You’ve undoubtedly seen the delicious, cheese-pulled, red-dipped marvel that is Birria Tacos if you’ve recently been anywhere close to a food truck, street food fair, or your TikTok feed.
More than just a fad, these tacos are incredibly tasty, filling, and influenced by Jalisco, Mexico’s culinary traditions. With good cause, Birria, which is pronounced beer-ree-ah, has become a popular taco delicacy. The dipping sauce (consomé) is the ultimate flavor bomb, the meat is tender, and the broth is thick.
What’s the most satisfying part? You don’t need a food truck to prepare Birria Tacos at home.
🌶️ What Are Birria Tacos?
Birria is a slow-cooked stew, traditionally made with goat, but more commonly with beef these days. It’s seasoned with dried chiles, warm spices, garlic, and a hint of vinegar or citrus. The meat becomes incredibly tender as it simmers in the rich, red sauce.
To make Birria Tacos, you:
Shred the cooked meat
Fill it into corn tortillas with cheese
Dip the tacos in the flavorful broth
Pan-fry until crispy
Serve with a small bowl of the broth (consomé) for dipping
They’re cheesy, crispy, juicy, and spicy — everything a taco should be.
🛒 Ingredients for Birria Tacos
This recipe serves 4–6 people. It takes some time, but it’s 100% worth it.
For the Birria Meat:
2.5 to 3 lbs beef chuck roast (or a mix of chuck + short ribs)
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon oil for searing
For the Birria Sauce:
4 dried guajillo chiles (stems & seeds removed)
2 dried ancho chiles (stems & seeds removed)
2 dried chiles de árbol (optional for heat)
1 medium onion (quartered)
5 garlic cloves
1 medium tomato (cut in half)
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 cups beef broth or water
For the Tacos:
Corn tortillas (about 12)
1½ cups shredded mozzarella or Oaxaca cheese
Chopped cilantro & onions for topping
Lime wedges for serving
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chiles
In a saucepan, add the dried chiles, tomato, onion, and garlic.
Cover with water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes, until softened.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Birria Sauce
Add the softened chiles, tomato, garlic, onion, spices, vinegar, and 1 cup of the chile cooking water to a blender.
Blend until smooth. Strain if needed for a silky texture.
Step 3: Sear the Meat
Cut beef into large chunks, pat dry, and season with salt.
Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Sear beef on all sides until browned.
Step 4: Simmer the Birria
Pour the blended chile sauce into the pot with the beef.
Add 2 cups of beef broth (or water).
Cover and simmer for 3 hours on low heat, or until the meat is fork-tender.
(If using an Instant Pot: Pressure cook for 1 hour with natural release.)
Step 5: Shred the Meat
Remove beef from the pot and shred it using forks.
Return the meat to the pot with the broth to keep it juicy.
🌮 Step 6: Assemble the Birria Tacos
Now comes the fun part — frying the tacos!
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Dip a tortilla into the top layer of the Birria broth (that reddish oil).
Place the dipped tortilla on the skillet.
Add shredded cheese and a scoop of Birria meat.
Fold the tortilla in half and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden.
Repeat with remaining tortillas.
💡 Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan — work in batches for perfect crispiness.
🍲 Step 7: Serve with Consomé
Ladle some of the Birria broth (consomé) into small bowls for dipping. Top with chopped onion and cilantro if desired.
Serve hot, with lime wedges on the side for that perfect zesty finish.
💡 Tips & Tricks
Make it ahead: The Birria tastes even better the next day. Make the meat ahead and fry tacos fresh.
Taco bar idea: Set up a DIY taco bar for parties with tortillas, meat, cheese, and toppings.
Freezer friendly: You can freeze the meat and broth for later. Just thaw and reheat when the cravings hit.
🧊 Storing Leftovers
Fridge: Store meat and broth in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked Birria in portions for up to 3 months.
To reheat: Warm meat and broth together on the stove or in the microwave. Fry fresh tacos as needed.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold and rich flavor
Crispy + cheesy textures
Perfect for sharing
Homemade taste without mystery ingredients
Easily customizable with your favorite toppings
This isn’t just another taco recipe. Birria Tacos bring the flavor, the fun, and a little bit of flair to your kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a weekend treat, a taco Tuesday with a twist, or a gathering with friends, they’ll leave everyone asking for seconds.
📌 Final Thoughts
Birria Tacos might take a little time, but they’re totally worth it. The combination of tender meat, crispy tortillas, and rich dipping broth makes for an unforgettable meal that brings people together.
So go ahead — grab some chiles, get your pot going, and create your own taco truck experience at home.
Enjoy, and don’t forget the napkins!