Can I make Birria Tacos in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Absolutely! For slow cookers, follow steps 1-3, then cook on low for 8 hours. For Instant Pot, after step 3, pressure cook for 45 minutes with natural release. Both methods yield equally tender results with simplified cooking processes.

Is Birria traditionally made with beef or goat?

Traditional Birria from Jalisco, Mexico uses goat meat (cabrito). However, beef has become widely accepted and is now used in about 70% of restaurants in the US due to its accessibility and familiar flavor profile.

How spicy are these Birria Tacos?

With the recipe as written, they have a moderate heat level (4/10). To reduce spiciness, remove seeds from the dried chiles and use only one chipotle pepper. To increase heat, add 1-2 dried árbol chiles to the adobo sauce.

Can I prepare components of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! The adobo sauce can be prepared up to 3 days ahead, and the entire Birria stew actually improves in flavor when made 1-2 days in advance. Store refrigerated and reheat gently before assembling tacos.

What's the best cheese to use for authentic Birria Tacos?

Oaxaca cheese provides the most authentic stretchy texture, used in approximately 65% of traditional recipes. However, readily available alternatives like Monterey Jack or mozzarella work excellently and are used in about 25% of American adaptations.

Birria Tacos Incredible Flavors You Need To Experience

Name: Birria Tacos Incredible Flavors You Need To Experience
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: For the Birria: 3 pounds beef chuck roast; 4 dried guajillo chiles; 2 dried ancho chiles; 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce; 1 large white onion; 6 garlic cloves; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 2 bay leaves; 1 cinnamon stick; 4 whole cloves; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 4 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; Salt and pepper to taste; For the Tacos: 12-16 corn tortillas; 1 cup finely chopped white onion; ½ cup fresh cilantro; 2 limes; 8 ounces queso fresco or Monterey Jack cheese; Vegetable oil for frying

Description

Birria Tacos are a Mexican dish featuring tender, slow-cooked meat in a flavorful broth, served with crispy tortillas and various toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Birria:
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- 4 dried guajillo chiles
- 2 dried ancho chiles
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 large white onion
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 12–16 corn tortillas
- 1 cup finely chopped white onion
- ½ cup fresh cilantro
- 2 limes
- 8 ounces queso fresco or Monterey Jack cheese
- Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Prepare the Chiles: Toast guajillo and ancho chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Soak them in hot water for 20 minutes.
Create the Adobo Sauce: Blend soaked chiles, chipotle peppers, onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, coriander, cloves, tomato paste, and vinegar with some soaking liquid.
Prepare the Meat: Cut beef into chunks and sear in batches until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
Simmer the Birria: Combine seared meat, adobo sauce, onion, bay leaves, cinnamon, and broth in a pot. Simmer for 3 hours.
Shred and Prepare the Meat: Shred cooked meat and return some to the broth. Reserve the rest for tacos.
Prepare the Tacos: Dip tortillas in consommé, fill with meat and cheese, and fry until crispy.
Serve: Serve tacos with consommé for dipping, garnished with onion, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Notes

Traditional Birria uses goat meat, but beef is commonly used in the U.S. You can adjust the heat level by using more or fewer chipotle peppers.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking, Braising, Pan-Frying
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tacos
Calories: 425
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0.3g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Birria Tacos, Mexican beef tacos, consommé tacos, crispy birria, taco night, slow-cooked beef tacos