Birria Tacos

why make this recipe

Birria tacos are a delightful Mexican dish that packs a punch of flavor. They are perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or even a comforting meal at home. The combination of tender beef, rich broth, and the tangy taste of the chiles creates a unique experience in every bite. Plus, they are fun to eat and can be customized with your favorite toppings. This dish is not only delicious but also a great way to impress your family and friends with your cooking skills.

how to make My Favorite Birria Tacos

Ingredients:

• 4 dried guajillo peppers
• 4 dried ancho chiles
• 4 chipotle peppers in adobo
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup organic beef stock (You can sub with water)
• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 Tbsps Mexican oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 3 lbs. organic chuck roast beef, chopped into medium-large chunks
• 1 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 4 cups organic beef stock
• 2 cups water
• 12 organic corn tortillas
• Shredded Oaxaca cheese
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Pico de Gallo

Directions:

1. To Make the Chili Paste:

   • Soak the guajillo and ancho chiles in hot water for about 20-30 minutes until they are soft.
   • In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, chipotle peppers, chopped onion, garlic cloves, crushed tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, and a little of the soaking water. Blend until smooth to form a chili paste.

2. To Make the ‘Meat’:

   • Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped beef and brown on all sides.
   • Once browned, add the chili paste, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, cumin, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and allspice. Stir well to coat the beef.

3. Let Everything Braise in the Oven:

   • Pour in the beef stock and water, then bring to a gentle simmer.
   • Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let it braise for about 3 hours or until the beef is tender and falls apart easily.

4. To Assemble the Tacos:

   • Remove the beef from the pot and shred it using two forks.
   • Dip each tortilla into the broth briefly and then fill with shredded beef. Top with shredded Oaxaca cheese, chopped cilantro, and Pico de Gallo.

how to serve My Favorite Birria Tacos

Serve the birria tacos hot, alongside a small bowl of the beef broth for dipping. This enhances the flavor and gives an authentic experience. You can also serve with extra toppings like sliced radishes, lime wedges, or avocado for an added touch.

how to store My Favorite Birria Tacos

To store leftovers, keep the shredded beef and broth in separate airtight containers. The beef can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, reheat the beef in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a little broth to keep it moist.

tips to make My Favorite Birria Tacos

• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor, especially the herbs and spices.
• If you can’t find some dried chiles, you can use a store-bought chili powder blend as a substitute, though it may alter the flavor.
• For a bit more heat, add extra chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

variation

You can swap the chuck roast for other cuts of beef like brisket or short ribs. For a lighter version, try using chicken thighs instead. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or toppings based on personal preference.

FAQs

1. Can I make birria tacos in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make birria tacos in a slow cooker! Just follow the same steps for making the chili paste, then add all ingredients (except the tortillas and toppings) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the meat is tender.

2. What can I use instead of Oaxaca cheese?
If Oaxaca cheese isn’t available, you can use mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese as a substitute. They will melt similarly and complement the flavors well.

3. How spicy are these tacos?
The heat level can be adjusted based on your preference. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the number of chipotle peppers or use milder chiles.