5-Step Birria Tacos Recipe – Ultimate Slow Cooker Guide

Birria tacos recipe enthusiasts, welcome to what will become your new obsession! I’m Molly Rodriguez, and my culinary journey as a recipe creator began in my grandmother’s bustling kitchen in Guadalajara, where the intoxicating aroma of slow-simmering birria consommé filled our home every Sunday. After graduating from Johnson & Wales University and working in Michelin-starred restaurants, I’ve spent years perfecting this authentic birria tacos recipe that brings the viral Mexican street food sensation directly to your home kitchen.As someone who has tested this easy birria tacos over thirty times in my own kitchen, I can promise you restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients and foolproof techniques. Moreover, this homemade birria tacos method uses a slow cooker approach that transforms affordable cuts of beef into the most tender, flavor-packed beef birria tacos you’ve ever tasted. The secret lies in the perfectly balanced adobo sauce made from toasted dried chiles and the rich birria dipping broth that makes these tacos absolutely irresistible.

Through my culinary journey as a recipe creator, I’ve discovered that the best birria tacos come from understanding traditional techniques while adapting them for modern home kitchens. Additionally, this recipe delivers all the complex flavors of traditional Mexican birria stew without requiring hard-to-find ingredients or intimidating cooking methods – exactly what my 250,000+ monthly readers have come to expect from RecipesMolly.

Why You’ll Love This Birria Tacos Recipe

• Restaurant-quality results at home – No need to hunt down food trucks when you can make this birria tacos recipe in your own kitchen

• Flexible cooking methods – This birria tacos works perfectly in slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stovetop

• Make-ahead friendly – The birria consommé and meat from this birria tacos recipe improve in flavor overnight • Instagram-worthy presentation – This birria tacos recipe creates crispy fried tacos with birria dipping broth guaranteed to impress

• Budget-friendly – This birria tacos recipe uses affordable cuts like chuck roast birria that become incredibly tender

• Customizable heat level – Adjust the spice in this birria tacos recipe to your family’s preferences

• Perfect for meal prep – This birria tacos recipe makes enough for multiple meals and freezes beautifully

Ingredients for Birria Tacos Recipe

This birria tacos recipe uses authentic Mexican ingredients that create the signature flavors you’re craving. The beauty of this birria tacos recipe lies in its simplicity – most ingredients are readily available at your local grocery store.

For the Birria Consommé and Meat:

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks (the star of any great birria tacos recipe)
• 1 lb beef short ribs (optional, for extra richness in your birria tacos recipe)
• 6 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed (essential for authentic birria tacos recipe flavor)
• 4 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed
• 2 dried pasilla chiles, stems and seeds removed
• 1 large white onion, quartered
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 Roma tomatoes, halved
• 4 cups beef broth (creates the base for this birria tacos recipe)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 1 tbsp Mexican oregano
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Assembling the Quesabirria Tacos:

• 20-24 corn tortillas (6-inch) – traditional choice for any birria tacos recipe
• 3 cups Oaxaca cheese, shredded (or Monterey Jack)
• 1 white onion, finely diced
• 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 4-6 lime wedges
• Mexican crema or sour cream (optional)

Dietary Substitutions: For a lighter version of this birria tacos recipe, use chicken thighs instead of beef. For dairy-free birria tacos recipe, omit the cheese or use plant-based alternatives. The essential ingredients for birria tacos remain the dried chiles and slow-cooked meat for authentic flavor in any birria tacos recipe.

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How to Make Birria Tacos – Step by Step

This birria tacos recipe breaks down into manageable steps that anyone can follow. The key to success with this birria tacos recipe is patience during the slow cooking process.

Step 1: Prepare the Adobo Sauce

Heat a large, dry skillet over medium heat. Toast the dried guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chiles for 1-2 minutes per side until fragrant and slightly puffed. This step is crucial for any authentic birria tacos recipe as it develops the deep, complex flavors. Be careful not to burn them, as this will create bitterness in your birria consommé.

Transfer the toasted chiles to a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes until completely softened. Meanwhile, in the same skillet, char the quartered onion, garlic cloves, and halved tomatoes until they develop dark spots and become fragrant – another essential step in this birria tacos recipe.

Step 2: Blend the Birria Sauce

Drain the soaked chiles (reserve 1 cup of the soaking liquid) and add them to a blender along with the charred vegetables, Mexican oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, apple cider vinegar, and 1 cup of the chile soaking liquid. Blend until completely smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve for the silkiest adobo sauce – this step elevates any birria tacos recipe from good to exceptional.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef Birria

Season the chuck roast and short ribs generously with salt and pepper. For extra depth of flavor in your birria tacos recipe, sear the meat in a hot skillet until browned on all sides (this step is optional but recommended).

Place the meat in your slow cooker and pour the birria sauce over top. Add the beef broth, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and whole cloves. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the meat shreds easily with a fork. This slow cooking method is what makes this birria tacos recipe so foolproof and delicious.

Step 4: Prepare the Birria Consommé

Remove the cooked meat from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve to create your birria dipping broth. Skim off excess fat from the surface, but reserve some for frying the tortillas later – this fat is essential for the crispy texture that makes this birria tacos recipe so special. Season the consommé with salt to taste.

Step 5: Assemble the Quesabirria Tacos

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Dip each corn tortilla into the birria consommé, coating both sides with the flavorful broth. This dipping technique is the signature move of any great birria tacos recipe. Place the dipped tortilla on the hot skillet and immediately add shredded cheese and a generous portion of the tender shredded beef to one half.

Fold the tortilla over and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip carefully and cook for another 2 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is fully melted. The crispy fried tacos should have a beautiful reddish color from the consommé – this is the visual indicator that you’ve mastered this birria tacos recipe.

Instant Pot Birria Tacos Variation

For a faster version of this birria tacos recipe, your pressure cooker becomes your best friend. This birria tacos recipe adaptation cuts cooking time significantly while maintaining all the authentic flavors.

Pressure Cooker Instructions:

1. Use the sauté function to brown the meat (optional but recommended for this birria tacos recipe)
2. Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot following this birria tacos recipe proportions
3. Pressure cook on HIGH for 90 minutes with natural release
4. Shred meat and strain the consommé as directed in the main birria tacos recipe

This instant pot birria tacos method reduces cooking time significantly while maintaining all the complex flavors of the traditional slow-cooked version of this birria tacos recipe.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Birria Tacos

What is the secret to the best birria tacos?

The key to exceptional results with this birria tacos recipe lies in properly toasting the dried chiles and achieving the right balance of fat in your consommé. The fat layer helps create the signature crispy, golden tortillas when you dip and fry them – this is what separates a mediocre birria tacos recipe from an extraordinary one.

Can I make birria tacos ahead of time?

Absolutely! This birria tacos recipe is perfect for meal prep. The birria consommé and shredded meat actually improve in flavor when made a day ahead, making this birria tacos recipe ideal for entertaining. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat gently before assembling your tacos.

Additional Pro Tips for This Birria Tacos Recipe:

• Save the fat – Don’t skim all the fat from your consommé; you need it for crispy tortillas in this birria tacos recipe

• Double-dip technique – Dip tortillas in consommé, add fillings, then brush the outside with more broth before frying – this technique perfects any birria tacos recipe

• Temperature control – Keep your skillet at medium-high heat to achieve crispy exteriors without burning when following this birria tacos recipe

• Cheese selection – Oaxaca cheese melts beautifully in this birria tacos recipe, but Monterey Jack or even mozzarella work well

• Make extra consommé – It’s incredible for sipping or using as a base for birria ramen – another delicious use for this birria tacos recipe

• Freeze portions – This birria tacos recipe makes large batches that freeze perfectly for future taco nights

Best Ways to Serve Birria Tacos

The best way to serve birria tacos is family-style with plenty of consommé for dipping and fresh garnishes on the side. Set up a taco station with:

• Small bowls of birria dipping broth for each person

• Diced white onions and fresh cilantro for topping

• Lime wedges for squeezing over the tacos

• Mexican crema or sour cream for cooling heat

• Pickled jalapeños for extra spice

• Mexican rice and refried beans as traditional sides

For an authentic experience, serve the consommé in small cups for sipping between bites. The rich, warming broth is just as important as the tacos themselves in traditional Mexican street food culture.

Nutritional Information for Birria Tacos

Per serving (3 tacos with consommé):

• Calories: 485 kcal

• Protein: 32g

• Carbohydrates: 28g

• Fat: 26g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sodium: 890mg

• Iron: 15% DV

This beef birria tacos recipe provides excellent protein content and essential nutrients from the dried chiles, which are rich in vitamins A and C. For a low-carb birria option, serve the meat and consommé in lettuce cups instead of tortillas.

Storage & Leftovers

How long does birria last in the fridge?

Properly stored birria consommé and meat will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store the broth and meat separately in airtight containers to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Freezing Guidelines:

• Birria meat and consommé freeze beautifully for up to 3 months

• Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

Best Reheating Methods:

• Stovetop: Gently reheat the consommé and meat separately over low heat

• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between

• Assembled tacos: Best eaten fresh, but leftover filling reheats well

FAQs for Birria Tacos Recipe

What are the ingredients for birria tacos?

The essential ingredients for birria tacos include beef chuck roast, dried chiles (guajillo, ancho, pasilla), corn tortillas, cheese, and aromatics like onion and garlic. The dried chiles create the signature flavor and color of the birria consommé.

What is the sauce made of for birria tacos?

The birria sauce (adobo) is made from toasted and rehydrated dried chiles blended with charred onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices like cumin, oregano, and cloves. This creates both the marinade for the meat and the base for the birria dipping broth.

What cut of meat is best for birria tacos?

Chuck roast is the best cut for birria tacos because it becomes incredibly tender during slow cooking and has enough fat to create rich flavor. Short ribs can be added for extra richness, while beef shank provides excellent gelatin for body in the consommé.

What is the broth that comes with birria tacos?

The broth served with birria tacos is called consommé or consomé. It’s the strained cooking liquid from the braised beef, enriched with the flavors of dried chiles and spices. This birria consommé serves as both a dipping sauce and a warming beverage to accompany the meal.

Related Recipes for Birria Tacos

If you love this birria tacos recipe, try these other authentic Mexican favorites:

• [Beef Barbacoa Recipe] – Another tender, slow-cooked Mexican beef perfect for tacos

• [Carnitas Recipe] – Crispy, flavorful Mexican pulled pork

• [Mexican Street Corn (Elote)] – The perfect side dish for your taco night

• [Pozole Rojo Recipe] – A warming Mexican soup that uses similar chile techniques

• [Quesadilla Recipe Guide] – Master the art of Mexican cheese-filled tortillas

Conclusion

This ultimate birria tacos brings the viral sensation of Mexican street food directly to your home kitchen. With our easy slow cooker method, you can create restaurant-quality birria tacos that rival any food truck or taqueria. The combination of tender shredded beef, rich consommé, and crispy fried tacos creates an unforgettable dining experience that’s perfect for family dinners, entertaining, or satisfying those social media-inspired cravings.

Whether you choose the traditional slow cooker method or the quicker Instant Pot birria tacos variation, this birria tacos recipe delivers authentic flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. The key to success with this birria tacos recipe is in the dried chiles, proper cooking technique, and that perfect balance of crispy texture with rich, warming birria dipping broth.

Ready to make the best birria tacos at home? Gather your ingredients, fire up that slow cooker, and prepare for taco night to never be the same again with this birria tacos recipe. Don’t forget to share your creations in the comments below – we love seeing your homemade birria tacos success stories and how this birria tacos recipe has transformed your kitchen adventures!

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