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Birria Tacos: A Flavor-Packed Mexican Classic You’ll Crave

Birria tacos served with consommé dipping sauce and lime

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Authentic Mexican birria tacos made with consommé-dipped tortillas, slow-braised beef, and bold spices. Learn how to make birria tacos with this delicious recipe that’s rich, crispy, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast or short ribs
  • 5 dried guajillo chiles
  • 3 dried ancho chiles
  • 2 dried pasilla chiles
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 1 white onion
  • 2 tbsp vinegar
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • Corn tortillas
  • Shredded cheese (Oaxaca or mozzarella)
  • Cilantro, chopped
  • Diced onion
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  • Toast the dried chiles in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes until fragrant, then soak them in hot water for 15 minutes.
  • Blend the chiles with garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, cloves, and vinegar until smooth.
  • Coat the beef with the adobo sauce and marinate overnight for best results.
  • Sear the marinated beef in a Dutch oven until browned.
  • Add beef broth, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and remaining marinade. Cover and braise for 3 hours until the meat is fall-apart tender.
  • Remove the beef, shred it, and strain the remaining broth into a bowl—this is your consommé.
  • Dip each corn tortilla into the consommé, place it on a hot skillet, add cheese and shredded beef, then fold and fry until golden and crispy.
  • Serve with chopped onions, cilantro, lime, and a side of consommé for dipping.

Notes

  • You can make birria tacos with chicken or pork instead of beef.
  • For spicier birria tacos, increase the number of dried chiles or add a chipotle pepper to the adobo.
  • Authentic Mexican birria tacos are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet with consommé.