Birria Tacos

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

Experience the rich and savory taste of Birria Tacos, a delicious Mexican street food that’s perfect for any occasion. Tender beef is braised in a flavorful broth of spices, tomatoes, and chili peppers, then shredded and served in warm corn tortillas with fresh toppings. This recipe showcases the perfect balance of spice and comfort, making it a favorite among taco lovers everywhere.

Daisy Webb

Created by

Daisy Webb

Last updated on 2025-11-29T16:37:14.169Z

Discover the captivating history behind Birria Tacos, a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine with roots tracing back to the Jalisco region. These tacos not only tantalize your taste buds but also tell a story of tradition and warmth.

A Flavorful Tradition

Birria Tacos have their roots in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, and hold a special place in Mexican culinary culture. Traditionally, birria is a slow-cooked stew made with a mix of spices and marinated meat, celebrated for its deep flavors and comforting qualities. The dish has evolved from a humble stew to a beloved street food, making it a popular choice for celebrations, family gatherings, and festive occasions. With each bite, you savor the rich history and tradition that makes these tacos so exceptional.

What sets Birria apart is its unique blend of spices, including dried chilies and herbs, which creates a complex flavor profile. The slow cooking process allows the meat to absorb the aromatic broth, resulting in tender, juicy beef that melts in your mouth. As Birria Tacos gain popularity outside of Mexico, food enthusiasts around the world are discovering the joy of this delicious dish, often served with a side of consomme for dipping.

Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the standout features of Birria Tacos is their versatility. Whether you're hosting a casual get-together or a festive feast, these tacos can easily elevate your dining experience. They are perfect for taco nights, birthdays, or even game day gatherings. Paired with fresh toppings like cilantro and lime, your guests will be delighted by the burst of flavors that each taco brings to the table.

Additionally, Birria Tacos can be customized to suit various tastes. For those who prefer a spicier kick, simply add more chili peppers or a hot salsa. Vegetarians can also enjoy a version of birria made with mushrooms or jackfruit, showcasing the adaptability of this delightful dish. No matter the occasion or preference, Birria Tacos are sure to impress and satisfy.

Tips for Serving

When preparing Birria Tacos, the presentation can enhance the overall experience. Serving the tacos with a side of consomme allows your guests to enjoy the rich broth for dipping, adding an extra layer of flavor. To wow your guests, garnish the tacos with freshly chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime right before serving. This not only elevates the flavor but also adds a vibrant touch to your dish.

Don't forget to pair your Birria Tacos with traditional Mexican sides like refried beans or rice, which complement the meal beautifully. Drinks such as horchata or a Mexican cola can enhance the dining experience, adding refreshing contrasts to the hearty tacos. With these tips, you’ll be ready to serve a truly authentic and satisfying Birria Taco meal.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your mouthwatering Birria Tacos!

For the Birria

  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 3 dried guajillo chilies
  • 2 dried ancho chilies
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

  • Corn tortillas
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Diced onion
  • Lime wedges
  • Salsa

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Birria Tacos!

Prepare the Meat

Season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat and sear the meat on all sides until browned.

Make the Broth

In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, tomatoes, guajillo, and ancho chilies. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.

Braise the Beef

Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for about 3 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded.

Shred the Beef

Remove the beef from the broth and shred it with two forks. Strain the broth and reserve for serving.

Assemble the Tacos

Warm the corn tortillas, fill them with shredded beef, and top with cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime.

Enjoy your Birria Tacos with a cup of the rich broth on the side for dipping!

Recipe Variations

While the classic Birria Tacos are made with beef, there are many delightful variations to try. You can experiment with chicken, lamb, or even plant-based proteins for a vegetarian twist. Each protein brings its own flavor profile, allowing you to customize the dish according to your preferences. Additionally, consider using different types of tortillas, such as flour or spinach, to enhance the taste and presentation.

For those looking for an extra layer of indulgence, try making quesabirria tacos, where the tacos are grilled with cheese until crispy and gooey. This adds a deliciously cheesy element to the traditional birria, making it even more irresistible. These adaptations showcase the versatility of the dish while maintaining its core essence.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, storing them properly will help maintain their flavor and texture. Allow the shredded beef to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. The beef can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. The consomme can also be stored separately, ensuring that you have the perfect dipping sauce ready for your next taco fix.

When reheating, it's best to do so gently. If frozen, thaw the beef and broth in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove. Reheat the beef in a skillet to maintain its tenderness, while the broth should be warmed over low heat to bring back its flavors. This way, your leftover Birria Tacos will taste just as delicious as when they were first made!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, but the flavor and texture will differ.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Add more dried chilies or fresh jalapeños to the broth for an extra kick.

Birria Tacos

Experience the rich and savory taste of Birria Tacos, a delicious Mexican street food that’s perfect for any occasion. Tender beef is braised in a flavorful broth of spices, tomatoes, and chili peppers, then shredded and served in warm corn tortillas with fresh toppings. This recipe showcases the perfect balance of spice and comfort, making it a favorite among taco lovers everywhere.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration3 hours
Overall Time3 hours 20 minutes

Created by: Daisy Webb

Recipe Type: Global Flavors

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Birria

  1. 2 pounds beef chuck roast
  2. 4 cups beef broth
  3. 1 onion, quartered
  4. 4 cloves garlic
  5. 2 tomatoes, chopped
  6. 3 dried guajillo chilies
  7. 2 dried ancho chilies
  8. 1 teaspoon cumin
  9. 1 teaspoon oregano
  10. Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

  1. Corn tortillas
  2. Chopped cilantro
  3. Diced onion
  4. Lime wedges
  5. Salsa

How-To Steps

Step 01

Season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat and sear the meat on all sides until browned.

Step 02

In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, tomatoes, guajillo, and ancho chilies. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.

Step 03

Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for about 3 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded.

Step 04

Remove the beef from the broth and shred it with two forks. Strain the broth and reserve for serving.

Step 05

Warm the corn tortillas, fill them with shredded beef, and top with cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Serving Size: 2 tacos
  • Calories: 300
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 15g