Authentic Birria Tacos Recipe – Juicy, Crispy & Flavorful (Step-by-Step Guide)
Birria Tacos Recipe & Instructions 🌮🔥
Birria Tacos, also known as Tacos de Birria, are crispy, cheesy, and flavorful tacos filled with slow-cooked, spiced beef or goat, then dipped in a rich consommé (broth) for an irresistible taste experience. These tacos have gone viral for their juicy texture and bold flavors!
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
For the Birria Meat:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast (or short ribs, brisket, or goat meat)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 dried guajillo chiles (stemmed & deseeded)
- 2 dried ancho chiles (stemmed & deseeded)
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 roma tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Mexican oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 cup Oaxaca cheese or mozzarella (shredded)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1/2 cup white onion (chopped)
- 1 lime (cut into wedges)
- 1/2 cup consommé (for dipping)

🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dried Chiles
- Remove stems and seeds from the guajillo and ancho chiles.
- In a dry pan, toast the chiles over medium heat for 30 seconds on each side until fragrant.
- Transfer chiles to a bowl of hot water and soak for 10 minutes until soft.
Step 2: Make the Birria Sauce
- In a blender, combine:
- Soaked chiles, chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, onion, garlic, tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, oregano, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon.
- Add 1 cup of beef broth and blend until smooth.
Step 3: Cook the Birria
- In a large Dutch oven or slow cooker, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Sear the beef chunks for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
- Pour the blended birria sauce over the beef.
- Add the remaining beef broth and bay leaf.
- Cover and simmer for 3-4 hours (or 8 hours in a slow cooker) until the meat is tender and shreds easily.
Step 4: Prepare the Consommé
- Once the birria is cooked, remove the beef and shred it with forks.
- Strain the remaining broth and set aside as the dipping consommé.
- Season the consommé with salt & pepper to taste.
Step 5: Make the Tacos
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Dip each corn tortilla into the consommé to coat it lightly.
- Place the tortilla on the skillet and sprinkle cheese over one half.
- Add shredded birria meat and fold the tortilla in half.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Sprinkle tacos with chopped cilantro and diced onions.
- Serve with lime wedges and a bowl of consommé for dipping.
- Enjoy the juicy, cheesy, and crispy goodness of Birria Tacos! 🌮🔥
💡 Pro Tips
✔ For extra heat, add more chipotle peppers or a pinch of chili flakes.
✔ For a smoky flavor, grill the tomatoes before blending.
✔ For a richer consommé, skim excess fat from the broth and blend it back in.