Description
Crispy, cheesy birria tacos with tender slow-cooked beef and rich consommé dipping broth. These authentic Mexican street tacos feature perfectly melted cheese and crispy tortilla edges.
Ingredients
3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
2 lbs beef short ribs
6 guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
4 ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
2 chipotle chiles in adobo
1 large white onion, quartered
6 Roma tomatoes, halved
8 garlic cloves
2 bay leaves
1 tsp Mexican oregano
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp black pepper
2 tsp salt
6 cups beef broth
2 cups water
Corn tortillas
Oaxaca cheese (or mozzarella), shredded
White onion, finely diced
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges
Instructions
1. Toast the dried chiles in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Soak in hot water for 15 minutes.
2. In a large pot, sear the beef chunks and short ribs until browned on all sides.
3. Blend the soaked chiles with tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices with 2 cups of the soaking liquid.
4. Pour the chile mixture over the seared meat. Add beef broth, water, and bay leaves.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 2.5-3 hours until meat is tender and shreds easily.
6. Remove meat and shred. Strain the cooking liquid to make consommé.
7. Dip tortillas in the warm consommé, then place on a hot griddle.
8. Add shredded meat and cheese to half the tortilla, fold over.
9. Cook until crispy and golden, about 2-3 minutes per side.
10. Serve immediately with diced onion, cilantro, lime, and consommé for dipping.
Notes
For extra flavor, char the tomatoes and onions on a comal or cast iron skillet before blending.
The consommé can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Use a combination of cheeses like Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella for best melting.
Leftover birria meat freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 180
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 1150
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 95