🌮 Beef Birria Tacos (Crispy, Juicy & Authentic-Style)
Rich, slow-braised beef tucked into crispy tortillas and dipped in flavorful consommé — these tacos are inspired by traditional birria from Mexico and are absolutely irresistible.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the Birria:
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3 lbs beef chuck roast (cut into large chunks)
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1 lb beef short ribs (optional but amazing for flavor)
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Salt & black pepper
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2 tbsp oil
Chile Sauce:
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4 dried guajillo chiles (stemmed, seeded)
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2 dried ancho chiles
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2 dried chiles de árbol (optional for heat)
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3 cloves garlic
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1 small onion
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp ground cumin
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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¼ tsp ground cloves
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2 cups beef broth
For Serving:
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Corn tortillas
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2 cups shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
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Chopped onion
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Fresh cilantro
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Lime wedges
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Chiles
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Toast dried chiles in a dry pan (30 seconds per side).
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Soak in hot water for 10–15 minutes until softened.
2️⃣ Make the Sauce
Blend:
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Soaked chiles
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Garlic
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Onion
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Vinegar
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Oregano, cumin, paprika, cloves
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Beef broth
Blend until smooth.
3️⃣ Sear the Beef
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Season beef with salt and pepper.
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Sear in oil until browned on all sides.
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Transfer to a Dutch oven or slow cooker.
4️⃣ Braise
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Pour sauce over beef.
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Cover and cook:
Oven: 325°F (160°C) for 3–3½ hours
Slow cooker: Low 8 hours / High 5 hours
Beef should shred easily.
5️⃣ Shred & Save the Consommé
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Remove beef and shred.
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Skim excess fat from the top of the broth (save some — you’ll use it!).
🌮 Assemble the Tacos (The Crispy Magic Step!)
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Dip a tortilla into the top layer of the consommé (the reddish fat layer).
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Place on hot skillet.
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Add cheese + shredded beef.
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Fold and cook until crispy and golden on both sides.
Serve with a small bowl of hot consommé for dipping.
🌟 Pro Tips for Restaurant-Level Flavor
✔ Add 1 cinnamon stick while braising.
✔ A splash of orange juice adds depth.
✔ Let the meat rest in the broth before shredding.
✔ Use cast iron for best crisping.
🔥 Want Variations?
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Instant Pot version
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Spicy extra-hot version
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Goat birria (traditional style)
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Birria ramen fusion