Birria Tacos Recipe

Beef Birria. Rich and flavorful this beef birria is perfect served as a stew topped with onion, cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. OR chop up the meat and fry up some Quesabirria tacos! These are the most famous TACOS!

These birria tacos are famous. They are possibly the most famous tacos you will find on social media. The of these tacos with the fried and crispy meat and cheese sticking out the top, being dunked into a deep red consommé fill my feed.

This recipe may look long, but it’s because I want to give you as much information as possible to create this flavorful meal on your own at home. This deep rich broth and meat is great served as a stew. But if you want to go the extra few steps and fry up some tacos you will NOT be disappointed.

birria tacos recipe

Best Beef Birria and Birria Tacos

birria tacos recipe

Beef Birria. Rich and flavorful this beef birria is perfect served as a stew topped with onion, cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. OR chop up the meat and fry up some Quesabirria tacos! These are the most FAMOUS Tacos!

Prep: 20min

Total: 230min

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1 serving, calories 857 kcal, Carbohydrate 24 g, Protein 77 g, Fat 51 g, Saturated Fat 25 g, Cholesterol 269 mg, Sodium 857 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 2 g

Ingredients:

  • 7-8 cups hot water
  • 4 lbs chuck roast (cut into 4 large chunks)
  • 2 lbs short ribs (bone in) (or back ribs bone in )
  • 1 large white onion (dry skins removed, cut in half crosswise)
  • 1 garlic bulb (cut the narrow top off, no need to peel)
  • 1 carrot (cut in half crosswise, then cut in half (4 large pieces of carrot))
  • 5 bay leaves (dried)
  • 8 guajillo chiles (stems cut off and seeds removed)
  • 3 tbsp chicken boullion
  • 1-2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp mexican oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp salt ((adjust to taste))
  • 14-16 white corn tortillas
  • 2 cups quesadilla cheese (or any good melting cheese)

Instruction:

  1. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Combine Ingredients: In large pot add meat, onion, garlic, carrots, bay leaves and dried peppers. Cover with water. (This uses my large 7 qt pot and fills it to the top!)’, ‘name’: ‘Combine Ingredients’, ‘url’: ‘https://houseofyumm.com/beef-birria-and-birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-17198-step-0-0’}
  2. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Add Seasonings: Add chicken bouillon, oregano, cumin and salt, stir to combine. Bring to a boil.’, ‘name’: ‘Add Seasonings’, ‘url’: ‘https://houseofyumm.com/beef-birria-and-birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-17198-step-0-1’}
  3. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Skim: After 30 minutes, skim the top of the pot to remove impurities from the bone cooking out. (will look like little bits of foam on the top)’, ‘name’: ‘Skim’, ‘url’: ‘https://houseofyumm.com/beef-birria-and-birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-17198-step-0-2’}
  4. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Blend Peppers: Remove the peppers (should be softened) and place in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, add up to 1/4 cup of broth if needed to help get a smooth consistency.xa0’, ‘name’: ‘Blend Peppers’, ‘url’: ‘https://houseofyumm.com/beef-birria-and-birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-17198-step-0-3’}
  5. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Strain: Strain the peppers if needed to remove bits of skin (if using a high powered blender this step is not necessary).xa0’, ‘name’: ‘Strain Peppers’, ‘url’: ‘https://houseofyumm.com/beef-birria-and-birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-17198-step-0-4’}
  6. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Combine: Add the blended peppers into the broth and stir to combine.’, ‘name’: ‘Combine’, ‘url’: ‘https://houseofyumm.com/beef-birria-and-birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-17198-step-0-5’}
  7. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Season: Add in the chili powder as desired to get a nice deep red color to the broth.xa0’, ‘name’: ‘Season’, ‘url’: ‘https://houseofyumm.com/beef-birria-and-birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-17198-step-0-6’}
  8. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Simmer: Cover and continue to simmer for about 3 hours or until meat is tender and easily shredding on it’s own. (remove lid and give a stir every 40 minutes or so. Can also taste the broth once the meat is cooked through and adjust seasonings as needed).’, ‘name’: ‘Simmer’, ‘url’: ‘https://houseofyumm.com/beef-birria-and-birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-17198-step-0-7’}
  9. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Reserve Grease: Skim the grease from the top of the broth (SAVE THIS!) pour the grease into a small skillet or saucepan, this is used for making the tacos if desired.xa0’, ‘name’: ‘Reserve Grease’, ‘url’: ‘https://houseofyumm.com/beef-birria-and-birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-17198-step-0-8’}
  10. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Remove the onion, garlic, carrots, and bay leaves from the broth. (these ingredients were in the broth for flavoring…people are more than welcome to eat and enjoy them, so save them if you want!)’, ‘name’: ‘Remove Flavorings’, ‘url’: ‘https://houseofyumm.com/beef-birria-and-birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-17198-step-0-9’}
  11. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Serving: Remove the meat from the broth and cut into large chunks for serving. Remove any bones.xa0’, ‘name’: ‘Cut Meat’, ‘url’: ‘https://houseofyumm.com/beef-birria-and-birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-17198-step-0-10’}
  12. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘To Serve as a Stew:’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Serve a couple pieces of meat into a bowl, spoon broth on top.’, ‘name’: ‘Serve Soup’, ‘url’: ‘https://houseofyumm.com/beef-birria-and-birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-17198-step-1-0’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Top with diced onion and fresh cilantro.xa0Serve with a wedge of lime to squeeze in.’, ‘name’: ‘Toppings’, ‘url’: ‘https://houseofyumm.com/beef-birria-and-birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-17198-step-1-1’}]}
  13. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘To Make Quesabirria Tacos:’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Chop Meat: Remove the meat from the broth, and finely chop until only small pieces remain.xa0’, ‘name’: ‘Chop Meat’, ‘url’: ‘https://houseofyumm.com/beef-birria-and-birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-17198-step-2-0’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Heat a large skillet/griddle over medium heat.xa0’, ‘name’: ‘Heat Skillet’, ‘url’: ‘https://houseofyumm.com/beef-birria-and-birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-17198-step-2-1’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Frying Tortillas: Dip the corn tortilla into the reserved grease from the broth.xa0’, ‘name’: ‘Frying Tortillas’, ‘url’: ‘https://houseofyumm.com/beef-birria-and-birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-17198-step-2-2’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Place on heated griddle, top with the chopped meat and cheese.xa0’, ‘name’: ‘Add Fillings’, ‘url’: ‘https://houseofyumm.com/beef-birria-and-birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-17198-step-2-3’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Fold the taco over and press down with a spatula. Continue cooking until the taco is crisp and golden on the bottom, about 2-3 minutes. Then flip and continue cooking the other side. (it’s ok if some of the cheese leaks out while frying, the golden cheese is the best part!) Plus you can spoon some additional grease onto the tortilla while it cooks if you need more coloring to the tortilla.xa0’, ‘name’: ‘Frying’, ‘url’: ‘https://houseofyumm.com/beef-birria-and-birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-17198-step-2-4’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Cook until both sides are crisp. Remove from heat and allow to cool briefly before serving, will be very hot.xa0’, ‘name’: ‘Cook until both sides are crisp. Remove from heat and allow to cool briefly before serving, will be very hot.xa0’, ‘url’: ‘https://houseofyumm.com/beef-birria-and-birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-17198-step-2-5’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Continue until all tacos are cooked.xa0’, ‘name’: ‘Continue’, ‘url’: ‘https://houseofyumm.com/beef-birria-and-birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-17198-step-2-6’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Top tacos with fresh cilantro and onion if desired.’, ‘name’: ‘Topping’, ‘url’: ‘https://houseofyumm.com/beef-birria-and-birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-17198-step-2-7’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Serving: Serve with a bowl of the broth topped with onions and cilantro on the side.xa0’, ‘name’: ‘Serving’, ‘url’: ‘https://houseofyumm.com/beef-birria-and-birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-17198-step-2-8’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Dip the tacos into the broth while eating.’, ‘name’: ‘Dip the tacos into the broth while eating.’, ‘url’: ‘https://houseofyumm.com/beef-birria-and-birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-17198-step-2-9’}]}

Birria Tacos Recipe

birria tacos recipe

My Birria Tacos recipe has all the flavors you’re looking for in birria: they’re earthy and mildly spicy, with fall-apart tender chuck roast beef and Mexican cheese! Of all the birria tacos recipes, this is the best!

Prep: 50min

Total: 235min

Yield: 12

Serving Size: 1 taco

Nutrition Facts: calories 311 kcal, Carbohydrate 20 g, Protein 23 g, Fat 16 g, Saturated Fat 7 g, Trans Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 69 mg, Sodium 453 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 4 g, servingSize 1 taco, unSaturated Fat 9 g

Ingredients:

  • 2 to 2 ½ pounds boneless chuck roast (cut into large chunks)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 dried guajillo chiles
  • 2 dried ancho chiles
  • 2 roma tomatoes (quartered)
  • 1 medium onion (halved)
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 ½ inch cinnamon stick (up to 2-inch)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds (or ¼ teaspoon ground cumin)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 to 2 cups beef broth
  • 12-15 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • ½ cup Mexican melting cheese (such as oaxaca)
  • 1 lime (cut into wedges)

Instruction:

  1. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Place a large pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil. When hot, season beef with salt and pepper and add to pot. Sear on all sides. Add half of the onion to the pot and cook two minutes more. Remove dutch oven from heat and set aside while you make the sauce.’, ‘name’: ‘Sear’, ‘url’: ‘https://bestbeefrecipes.com/birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-7893-step-0-0’, ‘image’: ‘https://bestbeefrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/birria-beef-stew-process-6.jpg’}
  2. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Remove the stems and seeds from the dried chile peppers.’, ‘name’: ‘Remove’, ‘url’: ‘https://bestbeefrecipes.com/birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-7893-step-0-1’, ‘image’: ‘https://bestbeefrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/birria-beef-stew-process-7.jpg’}
  3. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘In a medium pot, add the chiles, tomatoes, half onion, garlic cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Pour in enough water to cover all ingredients, about 4 to 5 cups. Place on stove over medium-high heat and bring to boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.’, ‘name’: ‘Boil’, ‘url’: ‘https://bestbeefrecipes.com/birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-7893-step-0-2’, ‘image’: ‘https://bestbeefrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/birria-beef-stew-process-8.jpg’}
  4. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Add remaining seasonings to the sauce pot: dried oregano, cumin seeds, dried thyme, and salt and peppercorns. Give it a stir and simmer for 10 minutes more. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a couple minutes.’, ‘name’: ‘Season’, ‘url’: ‘https://bestbeefrecipes.com/birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-7893-step-0-3’, ‘image’: ‘https://bestbeefrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/birria-beef-stew-process-1.jpg’}
  5. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Strain the contents of the sauce pot into a large wire-mesh strainer over a large bowl. Remove the bay leaf and cinnamon stick and discard. Place remaining solids into a blender.’, ‘name’: ‘Strain’, ‘url’: ‘https://bestbeefrecipes.com/birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-7893-step-0-4’, ‘image’: ‘https://bestbeefrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/birria-beef-stew-process-2.jpg’}
  6. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Add 2 cups of the broth from the sauce into the blender, plus 1 cup of beef broth. Whirl until well blended. Taste and add more salt if needed and blend just until mixed in.’, ‘name’: ‘Blend’, ‘url’: ‘https://bestbeefrecipes.com/birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-7893-step-0-5’, ‘image’: ‘https://bestbeefrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/birria-beef-stew-process-3.jpg’}
  7. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Place the pot with the beef and onion back on the stove at medium heat. Pour the contents of the blender over the beef. If the sauce is not enough liquid to cover the beef, pour in enough beef broth to cover. Bring to a simmer, then cover and lower heat. Simmer until meat is tender and shreds easily, about 2½ to 3 hours.’, ‘name’: ‘Cook’, ‘url’: ‘https://bestbeefrecipes.com/birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-7893-step-0-6’, ‘image’: ‘https://bestbeefrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/birria-beef-stew-complete-1.jpg’}
  8. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘Making the tacos’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Turn off heat, remove beef from the sauce, and shred.’, ‘name’: ‘Shred’, ‘url’: ‘https://bestbeefrecipes.com/birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-7893-step-1-0’, ‘image’: ‘https://bestbeefrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/birria-beef-tacos-process-1.jpg’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Using tongs, dip a tortilla into the top of the stew (where the fat floats), then place in the hot skillet. Top with some shredded beef, cheese, and cilantro.’, ‘name’: ‘Dip’, ‘url’: ‘https://bestbeefrecipes.com/birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-7893-step-1-1’, ‘image’: ‘https://bestbeefrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/birria-beef-tacos-process-2.jpg’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Fold tortilla over and fry for about one minute on each side, until crispy. Remove taco to plate or baking sheet and keep warm. Repeat above steps with remaining tortillas.’, ‘name’: ‘Fry’, ‘url’: ‘https://bestbeefrecipes.com/birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-7893-step-1-2’, ‘image’: ‘https://bestbeefrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/birria-beef-tacos-process-3.jpg’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Serve warm with a small bowl of the birria stew for dipping. Serve with lime wedges and sliced jalapenos if desired. Top tacos with diced onion, more cilantro and more cheese if desired.’, ‘name’: ‘Serve’, ‘url’: ‘https://bestbeefrecipes.com/birria-tacos/#wprm-recipe-7893-step-1-3’, ‘image’: ‘https://bestbeefrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/birria-beef-tacos-complete-2.jpg’}]}

Birria Tacos Recipe

birria tacos recipe

Birria Tacos with tender beef are a must try dinner that melts in your mouth. Enriched with authentic Mexican flavors, layered with melted cheese, and encased in a crispy tortilla; they are incredibly delicious!

Prep: 30min

Total: 330min

Yield: 15

Serving Size: 1 taco

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1 taco, calories 411 kcal, Carbohydrate 24 g, Protein 32 g, Fat 22 g, Saturated Fat 9 g, Trans Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 96 mg, Sodium 485 mg, Fiber 6 g, Sugar 7 g, unSaturated Fat 12 g

Ingredients:

  • 6 dried Guajillo chiles (stemmed and deseeded)
  • 4 dried Ancho chiles (stemmed and deseeded)
  • 3 pounds chuck roast (cut into 4 chunks)
  • Kosher salt (to taste)
  • Ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
  • 3 vine tomatoes (quartered)
  • 1 white onion (quartered)
  • 8 cloves garlic (peeled and smashed)
  • 4 cups low sodium beef broth
  • 1 ½ pounds bone-in short ribs
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 15 corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Fresh limes wedges (for serving)

Instruction:

  1. When the beef is cooked through, remove the short rib bones. Shred the meat with 2 forks.
  2. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and serve with any remaining braising liquid on the side for dipping.

Birria Tacos Recipe

birria tacos recipe

Step up your next taco night with our ultimate guide to the best homemade tacos ever.

Prep: 20min

Total: 120min

Serving Size: 3 tacos

Nutrition Facts: calories 626 kcal, Carbohydrate 31.8 g, Protein 61 g, Fat 17.4 g, Saturated Fat 4.2 g, Cholesterol 152 mg, Sodium 1644 mg, Fiber 9.5 g, Sugar 7.5 g, servingSize 3 tacos

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lb beef shank
  • 1 lb sirloin (or other roast/steak)
  • 3 dried guajillo peppers (see notes)
  • 1 can chipotle peppers in adobo
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 6 whole cloves
  • chicken stock to cover (sodium free, about 1 quart)
  • 4″ corn or flour tortillas (as needed, 12-16)
  • 1 medium onion (chopped, optional)
  • 1 bunch cilantro (chopped, optional)
  • 1 cup mexican cheese blend (grated, optional)

Instruction:

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and then remove from heat. Soak your dried guajillo peppers for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, cube your cab sirloin, then season both the steak and the shank with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Add marinade ingredients to the blender. When the peppers are done soaking, hold them by the tip over the sink and use scissors to cut the stem off and allow the seeds to fall out, then add to blender. Blend the marinade into a smooth paste. Marinate the meats for a minimum of two hours or up to overnight.
  3. Set your Instant Pot on saute high or use a skillet over medium heat. Add 1-2 tbsp oil, then saute the onions until golden and translucent (6-8 minutes).
  4. Add the meats, marinade, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and cloves to the pot. Cover with chicken broth, then set to high pressure for 45 minutes. If using a slow cooker or stovetop, set to low heat for 4-6 hours.
  5. When the instant pot is finished, allow a natural release, then remove the meat. Shred, set aside, and discard the bones.
  6. Warm up some tortillas, then dip the tortillas in the stew. Build your tacos, top with any optional toppings, then fry over medium heat on a nonstick skillet. Enjoy immediately, preferably with a margarita or cold Mexican beer.

How To Make Birria Tacos

FAQ

What is the sauce made of for birria tacos?

What is Birria sauce made of? Birria sauce is a delicious sauce that is made with dried chilis, annatto paste, onion, Roma tomatoes, and spices. This red sauce is then added to the remaining beef cooking liquid to form a delicious dipping sauce for the tacos.

What are authentic birria tacos made of?

The Birria Tacos are made with Birria de Res, beef braised in a bold, aromatic chili sauce until fall apart tender, stuffed into broth-battered corn tortillas along with ooey gooey Oaxaca cheese, pan-fried until crispy then dunked in the deeply crimson Birria consomé (broth) for a saucy, rich finish.

What meat is Birria tacos made of?

Birria, a.k.a. tacos de birria, is a Mexican dish of meat (usually goat or beef) stewed in its braising liquid until it reaches a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Traditionally, it gets its flavor from dried chile peppers. Birria can be served alone as a stew or on corn tortillas.

What cut of meat is best for birria?

Beef: Boneless beef chuck roast, short ribs, stew meet, oxtail, or beef cheeks work great here (or substitute a bone-in cut). In Mexico, it is common to use lamb or goat for Birria, too.

About the author

Helen is an author and editor at helenbackcafe.com, who has a passion for writing about recipes. She loves to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to create delicious and unique dishes.

Among all the foods, pizza holds a special place in her heart, and she loves exploring different variations and toppings to create the perfect slice. Through her writing, Helen hopes to inspire others to get creative in the kitchen and share their love for food with the world.

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