Birria Tacos Recipe is a flavorful and mouthwatering dish that combines tender, slow-cooked meat with crispy, cheese-filled tortillas. The rich, spicy consommé enhances every bite, making these tacos a must-try for anyone who loves bold Mexican flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe guarantees a delicious and satisfying meal.

If you love bold flavors and tender, juicy meat, then this Birria Tacos Recipe is perfect for you. These delicious tacos are crispy on the outside, filled with flavorful shredded beef, and served with a rich, spicy consommé for dipping. At first, birria was a traditional Mexican stew, but it later became a favorite taco filling. So, if you’re ready to make the best birria tacos, follow this step-by-step guide!
What is Birria Tacos Recipe?
Birria is a slow-cooked Mexican dish, traditionally made with goat meat. However, beef and lamb are now common alternatives. The dish is seasoned with dried chilies, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. Basically, birria is a savory, slightly spicy stew with deep flavors.
Over time, people started using shredded birria meat as a taco filling, leading to the now-famous birria tacos recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Birria Tacos Recipe
- Rich, deep flavors – The slow-cooked meat absorbs all the delicious spices.
- Crispy and juicy – The tacos are fried in birria fat, giving them a perfect crunch.
- Perfect for gatherings – Birria tacos are great for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients for Birria Tacos Recipe
For the Birria Stew:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast or short ribs
- 4 dried guajillo chilies
- 2 dried ancho chilies
- 2 dried pasilla chilies
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 5 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- Corn tortillas
- Shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
- Chopped cilantro and onions
- Lime wedges

Preparing the Birria Marinade
Firstly, remove the stems and seeds from the dried chilies. Then, soak them in warm water for about 15 minutes until they soften.
In a blender, add the soaked chilies, tomatoes, onion, garlic, vinegar, and all spices. Blend until smooth, adding beef broth if needed.
Marinating the Meat
Place the beef in a large bowl and coat it with the chili sauce. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This step is important because it allows the flavors to fully develop.
Slow Cooking the Birria
- Stovetop: Simmer on low heat for about 3 hours.
- Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 8 hours.
- Instant Pot: Pressure cook for 45 minutes, then natural release.
During cooking, stir occasionally to ensure even flavor distribution.
Shredding the Meat
After cooking, remove the meat and shred it using two forks. Afterward, return the shredded meat to the pot so it soaks up more flavor.
Preparing the Consommé
The leftover cooking broth is your consommé. Strain it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve this as a dipping sauce for the tacos.
Assembling the Birria Tacos Recipe
Heat a skillet and dip a tortilla into the birria fat. Then, place it on the skillet and add shredded meat and cheese. Fold the tortilla and cook until crispy.
Cooking the Tacos to Perfection
Cook the tacos on both sides until golden and crispy. Finally, serve them hot with a side of consommé for dipping.

Best Toppings for Birria Tacos
- Chopped onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Pickled jalapeños
Serving Suggestions
These tacos pair perfectly with:
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- A refreshing agua fresca
Tips for Storing and Reheating
- Store leftover meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat tacos in a skillet to keep them crispy.
Easy Birria Tacos Recipe
Firstly, making an easy birria tacos recipe at home does not require complicated steps. At first, you need to gather a few simple ingredients, including beef, dried chilies, and spices. Then, prepare a flavorful marinade by blending the softened chilies, tomatoes, garlic, and seasonings. After that, marinate the meat for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor. Because slow cooking brings out the best taste, simmer the meat until it is tender and easy to shred.
So, once the meat is fully cooked, shred it and keep it warm in its flavorful broth. Then, heat a skillet and dip each tortilla into the rich birria fat before placing it on the pan. Afterward, add the shredded beef, cheese, and a little consommé for extra moisture. Finally, fold the tortilla and cook until crispy. Accordingly, these steps ensure that every taco is both crispy and juicy.
Another essential part of this birria tacos recipe is the consommé, which enhances the dish. Basically, the leftover cooking broth is strained and adjusted for seasoning before serving. Because dipping the tacos in the consommé adds moisture and spice, it makes every bite more enjoyable. Also, garnishing the tacos with fresh cilantro and diced onions provides extra freshness. Before serving, squeeze some lime juice over the top for a balanced flavor.
What is the Best Mexican Dish in the World?
Firstly, Mexican cuisine is full of delicious dishes, but the birria tacos recipe stands out as one of the best. At first, birria was a traditional slow-cooked stew made with goat or beef, known for its deep, smoky flavor. Because it combines rich, tender meat with crispy tortillas and a flavorful dipping broth, birria tacos have gained international fame. So, many food lovers consider them one of the most iconic Mexican dishes.

Another highly praised dish is tacos al pastor, which features marinated pork cooked on a rotating spit. During cooking, the pork is sliced thin and served in soft tortillas with fresh pineapple and cilantro. Also, chiles en nogada, a dish featuring stuffed poblano peppers covered in a creamy walnut sauce, represents the colors of the Mexican flag. Afterward, dishes like tamales, enchiladas, and mole poblano continue to showcase the diversity of Mexican cuisine.
Accordingly, choosing the best Mexican dish depends on personal taste. Because birria tacos recipe combines slow-cooked, spiced meat with crispy tortillas and a rich broth, many food lovers favor it. Finally, whether you enjoy the smoky flavors of grilled meats or the spicy complexity of mole, Mexican cuisine offers something for everyone. Before deciding on a favorite, exploring different dishes is the best way to appreciate this rich culinary tradition.
Birria Tacos Recipe Slow Cooker
Firstly, using a slow cooker is one of the easiest ways to make a flavorful birria tacos recipe. At first, start by preparing the marinade with dried chilies, tomatoes, garlic, and spices. Then, blend everything into a smooth sauce and coat the beef with it. Because slow cooking allows the flavors to develop fully, it is best to let the meat cook on low for about 8 hours.
So, after cooking, remove the meat and shred it with two forks. Afterward, return the shredded beef to the slow cooker to absorb more of the rich consommé. Then, strain the broth to serve as a dipping sauce. Before assembling the tacos, heat a pan and dip the tortillas into the birria fat. Also, adding cheese creates a deliciously melty texture. Finally, cook the tacos until crispy on both sides.
Another advantage of the slow cooker method is the convenience. Because it requires minimal effort, this method is perfect for busy days. Also, the long cooking time ensures that the meat becomes incredibly tender. Accordingly, serving the tacos with fresh toppings like cilantro, onions, and lime makes them even better. Basically, this slow cooker birria tacos recipe guarantees a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal with little effort.
Birria Recipe
Firstly, making a traditional birria recipe starts with choosing the right meat. At first, goat meat was used, but now beef or lamb are popular choices. Then, dried chilies like guajillo, ancho, and pasilla are blended with tomatoes, garlic, and spices to create a rich marinade. Because marinating the meat for several hours enhances its flavor, it is an essential step in the process.
During cooking, the meat simmers slowly in the marinade until it becomes fork-tender. So, whether using a stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot, the key is to cook it low and slow. Afterward, the meat is shredded and served in a rich consommé. Then, for an extra layer of flavor, some people add cinnamon or bay leaves to the broth. Finally, this flavorful stew can be enjoyed on its own or used for tacos.
Because birria has gained global popularity, many variations exist. Another popular option is birria tacos recipe, which transforms the shredded meat into crispy tacos. Also, some people serve birria with rice, beans, or fresh tortillas. Accordingly, the deep, smoky flavors of birria make it one of Mexico’s most beloved dishes. Before serving, a squeeze of lime and some fresh cilantro enhance the overall taste.
Birria Tacos Ingredients
Firstly, the key to a great birria tacos recipe is using high-quality ingredients. At first, you need beef, such as chuck roast or short ribs, because they have the right balance of fat and flavor. Then, for the marinade, dried chilies like guajillo, ancho, and pasilla are essential. Also, fresh ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and onions help create a flavorful sauce.
During the cooking process, spices like cumin, oregano, and cinnamon add depth to the dish. So, a splash of apple cider vinegar balances the richness of the meat. Afterward, corn tortillas are used to assemble the tacos. Before cooking, dipping the tortillas in the birria fat ensures a crispy, flavorful shell. Finally, shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese adds a deliciously melty texture.
Another important ingredient is the consommé, which is made from the leftover cooking broth. Because the dipping sauce enhances the overall experience, it should be well-seasoned. Also, fresh toppings like cilantro, onions, and lime bring a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors. Accordingly, having all the right ingredients ensures that this birria tacos recipe turns out perfectly every time.

Birria Taco Sauce
Firstly, the birria taco sauce is what makes these tacos truly special. At first, this sauce comes from the flavorful broth left after slow-cooking the meat. Then, it is strained to create a smooth, rich consommé. Because the sauce carries all the smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, it is essential for dipping.
So, to enhance the sauce, some people add extra seasonings like cinnamon or bay leaves. Afterward, reducing the broth slightly can make it more concentrated and flavorful. Also, adding a bit of lime juice before serving brightens the taste. Finally, serving this sauce alongside birria tacos recipe allows every bite to be juicy and packed with flavor.
Another way to use the birria taco sauce is by drizzling it inside the tacos before folding them. Because this adds even more moisture and spice, it enhances the texture of the meat. Also, brushing a little sauce on the tortillas before frying makes them extra crispy. Accordingly, this sauce is the secret to making the best birria tacos. Basically, without a great consommé, the birria tacos recipe would not be complete.
Conclusion
Now that you have the perfect Birria Tacos Recipe, it’s time to enjoy these mouthwatering, crispy tacos with their delicious dipping broth. Whether it’s for a party or a cozy dinner, these tacos will always impress!
FAQs
To make birria tacos crispy, dip the tortillas in the birria fat before frying them in a hot skillet. Press them down slightly and cook until golden brown on both sides.
The name birria comes from a Spanish term meaning “mess” or “worthless,” referring to how indigenous people initially viewed the dish. However, it evolved into a beloved and flavorful Mexican delicacy.
Birria sauce can taste bitter if the dried chilies are over-roasted or not deseeded properly. To fix it, add a little honey or sugar to balance the bitterness.
Birria seasoning is a blend of dried chilies, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, cloves, and garlic, giving the dish its signature smoky and spicy flavor. Vinegar is also added to balance the richness.
The best cuts for a birria tacos recipe are beef chuck roast, short ribs, or brisket because they have the perfect balance of fat and tenderness. Traditionally, goat meat is also used for authentic birria.

birria tacos recipe
Ingredients
For the Meat:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast or short ribs
- 4 dried guajillo chilies stems and seeds removed
- 2 dried ancho chilies stems and seeds removed
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
- 3 Roma tomatoes chopped
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- ½ cup white onion diced
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
- Soak dried chilies in hot water for 10 minutes until softened.
- Blend chilies, tomatoes, garlic, onion, vinegar, and spices into a smooth sauce.
Cook the Meat:
- Season the beef with salt and pepper.
- Pour the chili sauce over the beef and let it marinate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best flavor).
- Add the beef, marinade, and beef broth to a slow cooker or large pot.
- Simmer on low heat for 6-8 hours until the meat is tender and easily shredded.
Shred the Meat:
- Remove the meat from the broth and shred it with two forks.
- Strain the remaining broth to create a rich consommé for dipping.
Assemble the Tacos:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Dip each tortilla into the birria fat, then place it on the skillet.
- Add shredded meat and cheese, then fold the tortilla in half.
- Cook until crispy on both sides.
Serve:
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and diced onions.
- Serve with lime wedges and the consommé for dipping.
Notes
Nutrition
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