The Origins of Birria Tacos

Traditional Birria

Birria was originally a celebratory dish from Jalisco, Mexico, often prepared with goat or lamb, slow-cooked in a rich adobo of dried chiles, spices, and vinegar.

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The Taco Transformation

Street vendors in Tijuana popularized serving the stewed meat inside tortillas, crisping them up with cheese, and serving with a side of consommé for dipping. That twist made birria tacos the viral food sensation we know today.

The Origins of Birria Tacos

Print Recipe

Birria tacos are a true Mexican culinary treasure — slow-braised beef tucked inside golden tortillas, topped with melted cheese, onions, and cilantro, then dipped into a rich consommé. This recipe not only delivers deep, smoky flavors but also carries the history of Jalisco’s most beloved dish. 🌮✨ Try it at home and taste the tradition today!

• Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings (about 12 tacos)

Ingredients

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For the Birria Beef:

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast (or short ribs)

• 2 dried guajillo chiles (seeded & stemmed)

• 2 dried ancho chiles (seeded & stemmed)

• 2 dried pasilla chiles

• 4 Roma tomatoes (roasted)

• 1 white onion (quartered)

• 5 garlic cloves

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 tsp oregano

• 2 bay leaves

• 4 cups beef broth

• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Tacos:

• 12 corn tortillas

• 1 ½ cups Oaxaca cheese (or mozzarella)

• ½ cup white onion (diced)

• ½ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)

• Lime wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chiles & Sauce

   • Toast dried chiles in a skillet for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Soak them in hot water for 15 minutes.

   • Blend chiles with roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic, vinegar, and spices until smooth.

2. Cook the Beef

   • In a large pot, sear beef chunks until browned on all sides.

   • Pour the blended chile sauce over the beef. Add beef broth, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

   • Simmer covered on low heat for 2 ½–3 hours until the beef is fall-apart tender.

3. Shred the Beef

   • Remove beef, shred with forks, and return to the sauce. Save consommé (sauce) for dipping.

4. Assemble the Tacos

   • Dip tortillas into the consommé and fry lightly on a skillet.

   • Fill with shredded beef and cheese, then fold in half. Cook until cheese melts and tortillas are crispy.

5. Garnish & Serve

   • Top with diced onions and fresh cilantro.

   • Serve hot with a side of consommé for dipping and Mexican rice.

Notes

• For richer flavor, let the beef marinate overnight in the chile sauce before cooking.

• Use a blend of Oaxaca and mozzarella cheese for perfect melt and stretch.

• Warm tortillas before dipping to avoid cracking.

• Leftover birria can be used for quesadillas, ramen, or burritos!

• Author: SOFIA
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow-Braised / Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients for Birria Tacos

For the Meat and Consommé

For the Chile Sauce (Adobo)

For the Tacos

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chiles

• Remove stems and seeds from dried chiles.
• Toast lightly in a dry skillet until fragrant (don’t burn).
• Soak in hot water for 15 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Make the Chile Sauce

• Blend softened chiles with roasted tomatoes, garlic, vinegar, chipotles, and spices until smooth.
• Strain to remove skins and seeds for a silky sauce.

Step 3: Sear the Meat

• Cut beef into large chunks.
• Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven.
• Brown meat on all sides for deep flavor.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Birria

• Add blended chile sauce, broth, bay leaves, and onions.
• Simmer on low for 3–4 hours (or pressure cook 1 hour) until meat is fork-tender.
• Shred meat and return to sauce.

Step 5: Prepare the Tacos

• Heat a skillet over medium heat.
• Dip tortillas into the top layer of the birria broth (oily red liquid).
• Place on skillet, add cheese and shredded beef, fold, and fry until crispy.

Step 6: Serve with Consommé

• Ladle consommé into bowls.
• Garnish with onion, cilantro, and lime.
• Dip tacos generously before each bite.

Tips for Authentic Birria Tacos

Use Multiple Cuts of Meat

Beef chuck gives structure, while short ribs add richness.

Don’t Skip the Toasting

Toasting the chiles before soaking enhances flavor.

Rest the Broth

Allow consommé to sit—fat will rise, and that red oil is perfect for dipping tortillas.

Variations

Goat or Lamb Birria

Stick to tradition with goat or lamb meat.

Birria Quesadillas

Stuff tortillas with birria meat and extra cheese.

Birria Ramen

Serve shredded birria meat and broth over ramen noodles—another viral favorite.

Nutritional Benefits

• High in protein and iron from beef.
• Chiles provide antioxidants and vitamin A.
• Lime and cilantro add vitamin C and freshness.

Serving Ideas

Classic Tacos

With cilantro, onions, and lime.

With Sides

• Mexican rice
• Elote (street corn)
• Guacamole

Looking for a cozy dinner pairing? Try our slow cooker dump dinners for inspiration.

Drinks That Pair Well

• Agua fresca
• Mexican beer
• Margaritas

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration

Store meat and broth separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Birria freezes well for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in fridge.

Reheating

Simmer meat gently in consommé to restore juiciness.

FAQs – Birria Tacos

PAA1: Can I make birria tacos in a slow cooker?

Yes—cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

PAA2: Can I make this without dried chiles?

You’ll miss authentic flavor, but you can substitute ancho chile powder or paprika.

PAA3: What cheese is best?

Oaxaca is traditional, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack also work.

PAA4: Are birria tacos spicy?

They’re smoky and mildly spicy. Adjust chile quantity for heat preference.

PAA5: Can I make them ahead?

Yes, birria tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.

PAA6: What’s the difference between birria and barbacoa?

Birria is chile-braised and often served with broth, while barbacoa is steamed/slow-roasted with lighter seasonings.

Conclusion

Juicy, cheesy, and irresistibly flavorful, Birria Tacos are worth every step of preparation. The combination of crispy tortillas, melty cheese, tender beef, and rich consommé makes them one of the most iconic street foods ever created. Once you make them at home, you’ll understand why they took the internet—and dinner tables—by storm.