The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Birria Tacos

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By Kevin Cossairt

If you’re craving deep, rich flavors, slow-cooked meats, and indulgent dipping sauces, then birria tacos are a must-try. This traditional Mexican dish has captivated food lovers worldwide, and for good reason—its bold seasoning, tender meat, and savory broth make it an unforgettable experience.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to craft the most flavorful birria beef, delicious sauces for street tacos, and creative ways to enjoy this slow-cooked marvel. Whether you love quesabirria tacos, crockpot-style birria, or crave a slider spin on this dish, I’ve got you covered. Get ready to turn your kitchen into the ultimate birria destination!

Lettuce Wraps

Try the healthy version with ingredient swaps in the recipe below.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Packed with Flavor: Slow-cooked beef in a spice-rich broth.
  • Easy Cooking Methods: Use a crockpot, stovetop, or Instant Pot for convenience.
  • Endless Possibilities: Enjoy in tacos, quesadillas, sliders, or even over rice.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time for stress-free meals.

What Makes Birria So Special?

  • Smoky, Deep Flavors: A blend of dried chilies and spices creates an unmatched depth of taste.
  • Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tenderness: The slow cooking process ensures juicy, pull-apart beef.
  • A Rich, Dippable Broth: The flavorful consommé elevates each bite when used as a dipping sauce.
  • Versatile and Fun: Ideal for gatherings, game nights, and street-style feasts.

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How to Make Birria Beef (Without the Recipe Itself)

Step 1: Toast & Blend the Chilies

To develop that signature smoky depth, start by toasting guajillo and ancho chilies in a dry skillet. Once they’re fragrant, soak them in warm water before blending them with chipotle peppers, garlic, onion, vinegar, and spices for a rich, flavorful marinade.

Step 2: Slow Cook for Maximum Flavor

For the most tender beef, slow-cook chuck roast in a crockpot or Instant Pot with the blended birria sauce and beef broth. The result? A deeply flavorful, fall-apart meat that’s ready to be shredded.

Step 3: Make the Birria Broth

The broth is liquid gold! Once the beef is done, strain the remaining liquid to create an ultra-flavorful consommé perfect for dipping tacos and sliders.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Birria

1. Quesabirria Tacos (Crispy & Cheesy)

Dip corn tortillas into the birria broth, pan-fry until crispy, then load them with birria meat and melted Oaxaca cheese. The ultimate comfort food!

2. Dipping Tacos (Street-Style)

For a classic street taco experience, fill warm corn tortillas with juicy birria beef and dunk them straight into the consommé. Pair with street taco sauces like chipotle crema or salsa verde for extra flair.

3. Birria Quesadillas & Queso Birria Tacos

For extra cheesiness, make queso birria tacos or quesadillas. Just add shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese, toast until melty, and enjoy.

4. Birria Beef Sliders (A Party Favorite)

Take your birria obsession to the next level with birria beef sliders. Stack shredded birria beef on toasted brioche buns with crispy onion strings and chipotle horseradish aioli.

Pro Tips for the Best Birria

  • For Extra Crispy Tacos: Fry them in a cast-iron skillet with a light coating of birria broth.
  • For More Heat: Add extra chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne.
  • For Meal Prep Success: Store shredded birria beef in the broth to keep it moist.
  • For a Killer Cheese Pull: Stick with Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, or Mozzarella.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Fresh Salsa: Pair with pico de gallo, salsa verde, or creamy chipotle sauce.
  • As a Hearty Meal: Serve alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, or elote (Mexican street corn).
  • With a Side of Broth: Serve extra consommé for dipping—it’s a game-changer!
  • As a Party Platter: Turn birria beef sliders into a show-stopping appetizer for any event.

Join the Conversation!

Have you tried making birria tacos or birria beef sliders? Let me know in the comments! If you love this recipe, tag me on social media (@KevinsDailyDish) and share your creations.

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The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Birria Tacos

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Description

These Birria Beef Tacos are slow-cooked to perfection, creating tender, flavorful meat with smoky and spicy notes. The consommé adds an extra depth of flavor, making it the perfect dipping sauce. Finished with a creamy, tangy cilantro lime crema, these tacos are guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Birria Beef

  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast (or short ribs)
  • 2 dried guajillo chilies, deseeded
  • 2 dried ancho chilies, deseeded
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

For the Consommé

  • 2 cups of the reserved braising liquid
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cilantro Lime Crema

  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Tacos

 

  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Chopped white onion and cilantro (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

  1. Soak the dried chilies in hot water for 10 minutes until softened.
  2. In a blender As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this site., combine the soaked chilies, chipotle peppers, onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, and spices.
  3. Add 1 cup of beef broth and blend until smooth.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

  1. Place the beef in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
  2. Pour the blended sauce over the beef and add the remaining 1 cup of beef broth.
  3. Cover and cook:
    • Slow Cooker: Low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
    • Instant Pot: Pressure cook on high for 45 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Shred the Beef

  1. Once the beef is fork-tender, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks.
  2. Return the shredded beef to the broth and let it soak up the flavors.

Step 4: Make the Consommé

  1. Strain 2 cups of the braising liquid into a separate bowl.
  2. Stir in lime juice, cilantro, and salt.

Step 5: Make the Cilantro Lime Crema

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Mix until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos

  1. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  2. Dip each tortilla lightly into the consommé, then place on the skillet.
  3. Fill with shredded beef and cheese, then fold into a taco shape.
  4. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and golden.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Garnish with chopped onions, cilantro, and a generous drizzle of cilantro lime crema.
  2. Serve with lime wedges and consommé for dipping.

Healthy Version

For a lighter take on Birria Beef Tacos, the following ingredient swaps and cooking adjustments reduce fat while maintaining flavor.

Ingredient Swaps

  • Use lean sirloin or boneless short ribs to reduce fat.
  • Substitute low-fat cheese or omit it entirely.
  • Swap corn tortillas for lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas.

Cooking Adjustments

  • Trim excess fat from the beef before cooking.
  • Use low-sodium beef broth to lower sodium levels.
  • Grill tortillas dry instead of dipping them in consommé to reduce oil.

Serving Suggestions

 

  • Serve with a side of Mexican street corn salad for a fresh contrast.
  • Pair with a light cabbage slaw for crunch.
  • Enjoy with an agua fresca or a light Mexican lager.

Equipment

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this site.

Notes

Pro Tips for the Best Birria Burger

 

  • Let the burger patties rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juiciness.
  • If using ground turkey, add a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent dryness.
  • Dip each bite into the consommé for an extra burst of flavor.
  • For extra spice, add pickled jalapeños or chipotle mayo.

Did you make this recipe?

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Final Thoughts

These birria tacos, quesadillas, and sliders bring bold flavors, irresistible textures, and a versatile experience perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a cozy dinner, a party, or meal prep, this authentic and modern take on birria is guaranteed to impress.

Give it a try, and let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Lettuce Wrap Birria Beef Taco’s

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