Get ready for the ultimate taco experience — juicy, cheesy, and bursting with bold Mexican flavor. If you’ve ever seen those mouthwatering tacos being dipped into rich, red consommé, you already know what we’re talking about. Yes, it’s time to try this birria tacos recipe today!
These tacos have taken the world by storm — and for good reason. Traditionally made with slow-cooked beef in a flavorful chili broth, then folded into tortillas with melted cheese and fried until crispy, birria tacos are a true comfort food dream. Let’s dive into this easy, step-by-step guide to making them at home.
🌶️ Introduction
Originating from the Mexican state of Jalisco, birria was traditionally made with goat meat, but beef has become the modern favorite. The secret lies in the deeply spiced broth — a blend of chilies, garlic, and aromatic spices that give these tacos their signature flavor and color.
Once you make this dish, you’ll understand why people can’t stop raving about it. So grab your ingredients, warm your tortillas, and try this birria tacos recipe today!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
You can make authentic birria tacos right in your kitchen with these easy-to-find ingredients:
🥩 For the Birria:
3 lbs beef chuck roast or short ribs (cut into chunks)
1 white onion, chopped
5 garlic cloves
3 dried guajillo chilies (seeded)
2 dried ancho chilies (seeded)
1–2 dried pasilla chilies (optional, for smokiness)
1 tomato, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
3 cups beef broth
Salt and pepper to taste
🌮 For the Tacos:
Corn tortillas (8–10)
1 ½ cups shredded cheese (Oaxaca, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack)
Fresh cilantro, chopped
White onion, diced
Lime wedges for serving
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make these irresistible tacos together — step by step!
🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Chilies
Remove stems and seeds from the dried chilies. Toast them lightly in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side — just until fragrant (don’t burn them).
Then, soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes until softened.
🫕 Step 2: Blend the Sauce
In a blender, combine:
Soaked chilies
Tomato
Garlic
Onion
Vinegar
All the spices
1 cup of beef broth
Blend until smooth. You should get a thick, red sauce packed with flavor.
🍖 Step 3: Cook the Meat
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil. Brown the beef on all sides to develop deep flavor.
Pour in the chili sauce, remaining beef broth, and bay leaves. Stir well, cover, and simmer on low heat for 3–4 hours, or until the beef is tender enough to shred easily.
💡 Shortcut: You can also cook it in a slow cooker for 6–8 hours or a pressure cooker for 45 minutes.
🍲 Step 4: Make the Consommé
Once the meat is done, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks.
Strain the cooking liquid to remove solids. This flavorful broth is your consommé — the dipping sauce that makes birria tacos iconic.
Taste and adjust salt as needed.
🧀 Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
Here comes the fun part!
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Dip a tortilla into the consommé (this gives it that beautiful red color).
Place it on the skillet and top with:
Shredded beef
Shredded cheese
Fold the tortilla in half and cook until crispy on both sides, flipping once.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
🍋 Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your tacos hot with small bowls of consommé for dipping. Sprinkle with diced onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Once you take that first bite — crispy, cheesy, juicy, and dripping with flavor — you’ll know why you needed to try this birria tacos recipe today!
💡 Practical Tips for the Perfect Birria Tacos
✅ Use a mix of chilies for depth — guajillo for sweetness, ancho for smokiness, pasilla for richness.
✅ Brown the beef first — it locks in flavor and gives the consommé richness.
✅ Let it simmer low and slow — the longer it cooks, the more tender the meat.
✅ Dip tortillas in the consommé before frying for that restaurant-style crisp.
✅ Use melty cheese — Oaxaca or Monterey Jack makes the tacos creamy and indulgent.
🌮 Serving Ideas
Here are a few creative ways to enjoy your birria beyond the tacos:
Birria Quesadilla: Layer cheese and birria between two tortillas, grill, and dip.
Birria Ramen: Add shredded meat and consommé to noodles — a viral sensation!
Birria Nachos: Pile tortilla chips with birria, cheese, and jalapeños.
Birria Pizza: Spread consommé and beef over dough, add cheese, and bake.
However you serve it, this versatile dish will always steal the show.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftover meat and broth separately for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Birria freezes beautifully for up to 3 months — just thaw and reheat.
Reheat: Warm the meat in consommé over medium heat to keep it juicy.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s authentic yet easy for home cooks
The flavors are deep, rich, and comforting
Perfect for parties, weekends, or meal prep
Customizable — make it spicy, cheesy, or mild
And of course… that crispy taco crunch!
Once you’ve made this once, it’s bound to become your new obsession.
✨ Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the combination of tender shredded beef, crispy tortillas, and that rich, red dipping broth. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a cozy weekend dinner, you’ll want to make this again and again.
So don’t wait — try this birria tacos recipe today! Your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you. 🌮❤️