tortillas with melted cheese hold the juicy, spiced beef perfectly. The consommé, rich and full of flavor, adds an extra layer of indulgence as you dip each taco, making every bite an experience.

These tacos are ideal for weekend meals, family gatherings, or special occasions when you want to impress your guests with something both comforting and authentic. With smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection, leaving everyone craving more.

Perfect for:

  • Family dinners
  • Taco Tuesday
  • Special occasions
  • Mexican cuisine enthusiasts
  • Comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Fave Birria Tacos

Here’s why Fave Birria Tacos will become your go-to recipe for flavorful tacos:

  • Tender, Flavorful Meat: The slow-braising process makes the beef incredibly tender, allowing it to soak up all the spices and juices for rich, deep flavor.
  • Spicy and Smoky: The combination of chiles and spices adds a smoky heat that pairs perfectly with the richness of the meat.
  • Crispy and Cheesy: When the tortillas are dipped in the consommé and fried, they become perfectly crispy, while the cheese adds gooey indulgence to every bite.
  • Perfectly Balanced: The rich, savory beef, crispy tortillas, and tangy consommé create a balanced taco experience that’s packed with flavor in every bite.
  • Authentic and Customizable: This recipe stays true to the classic birria taco but can be customized with different meats or additional toppings like cilantro, onions, or lime.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 4 hours
  • Servings: 12 tacos
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories (per taco)
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Fave Birria Tacos:

For the Birria Meat:

  • 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast (or bone-in beef shank)
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 2 dried guajillo chilies, stems and seeds removed
  • 2 dried pasilla chilies, stems and seeds removed
  • 1 dried ancho chili, stems and seeds removed
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 6 cups beef broth (or water)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tacos:

  • 12 small corn tortillas (preferably fresh)
  • 1 cup Oaxaca cheese (or mozzarella), shredded
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Onion, finely chopped
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Consommé (from the birria) for dipping

Ingredient Highlights

  • Beef Chuck Roast: This cut of beef becomes incredibly tender after slow-braising, making it the perfect meat for birria tacos.
  • Dried Chiles: The guajillo, pasilla, and ancho chiles bring depth and smokiness to the birria’s flavor profile. They create a rich base for the consommé.
  • Oaxaca Cheese: Oaxaca cheese has a stringy, meltable texture, perfect for tacos. Mozzarella can be substituted if necessary.
  • Consommé: The rich broth created from braising the meat is served alongside the tacos for dipping, adding even more flavor and juiciness to each bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Fave Birria Tacos:

Prepare the Birria Meat:

  1. Toast the Chiles: In a dry pan over medium heat, lightly toast the guajillo, pasilla, and ancho chilies for about 2-3 minutes until they’re fragrant but not burnt. Then, place the toasted chilies in a bowl of hot water and let them soak for about 15 minutes, until softened.
  2. Blend the Sauce: Once the chilies are softened, blend them with the onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, cloves, and apple cider vinegar, adding a bit of the soaking water as needed to help blend the ingredients into a smooth paste.
  3. Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper, then sear the meat on all sides until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
  4. Cook the Birria: Add the chili paste to the pot with the meat. Pour in the beef broth, add the bay leaves, and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let the meat braise for 3-4 hours, or until it is fork-tender and easily shreds apart.
  5. Shred the Meat: Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot, shred it using two forks, and discard any bones. Return the shredded beef to the pot with the consommé. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or vinegar to taste.

Prepare the Tacos:

  1. Dip and Fry the Tortillas: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Lightly dip each tortilla into the consommé, making sure it’s coated on both sides, then fry the tortillas in the skillet for about 2 minutes per side until crispy and golden. You can also fry them with a bit of oil for extra crispiness.
  2. Assemble the Tacos: Place a fried tortilla on a plate and sprinkle some shredded Oaxaca cheese onto the center. Add a generous amount of shredded birria meat and some of the consommé from the pot. Optionally, top with fresh cilantro and chopped onions for added flavor.
  3. Serve: Serve the tacos hot, with lime wedges on the side and a small bowl of consommé for dipping.

How to Serve Fave Birria Tacos

Fave Birria Tacos are best enjoyed fresh, with the following ideas for serving:

  • With Consommé: Dip your tacos into the flavorful, aromatic broth for a true birria experience.
  • As a Meal: Pair with traditional sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
  • With Salsas: Offer a variety of salsas, from mild to spicy, to complement the rich flavors of the tacos.
  • For Parties and Gatherings: These tacos are perfect for sharing at family gatherings or taco bars, allowing guests to customize their tacos with toppings and dips.

Additional Tips for Fave Birria Tacos

Here are some tips to ensure your Fave Birria Tacos turn out perfect every time:

  • Slow Cooking: The longer you braise the meat, the more tender and flavorful it will be. Low and slow is the key to perfect birria.
  • Use the Right Meat: Beef chuck roast or bone-in beef shank works best for birria, as it becomes tender while maintaining its flavor.
  • Adjust the Spice Level: The heat from the dried chiles can be adjusted by adding more or less, depending on your preference. If you prefer a milder version, remove the seeds from the chiles before blending.
  • Crisp the Tortillas: Don’t skip the step of dipping the tortillas in consommé before frying. It adds an authentic flavor and makes the tacos extra crispy.
  • Let the Consommé Rest: The consommé can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop, and it will be even more delicious when reheated.
  • Keep it Warm: If serving a large crowd, keep the birria and consommé warm in slow cookers to allow guests to assemble their tacos as they wish.

Recipe Variations for Fave Birria Tacos

Here are 10 variations you can try for Fave Birria Tacos:

  • Chicken Birria Tacos: Use chicken thighs or breasts for a lighter alternative to the traditional beef birria.
  • Vegetarian Birria Tacos: Replace the meat with mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this dish.
  • Birria with Queso Fundido: Add a layer of melted cheese inside the taco before adding the birria for extra cheesy indulgence.
  • Birria Nachos: Instead of tacos, use the birria meat and consommé to top crispy tortilla chips for a birria nacho dish.
  • Birria Burritos: Wrap the birria meat and toppings inside large flour tortillas for a hearty burrito option.
  • Lamb Birria Tacos: Replace the beef with lamb for a richer, more distinctive flavor.
  • Birria Tostadas: Serve the birria meat on crispy tostadas for a crunchier variation of the taco.
  • Grilled Birria Tacos: Grill the tortillas before dipping them into the consommé for a charred, smoky flavor.
  • Cheesy Birria Quesadillas: Use the birria meat and cheese to make quesadillas for a cheesy twist.
  • Birria Tacos with Avocado: Add fresh slices of avocado to the tacos for creaminess and a mild contrast to the spice.

Freezing and Storage for Fave Birria Tacos

  • Freezing: You can freeze the birria meat and consommé for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe

bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

  • Storage: Leftover birria meat can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The consommé can also be stored separately for up to 4 days.

Special Equipment for Fave Birria Tacos

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Fave Birria Tacos easier:

  • Dutch Oven or Large Pot: A heavy pot is essential for slow-braising the beef and making the consommé.
  • Blender: A blender or food processor is needed to create the smooth chili paste for the birria.
  • Tortilla Press or Skillet: For making or heating tortillas, a tortilla press or large skillet will make the process easier.
  • Slotted Spoon: Use a slotted spoon to remove the meat from the consommé, allowing it to shred easily without excess liquid.
  • Slow Cooker (Optional): For even easier cooking, you can use a slow cooker to braise the meat over a longer period.

Frequently Asked Questions for Fave Birria Tacos

  1. Can I use other meats for birria?
    Yes, birria can also be made with lamb, goat, or chicken for a different flavor profile.
  2. Can I make birria ahead of time?
    Yes, the birria meat and consommé can be made a day ahead of time. Simply reheat before assembling your tacos.
  3. What should I do if the consommé is too salty?
    If the consommé is too salty, add a bit of water or more broth to dilute the flavor. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  4. Can I make birria tacos without cheese?
    Yes, you can skip the cheese if you prefer, but the cheese adds a delicious meltiness that complements the birria perfectly.
  5. Can I make the consommé without beef broth?
    Yes, you can make the consommé with water, but beef broth gives the best depth of flavor.

Conclusion

Fave Birria Tacos are a delicious, comforting treat that’s perfect for any taco lover. The tender, slow-cooked beef, rich consommé for dipping, and crispy tortillas with melted cheese come together in a mouthwatering combination that’s truly irresistible. The deep flavors of the broth and the melt-in-your-mouth beef make every bite a satisfying experience.

Whether you’re serving them for a special gathering, celebrating Taco Tuesday, or enjoying a casual meal at home, these tacos will undoubtedly become a favorite in your recipe collection. The crispy, cheesy tortillas and the savory consommé will make this dish something you’ll want to return to again and again.

I’d love to see how your Fave Birria Tacos turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!