Easy Beef Birria Tacos Recipe
If you’ve been craving a taco night that goes beyond the ordinary, this easy beef birria tacos recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine crispy, golden tortillas dipped in rich consommé, stuffed with tender shredded beef, and loaded with gooey melted cheese. Every bite is juicy, smoky, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible.
Birria Tacos aren’t just food they’re an experience. Originating from Jalisco, Mexico, this dish is steeped in tradition and has recently exploded in popularity worldwide. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these tacos bring authentic flavor and comfort straight to your table.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make the beef birria stew and assemble your tacos:
For the Birria Stew
- 2 ½ lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
- 2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
- 1 dried pasilla chile, stemmed and seeded
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo
- 4 Roma tomatoes, halved
- ½ white onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
For the Tacos
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or Oaxaca cheese)
- ½ cup finely chopped white onion
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chiles
Toast dried guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chiles in a dry skillet for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Place them in a bowl, cover with hot water, and soak for 15 minutes.
2. Sear the Beef
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven. Season beef chunks with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
In the same pot, add halved tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened and charred. Drain the soaked chiles and blend them with the tomatoes, onion, garlic, chipotle, vinegar, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon. Add a splash of beef broth if needed for smooth blending.
4. Simmer the Stew
Pour the blended sauce into the pot. Return beef, add bay leaves, beef broth, and water. Stir, cover, and simmer on low heat for 3 hours, or until beef is fall-apart tender. Remove bay leaves, shred the meat, and reserve the broth (consommé).
5. Assemble the Tacos
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Dip a tortilla in the top layer of the consommé (the flavorful fat), then place it in the skillet. Sprinkle with cheese, add shredded beef, and fold the tortilla. Cook until golden and crispy on both sides. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
6. Serve
Serve tacos hot with chopped onion, cilantro, lime wedges, and small bowls of consommé for dipping.
⏱ Prep Time: 30 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 3 hours
🍴 Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
🥘 Servings: 6
✨ Calories: ~430 kcal per serving
Why You’ll Love This Easy Beef Birria Tacos Recipe
- Unbelievable Flavor: Slow-braised beef in smoky chile sauce creates deep, complex layers of taste.
- Crispy + Juicy: Tortillas are dipped in consommé and fried, giving them a crunchy texture with juicy, cheesy filling.
- Restaurant-Worthy: These tacos bring authentic Mexican street food right to your kitchen.
- Versatile: Enjoy them on taco night, at parties, or as the star of a weekend family dinner.
Tips for Success
- Toast the chiles before soaking to unlock smoky depth.
- Take your time simmering—low and slow cooking ensures tender, juicy beef.
- Don’t overstuff the tortillas, or they’ll tear when frying.
- Use consommé fat for frying tortillas—this adds unbeatable flavor.
- Broil for extra crispiness if you want a crunchy finish.
Variations to Try
- Birria Ramen: Add noodles and leftover consommé for a hearty soup.
- Birria Quesadillas: Layer meat and cheese between tortillas.
- Chicken Birria: Swap beef for bone-in chicken thighs.
- Vegan Birria: Use jackfruit or mushrooms with veggie broth.
- Birria Grilled Cheese: Go fusion and dip in consommé!
Perfect Pairings
Serve your birria tacos with:
- Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
- Street corn (Elote) or esquites
- Chips with guacamole or salsa
- Churros or flan for dessert
- Mexican beer, horchata, or hibiscus agua fresca
Conclusion
This easy beef birria tacos recipe is more than just a meal it’s a celebration of tradition, patience, and incredible flavor. From the slow-simmered beef to the crispy, cheesy tortillas dipped in consommé, every bite is pure comfort.
So, set aside an afternoon, invite your favorite people, and turn taco night into something unforgettable. Once you try these birria tacos, they’re guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
