What Is Birria Tacos Beef Recipe?
If you’re craving bold and authentic Mexican flavors, this Birria Tacos Beef Recipe is exactly what you need. With slow-cooked, tender beef marinated in a blend of dried chilies, aromatic spices, and herbs, this dish delivers an explosion of flavor in every bite.
Birria Tacos Beef Recipe are traditionally prepared with goat or lamb meat in Mexico but can also be made with beef to cater to various dietary preferences. This recipe is ideal for family gatherings, festive celebrations, or even a casual dinner night. Imagine juicy shredded beef tucked inside a crispy tortilla, paired with melty cheese and dipped into a rich consommé for the ultimate taco experience. This recipe will walk you through each step in detail, ensuring perfect results every time.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Birria Tacos Beef Recipe
- Authentic Flavors: Traditional spices and chilies give this recipe rich, complex flavors.
- Easy to Prepare: While it involves slow cooking, the steps are simple and beginner-friendly.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party or preparing a family dinner, these tacos are guaranteed to be a hit.
- Versatile: You can adjust the spice level to your preference, make it cheesier, or serve it with different side dishes.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Birria beef can be made in advance and stored for quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Birria Tacos Beef Recipe
For the Beef Birria (Stew):
- 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast or short ribs (for tender, juicy meat)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 4 dried guajillo peppers
- 2 dried ancho peppers
- 1 dried chipotle pepper
- 1 medium carrot, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 cups beef broth or water
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
For the Tacos:
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese or mozzarella
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
How to Make Homemade Seasoning for Birria Tacos Beef Recipe
A homemade spice blend ensures fresher and richer flavors.
Homemade Spice Blend Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Mix all the ingredients and store in an airtight jar for up to three months.onths.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Birria Tacos Beef Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Peppers
- Remove the stems and seeds from the dried guajillo, ancho, and chipotle peppers.
- Place the peppers in a saucepan and cover them with water.
- Bring the water to a boil and simmer the peppers for 10 minutes until softened.
- Blend the softened peppers with one cup of beef broth until smooth and set aside.
Step 2: Searing the Beef
- Season the beef with salt and black pepper.
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add two tablespoons of oil.
- Sear the beef on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Cooking the Birria Sauce
- In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until softened.
- Add the diced tomatoes and cook until they break down and release their juices.
- Pour in the blended pepper mixture and stir well.
- Add cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick.
- Pour in the remaining broth and apple cider vinegar, then stir to combine.
Step 4: Slow-Cooking the Beef
- Return the seared beef to the pot and cover it with the lid.
- Simmer on low heat for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender. Alternatively, you can use a slow cooker and cook it on low for 6-8 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the beef and shred it using two forks.
Step 5: Assembling the Tacos
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Dip each tortilla lightly into the birria broth and place it on the skillet.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the tortilla and add shredded beef.
- Fold the tortilla in half and cook until crispy and golden brown.
- Serve with chopped onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Cooking Techniques for Birria Tacos Beef Recipe
Stovetop Method
- Requires close monitoring and stirring to prevent sticking.
- Cooking time: 3-4 hours on low heat.
- Allows you to control the consistency of the consommé.
Slow Cooker Method
- Hands-free approach, perfect for busy days.
- Set on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Produces tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort.
Pressure Cooker Method
- Quickest method, ideal for time-saving.
- Cook on high pressure for 45-60 minutes.
- Ensure the pressure is naturally released for best results.
Best Marinade for Birria Tacos Beef Recipe
For enhanced flavor, marinate the beef overnight with the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Massage the marinade into the beef and refrigerate overnight.
Serving Suggestions for Birria Tacos Beef Recipe
- Serve with a side of consommé for dipping.
- Mexican rice or refried beans complement the tacos perfectly.
- Add a fresh cabbage slaw for extra crunch.
- Pickled red onions or jalapeños provide a tangy contrast.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos before serving.
Tips for Perfect Birria Tacos Beef Recipe
- Use well-marbled beef cuts such as chuck roast or short ribs for the juiciest results.
- Let the beef rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Dip the tortillas in consommé before grilling for extra flavor.
- Cook the tacos on medium heat to prevent burning the tortillas.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
- Beef: Rich in protein, iron, and essential vitamins that support muscle growth and overall health.
- Guajillo Peppers: High in antioxidants and vitamin C, which help boost immunity.
- Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting and heart health benefits.
- Oregano: Contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Storage Tips for Birria Tacos Beef Recipe
- Refrigeration: Store leftover shredded beef and consommé in separate airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze both components in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the beef in a pan with consommé to keep it moist and flavorful.
Variations of Birria Tacos Beef Recipe
Birria tacos are highly versatile, allowing for different flavors and textures based on personal preferences. While the classic beef birria tacos remain the most popular, these variations offer exciting twists to the traditional recipe while keeping the essence of the dish intact.
Chicken Birria
For a lighter alternative, chicken birria is a great option. Using bone-in, skinless chicken thighs instead of beef results in a dish that still carries deep flavors while cooking in a shorter time. Chicken thighs are ideal because they remain juicy and absorb the rich blend of spices and consommé beautifully.
How to Make Chicken Birria Tacos:
- Replace beef with 2.5 lbs of chicken thighs (bone-in for extra flavor).
- Follow the same preparation process, including simmering the dried peppers, blending the sauce, and searing the chicken.
- Since chicken cooks faster than beef, reduce the cooking time to 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the meat is tender and easily shredded.
- Once cooked, remove the bones and shred the chicken, then return it to the consommé for extra moisture.
- Assemble the tacos as usual by dipping tortillas in the broth, adding cheese, and crisping them on a pan.
Chicken birria offers the same depth of flavor as beef while being a great alternative for those who prefer poultry.
Spicy Birria
For those who love heat, spicy birria tacos take the dish to another level by intensifying the spice profile. Adding extra chipotle peppers, cayenne pepper, or fresh chili peppers enhances the smokiness and spice.
Ways to Make Birria Spicier:
- Add 2 extra chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a deeper smoky heat.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the spice blend.
- Include sliced fresh jalapeños when assembling the tacos.
- Use a spicy salsa or hot sauce as a topping for extra heat.
This variation ensures that every bite delivers a bold and fiery kick, perfect for spice lovers.
Cheesy Birria Tacos
For a richer, more indulgent experience, cheesy birria tacos take the dish to a whole new level. Using extra cheese not only enhances the taste but also adds a crispy texture to the tortillas when melted properly.
How to Make Extra Cheesy Birria Tacos:
- Use Oaxaca cheese, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a perfect melt.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese on the tortilla before adding the meat.
- Cook the tacos on medium heat, allowing the cheese to melt completely before flipping.
- For extra crispiness, let some cheese spill onto the pan and cook until golden brown, creating a delicious cheese crust.
This version adds a deliciously gooey texture with a crispy, caramelized cheese layer, making it a favorite among cheese lovers.
Conclusion
This Birria Tacos Beef Recipe delivers a perfect combination of juicy, tender beef and rich, bold flavors. The slow-cooked meat, paired with crispy tortillas and melty cheese, creates an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a taco night, these tacos are sure to impress.
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FAQ
What Cut of Beef is Birria Made From?
Birria is best made from well-marbled, tougher cuts of beef that become tender and juicy when slow-cooked. The best cuts include:
- Beef Chuck Roast – One of the most popular choices due to its balance of lean meat and fat, making it perfect for slow cooking.
- Beef Short Ribs – Rich in flavor and marbling, they create a tender and juicy texture.
- Beef Brisket – A slightly tougher cut that, when slow-cooked, breaks down beautifully and absorbs all the flavors.
- Beef Shank – Contains collagen and connective tissue that adds a deep, rich texture to the consommé.
For the best results, a combination of chuck roast and short ribs provides the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.
Is Birria Beef or Another Type of Meat?
Traditionally, birria was made with goat meat, but beef has become the most popular choice due to its accessibility and rich flavor. While birria can be made using other meats such as lamb or chicken, beef remains the most widely used protein for making birria tacos.
For those following halal dietary guidelines, beef birria is a great choice as long as it is sourced from a halal-certified provider. This allows you to enjoy the full depth of flavors without concern.
Are Birria Tacos Always Made with Beef?
Birria tacos are most commonly made with beef, but variations exist depending on regional preferences and dietary choices. Some alternative versions include:
- Lamb Birria – Offers a slightly stronger, rich taste while remaining tender after slow cooking.
- Chicken Birria – A lighter alternative that still absorbs the deep flavors of the spices and consommé.
- Vegan or Plant-Based Birria – Uses jackfruit, mushrooms, or lentils as substitutes while maintaining the signature flavors of the dish.
While beef remains the go-to choice for making birria tacos, these alternatives allow for variety while staying true to the essence of the dish.
How to Get Birria Tacos Crispy?
The key to crispy birria tacos is using the consommé to coat the tortillas before cooking them in a hot skillet. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect crisp:
- Dip the Tortillas in the Consommé – Lightly coat each tortilla with a small amount of the flavorful broth to infuse it with rich taste.
- Use Medium Heat – Cooking the tortillas on medium heat ensures they become crispy without burning.
- Add a Generous Amount of Cheese – Cheese helps bind the taco and creates a crispy outer layer when melted properly.
- Press the Tacos While Cooking – Use a spatula to gently press down on the tacos to maximize contact with the heat source.
- Cook Until Golden and Crisp – Flip after 2-3 minutes per side or until they achieve a crunchy, golden-brown texture.
