The Ultimate Birria Beef Sliders – The Party Food You Didn’t Know You Needed!

By Kevin Cossairt

If you’re a fan of bold flavors, slow-cooked meats, and indulgent dipping sauces, these Birria Beef Sliders are a must-try. Imagine the rich, slow-braised goodness of traditional homemade birria tacos, but transformed into bite-sized sliders packed with melty cheese, crispy onion strings, and a creamy chipotle horseradish aioli. Perfect for parties, game days, or Fourth of July gatherings, these sliders take birria to a whole new level.

Not only will we explore how to make these flavor-packed sliders, but we’ll also dive into the best dipping sauces for street tacos, how to slow cook birria in a crockpot, and creative ways to use leftover birria beef in other delicious recipes.

Let’s get started on making these unforgettable sliders!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Incredibly Flavorful: Slow-braised beef packed with rich birria seasoning and spices.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: A fun party food, great for BBQs, game days, and Fourth of July celebrations.
  • Versatile & Meal Prep Friendly: Leftover birria beef can be used for tacos, quesadillas, and more!
  • Easy Crockpot Method: Set it and forget it—slow cook your birria beef for maximum tenderness.

What Makes These Sliders So Special?

1. Deep, Smoky Birria Flavor

Made with dried guajillo and ancho chilies, chipotle in adobo, and a blend of spices, this birria beef is slow-cooked to perfection, making it incredibly tender and juicy.

2. Crispy Onion Strings

The perfect crispy, crunchy contrast to the melt-in-your-mouth beef. These onion strings add amazing texture to every bite.

3. Creamy Chipotle Horseradish Aioli

A spicy, creamy, and smoky sauce that ties everything together with a hint of tangy heat.

4. Cheese That Melts Perfectly

Use Oaxaca, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack to get that gooey cheese pull in every slider.

5. Birria Broth for Dipping

No birria experience is complete without rich, flavorful consommé for dipping. This broth takes these sliders to the next level.

How to Make Birria Beef Sliders

Step 1: Make the Birria Beef

  • Toast dried guajillo and ancho chilies to release their natural oils.
  • Blend them with chipotle peppers, garlic, onion, apple cider vinegar, and spices to make the flavorful birria sauce.
  • Slow-cook beef chuck roast with beef broth and the birria sauce in a crockpot for ultimate tenderness.

Step 2: Prepare the Chipotle Horseradish Aioli

  • Mix mayonnaise, prepared horseradish, Dijon mustard, chipotle peppers, lemon juice, and garlic powder for a creamy, smoky, and tangy sauce.

Step 3: Make the Crispy Onion Strings

  • Soak thinly sliced onions in buttermilk, then coat them in a flour-cornstarch mixture.
  • Fry until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

  • Spread chipotle horseradish aioli onto toasted brioche slider buns.
  • Pile on shredded birria beef and top with crispy onion strings.
  • Add shredded Oaxaca cheese and bake until melty.

Step 5: Serve with Birria Broth for Dipping

  • Serve the sliders hot with extra birria broth on the side for dipping!

Tips for the Best Birria Sliders

  • Toast the Buns: Toasting the brioche buns prevents them from getting soggy from the beef juices.
  • Use the Right Cheese: Oaxaca, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack melt best for that perfect cheese pull.
  • Adjust the Spice: Like it spicy? Add extra chipotle or jalapeños to the aioli.
  • Make Ahead Friendly: The birria beef can be made up to 3 days in advance.

Serving Suggestions

  • With a Side of Street Taco Sauces: Pair with salsa verde, chipotle crema, or a smoky red salsa.
  • Alongside Classic BBQ Dishes: These sliders are great with grilled corn, coleslaw, or baked beans.
  • As a Taco Bar Addition: Serve the shredded birria beef with warm corn tortillas, queso, and fresh cilantro.

Additional Resources

  • Looking for a classic birria taco recipe? Check out my Homemade Birria Tacos Recipe.
  • Want more slow cooker inspiration? Try my Crockpot Queso Birria Tacos.
  • Need an easy spice blend? Here’s my Birria Seasoning Recipe for making birria anytime!

Birria Beef Sliders Recipe

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The Ultimate Birria Beef Sliders – The Party Food You Didn’t Know You Needed!


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Description

These birria beef sliders are packed with rich, slow-cooked beef, crispy onion strings, creamy chipotle horseradish aioli, and melted cheese on toasted buns. Served with a side of flavorful birria broth for dipping, they are the perfect party food or game-day snack.


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 tablespoon of adobo sauce from the can
  • 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 Chipotle Horseradish Aioli

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of adobo sauce from the can
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Onion Strings (Optional)

  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Alternative: Store-bought crispy fried onions

For the Sliders

 

  • 12 brioche slider buns (or Hawaiian slider buns)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Oaxaca, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack)
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp chopped cilantro (optional)
  • Extra birria broth for dipping

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Birria Beef

1. Toast the Dried Chilies

  • Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast the guajillo and ancho chilies for about 30 seconds per side until fragrant.
  • Transfer to a bowl and cover with hot water. Let soak for 10 minutes.

2. Blend the Sauce

  • In a blender As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this site., combine the soaked chilies, chipotle peppers in adobo, onion, garlic, vinegar, and all the spices with 1 cup of beef broth.
  • Blend until smooth.

3. Cook the Birria Beef

  • Slow Cooker: Add the beef, blended sauce, and remaining beef broth. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
  • Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, then allow a natural release for 15 minutes.

4. Shred the Beef

  • Remove the beef and shred with two forks.
  • Return it to the broth and let it absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Chipotle Horseradish Aioli

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, horseradish, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, chipotle pepper, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Make the Onion Strings (Optional)

  1. Place thinly sliced onions in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let soak for at least 15 minutes.
  2. In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
  3. Heat oil in a skillet or deep fryer As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this site. to 350°F.
  4. Dredge the soaked onions in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  5. Fry in batches for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • Alternative: Use store-bought crispy fried onions for convenience.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Slice the brioche slider buns in half and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet.
  3. Spread a layer of chipotle horseradish aioli on each bun.
  4. Layer shredded birria beef evenly over the buns.
  5. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
  6. Add crispy onion strings (if using).
  7. Place the top buns back on and press down gently.
  8. Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and chopped cilantro. Brush over the tops of the sliders.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden brown.

Step 5: Serve

  • Serve the sliders hot with a side of birria broth for dipping.
  • Garnish with extra crispy onion strings or fresh cilantro if desired.

Healthier Version (Optional)

For a lighter take on these sliders:

  • Use whole wheat slider buns instead of brioche or Hawaiian buns.
  • Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the aioli.
  • Opt for baked onion strings instead of fried, or use store-bought crispy onions sparingly.
  • Choose low-fat cheese or reduce the amount of cheese used.

Use leaner cuts of beef or swap for shredded chicken breast for a lower-fat alternative.

Equipment

Notes

Tips

  • For extra crispy sliders, toast the buns lightly before assembling.
  • Add sliced jalapeños or chipotle mayo for a spicier version.
  • Store leftover birria beef in the broth for added moisture.

 

These birria beef sliders with chipotle horseradish aioli and crispy onion strings take flavor to the next level. Serve them with extra dipping sauce and watch them disappear!


Final Thoughts

These Birria Beef Sliders are the ultimate party food, BBQ staple, and game-day favorite. Whether you’re making them for Fourth of July celebrations, a weekend cookout, or a cozy dinner, they are guaranteed to impress.

Try them out and let me know what you think in the comments below! If you loved this recipe, tag me on social media (@KevinsDailyDish) and share your creations.

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Love this recipe? Share it on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram to spread the birria love!

About Me

Hi, I’m Kevin Cossairt!

Cooking has always been more than just a passion for me—it’s been a lifelong journey filled with flavors, creativity, and the joy of bringing people together around the table. From my early days in my grandma’s kitchen to spending over 25 years as a professional chef, I’ve dedicated my life to making food that’s not only delicious but also meaningful.


My Culinary Journey

I fell in love with cooking at a young age, watching my grandmother work magic in the kitchen. Those childhood moments sparked my passion for food, leading me to pursue a career as a chef. Over the years, I’ve worked in various kitchens, refined my techniques, and developed recipes that are easy to follow yet packed with flavor. Whether it’s elevated comfort food, exciting fusion dishes, or tried-and-true classics, my goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen.


What You’ll Find Here

Kevin’s Daily Dish is where I share my best recipes, cooking tips, and inspiration for home cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for:

  • Quick & easy weeknight meals
  • Indulgent comfort food
  • Creative new takes on classic dishes
  • BBQ and grilling favorites
  • Seasonal and holiday recipes
    You’ll find it all here! I believe cooking should be approachable, enjoyable, and something that brings people together.

My Philosophy on Food

Food isn’t just about eating—it’s about creating memories, sharing traditions, and celebrating life’s moments. I aim to make every dish something special, whether it’s a simple family dinner or an elaborate feast. Great food is made with love, and I’m here to help you do just that.

Let’s Connect!

I love hearing from fellow food lovers! Whether you’re trying out one of my recipes, looking for cooking advice, or just want to say hello, don’t hesitate to reach out.

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