7-Step Birria Tacos Recipe – Easy Slow Cooker Method (2025)

Birria tacos recipe enthusiasts, welcome to what will become your new obsession! I’m Molly Rodriguez, and my culinary journey as a recipe creator began in my grandmother’s bustling kitchen in Guadalajara, where the intoxicating aroma of slow-simmering birria consommé filled our home every Sunday. After graduating from Johnson & Wales University and working in Michelin-starred restaurants, I’ve spent years perfecting this authentic birria tacos recipe that brings the viral Mexican street food sensation directly to your home kitchen.

As someone who has tested this easy birria tacos recipe over thirty times in my own kitchen, I can promise you restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients and foolproof techniques. Moreover, this homemade birria tacos recipe method uses a slow cooker approach that transforms affordable cuts of beef into the most tender, flavor-packed beef birria tacos recipe you’ve ever tasted. The secret lies in the perfectly balanced adobo sauce made from toasted dried chiles and the rich birria dipping broth that makes these tacos absolutely irresistible.

Through my culinary journey as a recipe creator, I’ve discovered that the best birria tacos recipe come from understanding traditional techniques while adapting them for modern home kitchens. Additionally, this recipe delivers all the complex flavors of traditional Mexican birria stew without requiring hard-to-find ingredients or intimidating cooking methods – exactly what my 250,000+ monthly readers have come to expect from RecipesMolly.

Why You’ll Love This Birria Tacos Recipe

• Restaurant-quality results at home – No need to hunt down food trucks when you can make authentic birria tacos recipe in your own kitchen

• Best way to make birria tacos at home – Uses simple slow cooker method that’s perfect for beginners

• Easy birria tacos for beginners – Step-by-step instructions ensure success every time

• Only 30 minutes active prep time – Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting

• Perfect for meal prep – Makes enough for multiple meals and tastes better the next day

• Instagram-worthy presentation – These crispy fried tacos with birria dipping broth are guaranteed to impress

• Budget-friendly – Uses affordable cuts like chuck roast birria that become incredibly tender

• Customizable heat level – Adjust the spice to your family’s preferences

• Freezer-friendly – The birria consommé and meat freeze beautifully for quick weeknight dinners

Essential Ingredients for Birria Tacos Recipe

For the Birria Consommé and Meat:

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks (best meat for birria tacos)
• 1 lb beef short ribs (optional, for extra richness)
• 6 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed (essential for authentic flavor)
• 4 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed
• 2 dried pasilla chiles, stems and seeds removed
• 1 large white onion, quartered
• 6 cloves fresh garlic, peeled
• 2 Roma tomatoes, halved
• 4 cups beef broth (creates the rich birria dipping broth)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 1 tbsp Mexican oregano
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Assembling the Quesabirria Tacos:

• 20-24 corn tortillas (6-inch) (traditional choice for authentic birria tacos)
• 3 cups Oaxaca cheese, shredded (or Monterey Jack as substitute)
• 1 white onion, finely diced
• 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 4-6 lime wedges
• Mexican crema or sour cream (optional)

Dietary Substitutions:

For a gluten-free birria tacos recipe, ensure your beef broth is certified gluten-free. For dairy-free birria tacos recipe, omit the cheese or use plant-based alternatives. Additionally, for a lighter version, substitute chicken thighs for beef. The essential ingredients for birria tacos recipe remain the dried chiles and slow-cooked meat for that authentic, rich flavor.

How to Make Birria Tacos – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Adobo Sauce

Heat a large, dry skillet over medium heat. Toast the dried guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chiles for 1-2 minutes per side until fragrant and slightly puffed. Be careful not to burn them, as this will create bitterness in your birria consommé. Furthermore, properly toasted chiles are the foundation of authentic Mexican birria stew flavor.

Transfer the toasted chiles to a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes until completely softened. Meanwhile, in the same skillet, char the quartered onion, garlic cloves, and halved tomatoes until they develop dark spots and become fragrant.

Step 2: Blend the Birria Sauce

Drain the soaked chiles (reserve 1 cup of the soaking liquid) and add them to a blender along with the charred vegetables, Mexican oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, apple cider vinegar, and 1 cup of the chile soaking liquid. Blend until completely smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve for the silkiest adobo sauce.

Pro Tip: This birria sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making your easy birria tacos recipe even more convenient.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef Birria

Season the chuck roast and short ribs generously with salt and pepper. For extra depth of flavor, sear the meat in a hot skillet until browned on all sides (this step is optional but recommended for the best birria tacos recipe).

Place the meat in your slow cooker and pour the birria sauce over top. Add the beef broth, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and whole cloves. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the meat shreds easily with a fork.

Step 4: Prepare the Birria Consommé

Remove the cooked meat from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve to create your birria dipping broth. Skim off excess fat from the surface, but reserve some for frying the tortillas later. Season the consommé with salt to taste.

Important Note: The fat layer is crucial for achieving those signature crispy, golden corn tortillas dipped in the broth.

Step 5: Assemble the Quesabirria Tacos

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Dip each corn tortilla into the birria consommé, coating both sides with the flavorful broth. Place the dipped tortilla on the hot skillet and immediately add shredded cheese and a generous portion of the tender shredded beef to one half.

Fold the tortilla over and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip carefully and cook for another 2 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is fully melted. The crispy fried tacos should have a beautiful reddish color from the consommé.

Instant Pot Birria Tacos Variation

For busy weeknights, this instant pot birria tacos recipe method delivers the same incredible flavors in a fraction of the time:

Pressure Cooker Instructions:

1. Use the sauté function to brown the meat (optional but recommended)
2. Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot
3. Pressure cook on HIGH for 90 minutes with natural release for 15 minutes
4. Shred meat and strain the consommé as directed above

This easy birria tacos recipe variation reduces cooking time significantly while maintaining all the complex flavors of the traditional slow-cooked version.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Birria Tacos

What is the secret to the best birria tacos?

The key to exceptional birria tacos recipe lies in three crucial elements: properly toasting the dried chiles, achieving the right balance of fat in your consommé, and using high-quality chuck roast that becomes fall-apart tender. The fat layer helps create those signature crispy, golden tortillas when you dip and fry them.

Can I make birria tacos ahead of time?

Absolutely! The birria consommé and shredded meat actually improve in flavor when made a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat gently before assembling your tacos. This makes the homemade birria tacos perfect for entertaining.

Additional Pro Tips:

• Save the fat – Don’t skim all the fat from your consommé; you need it for crispy tortillas

• Double-dip technique – Dip tortillas in consommé, add fillings, then brush the outside with more broth before frying

• Temperature control – Keep your skillet at medium-high heat to achieve crispy exteriors without burning

• Cheese selection – Oaxaca cheese melts beautifully, but Monterey Jack or even mozzarella work well

• Make extra consommé – It’s incredible for sipping or using as a base for birria ramen

• Meat texture matters – Shred the meat while it’s still warm for the best texture

Best Ways to Serve Birria Tacos

The best way to serve birria tacos is family-style with plenty of consommé for dipping and fresh garnishes on the side. Set up a taco station with:

• Small bowls of birria dipping broth for each person

• Diced white onions and fresh cilantro for topping

• Lime wedges for squeezing over the tacos

• Mexican crema or sour cream for cooling heat

• Pickled jalapeños for extra spice

• Mexican rice and refried beans as traditional sides

For an authentic Mexican street food experience, serve the consommé in small cups for sipping between bites. The rich, warming broth is just as important as the tacos themselves in traditional culture. Additionally, pair with our [Authentic Mexican Rice Recipe] or [Perfect Refried Beans] for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information for Birria Tacos

Per serving (3 tacos with consommé):

• Calories: 485 kcal

• Protein: 32g

• Carbohydrates: 28g

• Fat: 26g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sodium: 890mg

• Iron: 15% DV

• Vitamin C: 12% DV (from chiles)

This beef birria tacos recipe provides excellent protein content and essential nutrients from the dried chiles, which are rich in vitamins A and C. For a low-carb birria option, serve the meat and consommé in lettuce cups instead of tortillas.

Storage & Leftovers

How long does birria last in the fridge?

Properly stored birria consommé and meat will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store the broth and meat separately in airtight containers to maintain the best texture and flavor. The flavors actually improve overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.

Freezing Guidelines:

• Birria meat and consommé freeze beautifully for up to 3 months

• Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

• The adobo sauce can be frozen separately for up to 6 months

Best Reheating Methods:

• Stovetop: Gently reheat the consommé and meat separately over low heat

• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between to prevent hot spots

• Assembled tacos: Best eaten fresh, but leftover filling reheats perfectly for new tacos

Frequently Asked Questions About Birria Tacos Recipe

What are the ingredients for birria tacos?

The essential ingredients for birria tacos include beef chuck roast, dried chiles (guajillo, ancho, pasilla), corn tortillas, cheese, and aromatics like onion and garlic. The dried chiles create the signature flavor and deep red color of the birria consommé. Additionally, you’ll need basic spices like cumin, oregano, and cloves for authentic flavor.

What is the sauce made of for birria tacos?

The birria sauce (adobo) is made from toasted and rehydrated dried chiles blended with charred onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices like cumin, oregano, and cloves. This creates both the marinade for the meat and the base for the birria dipping broth. The sauce is what gives authentic birria tacos their distinctive flavor and beautiful color.

What cut of meat is best for birria tacos?

Chuck roast is the best cut for birria tacos because it becomes incredibly tender during slow cooking and has enough fat to create rich flavor. Short ribs can be added for extra richness, while beef shank provides excellent gelatin for body in the consommé. These tough cuts transform into tender shredded beef perfect for tacos.

What is the broth that comes with birria tacos?

The broth served with birria tacos is called consommé or consomé. It’s the strained cooking liquid from the braised beef, enriched with the flavors of dried chiles and spices. This birria consommé serves as both a dipping sauce for the tacos and a warming beverage to accompany the meal, making it an essential part of the Mexican street food experience.

Related Recipes for Birria Tacos

If you love this birria tacos recipe, try these other authentic Mexican favorites from my kitchen:

• [Beef Barbacoa Recipe] – Another tender, slow-cooked Mexican beef perfect for tacos

• [Carnitas Recipe] – Crispy, flavorful Mexican pulled pork that’s equally addictive

• [Mexican Street Corn (Elote)] – The perfect side dish for your taco night

• [Pozole Rojo Recipe] – A warming Mexican soup that uses similar chile techniques

• [Authentic Mexican Rice] – Fluffy, flavorful rice that pairs perfectly with birria tacos

Birria Tacos Recipe Card

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 6-8 hours | Total Time: 6.5-8.5 hours
Servings: 8-10 people | Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients Summary:

• 3 lbs chuck roast + 1 lb short ribs
• 12 dried chiles (guajillo, ancho, pasilla)
• Aromatics (onion, garlic, tomatoes)
• Spices and broth
• Corn tortillas and Oaxaca cheese

Instructions Summary:

1. Toast and soak chiles, char vegetables
2. Blend into smooth adobo sauce
3. Slow cook meat with sauce and spices
4. Shred meat and strain consommé
5. Dip tortillas and fry with cheese and meat

Conclusion

This ultimate birria tacos recipe brings the viral sensation of Mexican street food directly to your home kitchen. Through my culinary journey as a recipe creator, I’ve perfected this method to deliver restaurant-quality birria tacos that rival any food truck or taqueria. The combination of tender shredded beef, rich consommé, and crispy fried tacos creates an unforgettable dining experience that’s perfect for family dinners, entertaining, or satisfying those social media-inspired cravings.

Whether you choose the traditional slow cooker method or the quicker Instant Pot birria tacos variation, this recipe delivers authentic flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. The key is in the dried chiles, proper cooking technique, and that perfect balance of crispy texture with rich, warming birria dipping broth.

Ready to make the best birria tacos at home? Gather your ingredients, fire up that slow cooker, and prepare for taco night to never be the same again. I’d love to see your creations – tag me @RecipesMolly on social media and share your homemade birria tacos recipe success stories! What’s your favorite way to customize this birria tacos recipe?

Now you know how to make the most authentic and delicious birria tacos recipe at home – it’s time to start cooking and create memories around your dinner table just like my grandmother did in her kitchen all those years ago.

Print