Birria Tacos: A Juicy, Cheesy Showstopper
Learn to cook authentic Birria Tacos with tender beef, rich consomé, and melty cheese. A must-try Mexican dish that’s juicy, cheesy, and full of flavor! When it comes to Birria Tacos (also known as quesatacos), the combination of flavors is truly unbeatable. These juicy, cheesy tacos are a showstopper, whether you’re preparing them with birria de rez or experimenting with Beef Birria or even Birria Ramen. The key to achieving the perfect taste is in the slow braising of the meat, whether in the oven, Instant Pot, or slow-cooker. Cooking with traditional Mexican flavors like Oaxacan or mozzarella cheese adds a magical touch. Inspired by popular Tiktok food trends during qu*rantine, I personally ventured to the local taco truck in the valley to try them. The moment I took my first bite, the consomé dripping from the crispy pan-fried corn tortilla, I was hooked. The spicy kick and flavors from the fat and cilantro made it a meal to remember.
Delicious Birria Tacos Recipe: A Must-Try Fiesta Flavor
While originally from Jalisco, Mexico, these tacos have become a favorite among Mexican food lovers. Whether you’re enjoying them with conchas, aguas frescas, or serving them alongside a rich broth full of chilies and spices, the experience is always special. The rich stew made from goat or lamb creates a tender, slow-braised meat filling, which pairs perfectly with quesillo, lime, and fresh white onion. As someone who has enjoyed various taco variations like al pastor, carnitas, and carne asada, I can confidently say that these Birria Tacos are nothing short of flavorful. Whether you’re a casual eater or an adventurous one, this is the type of taco that will leave you wanting more at every taco night.
Personal Experience
I still remember the first time I tried Birria Tacos; it was during the early days of qu*rantine, and I had seen them trending all over Tiktok. Curious, I searched for the nearest taco truck and drove to the valley. As soon as I bit into that crispy, pan-fried corn tortilla, with the juicy meat soaked in the flavorful consomé, I was in heaven. The rich, savory taste of the slow-braised beef paired with the melted Oaxacan cheese and fresh cilantro made every bite an unforgettable experience. That moment sparked a love for Birria Tacos, and now, it’s become a regular meal at home. I’ve tried making them with both beef and lamb, slowly cooked in an Instant Pot, and every time, it’s just as delicious as the first.
Necessary Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chuck
- 1 pound oxtail or bone-in short ribs
- 1 teaspoon neutral oil (avocado or vegetable oil)
Sauce:
- 7 ancho chiles (ends trimmed and de-seeded)
- 7 guajillo chiles (ends trimmed and de-seeded)
- 3 chiles de arbol (ends trimmed and de-seeded)
- 1 white onion (peeled and halved)
- 6 garlic cloves (peeled)
- 4 roma tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 Mexican cinnamon stick
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 cups beef broth or water (divided)
Tacos:
- 1/4 cup minced cilantro
- 1/4 white onion (minced)
- Juice from 1 lime
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Corn tortillas
- 3 ounces Oaxacan cheese (or mozzarella)
Step by Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
Start by bringing beef chuck and short ribs to room temperature. Generously sprinkle them with salt and sear both sides in a hot pan. This browning locks in the rich flavors of the meat. You can use different cuts like oxtail, goat, or lamb, depending on your preference. The searing process will help build the base for the Birria.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In another pot, add dried chiles like guajillo, ancho, and chiles de arbol, along with onions, garlic, and roma tomatoes. Bring it all to a gentle simmer for about 20 minutes until the vegetables and chiles become soft. After simmering, transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until it forms a smooth sauce. You can add beef broth or water to make it easier to blend. If you want the sauce extra smooth, strain it afterward.
Step 3: Braising the Meat
Once your sauce is ready, return the seared meat to the pot and pour the birria sauce over it. To ensure no sauce is wasted, rinse the blender with some broth and pour that into the pot as well. Add some fragrant spices like Mexican oregano, cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves to bring out the flavors. Cover the pot and braise the meat in the oven for 3 to 4 hours until the meat becomes tender and can easily be shredded.
Step 4: Shred the Meat and Prepare Consomé
After braising, remove the meat from the pot and shred it using two forks. Set aside the flavorful consomé (sauce) from the pot as this will be used later for dipping. You can also thin out the consomé with more broth if needed.
Step 5: Fry the Tacos
Take a corn tortilla and dip it into the top layer of the consomé, where the fat collects. This will give your tacos that delicious crispy texture when pan-fried. Place the dipped tortilla in a hot skillet and flip it after 30 seconds. Add a handful of shredded meat and Oaxacan cheese or mozzarella to one side, fold the tortilla into a quesataco, and fry until crispy.
Step 6: Serve the Birria Tacos
Finally, transfer the crispy Birria Tacos to a plate and serve them with a side of consomé for dipping. Top the tacos with a mixture of minced cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime for extra freshness and flavor.
Serving Size
This Birria Tacos recipe serves about 10 people, making it perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Each serving is packed with juicy, shredded beef and melty Oaxacan cheese tucked into crispy corn tortillas. Pair the tacos with the flavorful consomé for dipping to elevate the taste even further.
Tips and Tricks
- Cuts of Meat: Feel free to experiment with different meats like goat, lamb, or just use all beef chuck. You can also try using oxtail for added richness, though it yields less meat.
- Make Ahead: Birria is perfect for prepping in advance. You can make the birria and store the shredded meat and sauce separately in the fridge. The fat will solidify on the top, which you can later use to fry the tortillas.
- Mexican Cinnamon: If using Mexican cinnamon, it blends easily because of its brittle texture. If you’re using a harder variety like Saigon cinnamon, be sure to remove it after simmering since it won’t blend smoothly.
- Instant Pot/Slow Cooker: You can use an Instant Pot or a slow cooker to speed up the braising process. For the Instant Pot, set it to “Stew Meat” and cook under high pressure for 50 minutes. For the slow cooker, sear the meat first, then let it cook on high for 6–7 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Birria Tacos made of?
Birria Tacos are made with shredded meat, usually beef or goat, that has been braised in a rich, flavorful sauce made from a combination of dried chiles, spices like Mexican oregano, cinnamon, and garlic, and then slow-cooked until tender. The meat is served in crispy corn tortillas with Oaxacan cheese and a side of consomé (broth) for dipping.
Is Birria Tacos beef or goat?
Traditionally, birria is made with goat meat, but it is also common to find it made with beef, particularly chuck stew meat or short ribs. Both options are delicious and can be used depending on personal preference or availability.
Is Birria beef or pork?
Birria is usually made with either beef or goat. It is less common to use pork, but variations can be found. The most popular choice for birria tacos today is beef, particularly chuck or short ribs.
Can I Make This In an Instant Pot OR slow cooker?
Yes, you can make Birria Tacos in an Instant Pot or a slow cooker. For the Instant Pot, simply sear the meat, pour the sauce over it, and cook under high pressure for about 50 minutes. In a slow cooker, after searing the meat, cook the birria on high for 6–7 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.
What to serve with Birria Tacos?
Birria Tacos are best served with a side of consomé, which is the broth from the meat braising process. Additionally, you can serve them with salsa, lime wedges, minced onions, cilantro, and a side of Mexican rice or refried beans to complete the meal.
More Recipes Here
How to Easily Make Delicious Nigerian Moi Moi/Moin Moin Chocolate Sauce Recipe for Strawberries Expert Tips for Grilling Juicy Chinese Chicken on a Stick