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Birria Tacos Recipes

Birria Tacos Recipes

cookinglanka.com
Birria Tacos are a traditional Mexican dish made by stuffing tortillas with flavorful, slow-cooked meat (usually beef, goat, or lamb) that's been stewed in a rich, spicy red chili sauce.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

For the Birria (Beef Stew):

  • 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast (or mix with short ribs or oxtail for richness)
  • 1 onion (quartered)
  • 5 garlic cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt to taste
  • Water to cover meat

For the Chili Sauce:

  • 5 dried guajillo chilies (stems and seeds removed)
  • 2 dried ancho chilies (stems and seeds removed)
  • 2 dried pasilla chilies (optional)
  • 2 tomatoes (roasted or boiled)
  • 1/2 onion
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup beef broth or water

For Assembling the Tacos:

  • Corn tortillas
  • Chopped onions
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese (optional)
  • Oil or beef fat for frying

Instructions
 

Cook The Meat:

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the beef, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and salt.
  • Cover with water and bring to a boil. Skim off any foam.
  • Simmer for 2–3 hours until the meat is tender and shreds easily.

Make The Chili Sauce:

  • Toast the chilies lightly in a dry pan until fragrant (don’t burn).
  • Boil or soak the chilies in hot water for 10–15 minutes to soften.
  • Blend chilies with tomatoes, onion, garlic, spices, vinegar, and 1 cup of beef broth until smooth.

Combine And Simmer:

  • Strain the chili sauce and add it to the pot with the beef.
  • Simmer together for another 30 minutes. Adjust salt to taste.

Assemble The Tacos:

  • Remove meat and shred it.
  • Dip tortillas in the red oily top layer of the broth (consume).
  • Fry on a hot skillet, add cheese (if using), then top with shredded meat.
  • Fold the tortilla and cook until crispy on both sides.

Serve:

  • Serve with a cup of the birria broth for dipping.
  • Top tacos with chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Notes

✅ Tips for Best Birria Tacos

  • Let the stew rest overnight for deeper flavor.
  • Use a mix of dried chilies for complexity.
  • Skim off extra fat to use for frying the tacos.
  • Use corn tortillas for authenticity and best texture.