Beef Birria Tacos

Beef Birria Tacos are the ultimate celebration of rich, slow-cooked flavor. This dish brings together tender, fall-apart beef simmered in a bold chile-infused broth, folded into crispy tortillas, and finished with a generous layer of melted cheese. Whether you’re preparing them for a special gathering or a weekend treat, these tacos deliver an unforgettable balance of spice, depth, and comfort.

The essence of birria comes from its vibrant, deeply seasoned consommé. A blend of guajillo and ancho chiles, chipotles, aromatic garlic, onions, and warm spices creates a rich sauce that infuses the beef as it simmers slowly. The result is a succulent filling with layers of smoky, earthy notes complemented by the slight sweetness of the chiles. Once the meat is ready, the cooking liquid becomes a flavorful consommé perfect for dipping.

Crisping the tortillas in the birria chili oil adds another layer of indulgence, giving the tacos their signature color and crunch. Melted Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese binds the tender meat beautifully, while cilantro, onion, and fresh lime brighten every bite. Serve them with a warm bowl of consommé on the side and prepare for taco perfection.

Servings: 12–16 tacos
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
• 1 lb beef short ribs (optional but recommended)
• 1 onion, quartered
• 6 cloves garlic
• 3–4 dried guajillo chiles, soaked and stems removed
• 2 dried ancho chiles, soaked and stems removed
• 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo
• 1 tbsp Mexican oregano
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• 2 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

For assembling:

• Corn tortillas
• Shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
• Chopped cilantro
• Chopped onions (optional)
• Lime wedges

Instructions:

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