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Birria Tacos – Ingredients, Preparation, and What Makes Them Special

Birria tacos with crispy tortillas and a side of consommé for dipping.

Birria Tacos (aka Quesabirria Tacos) are juicy, cheesy, and rich with flavor. Made with braised beef birria, crispy corn tortillas, melted cheese, and served with savory consommé, this viral Mexican dish is perfect for tacos, ramen, and more. Oven, Instant Pot, and slow-cooker instructions included!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 23 dried guajillo chiles
  • 2 dried ancho chiles
  • 12 chiles de árbol (optional for spice)
  • 1 tbsp Mexican oregano
  • 1 stick Mexican cinnamon or 1 small piece of regular cinnamon
  • 2.53 lbs chuck stew meat, cut into large chunks
  • 1 lb short ribs (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 tbsp oil (for searing)
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 1 white onion, chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 cups beef broth or water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Corn tortillas
  • Oaxacan cheese or mozzarella, shredded
  • Chopped cilantro and diced onion for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Toast and soak dried chiles in hot water for 15 minutes. Remove stems and seeds.
  2. In a blender, blend soaked chiles with garlic, onion, oregano, cinnamon, and 1 cup broth until smooth.
  3. Sear meat in oil until browned on all sides. Transfer to a pot or pressure cooker.
  4. Pour chile sauce over the meat. Add bay leaf and remaining broth. Simmer (3–4 hrs on stove/slow cooker, 1 hr on Instant Pot) until meat is tender.
  5. Shred meat and return to sauce. Skim fat off top to use for frying tacos.
  6. Dip tortillas in fat and fry in a skillet. Add cheese and birria meat, fold, and cook until crispy.
  7. Serve tacos hot with a bowl of consommé on the side for dipping. Garnish with cilantro, onion, and lime.

Notes

Use short ribs or oxtail for extra richness. The consommé also makes a great base for birria ramen. For more variations, see Beef Quesabirria Tacos and Chicken Birria on adorarecipes.com.

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