Name: My Fave Birria Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 5 Guajillo peppers (reduce to 2 for less spiciness); 3 Ancho chiles; 2 Chipotle peppers in adobo; 1 medium onion, quartered; 4 garlic cloves; 1 cup crushed tomatoes (canned, no added salt); 2 cups beef stock (or vegetable stock/water); 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp Mexican oregano (or regular oregano); 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp ground allspice; 3 lbs chuck roast beef, cut into medium-large chunks; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium yellow or white onion, diced; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 3 cups beef stock; 1 cup water; 12 corn tortillas (store-bought like Mi Rancho or homemade; flour tortillas can also be used); 2 cups Oaxaca cheese, shredded (or mozzarella as a substitute); 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, washed and chopped

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that wraps bold flavors, comforting textures, and a touch of festive magic all into one unforgettable bite, then you are absolutely going to love My Fave Birria Tacos. This recipe bursts with rich, smoky, and slightly spicy notes thanks to a carefully crafted chili paste and tender, slow-cooked beef that melts in your mouth. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a vibrant gathering with friends, these tacos offer a deliciously hearty experience that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

My Fave Birria Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

My Fave Birria Tacos come to life with a handful of carefully chosen ingredients that are simple yet vital to achieving that deep, vibrant flavor and satisfying texture. Each component, from the smoky chiles to the melty cheese, plays a starring role in creating a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious.

Guajillo peppers: These provide the perfect moderate heat and fruity undertones. Adjust the quantity if you want less spice.
Ancho chiles: Bring an earthy depth with gentle heat that rounds out the chili paste beautifully.
Chipotle peppers in adobo: Add a smoky, spicy kick that truly elevates the sauce’s flavor.
Onion + Garlic cloves: Essential aromatics that form the savory base.
Crushed tomatoes: Use canned with no added salt for a rich, tangy backdrop.
Beef stock: Offers a flavorful liquid base that enhances the meat and sauce.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds bright acidity to balance the richness perfectly.
Bay leaves: Bring subtle herbal and floral notes to the sauce.
Herbs + seasonings: Mexican oregano, dried thyme, cumin, ground cinnamon, smoked paprika, and allspice combine for an irresistible complex flavor.
Chuck roast beef: The star protein, chopped into chunks that become tender and shreddable.
Extra virgin olive oil: For searing and adding richness; California Olive Ranch is a trusted brand.
Garlic powder: Gives a concentrated garlicky umami boost.
Sea salt + black pepper: Season to taste for a perfectly balanced profile.
Water: To adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
Corn tortillas: Traditional and authentic, with options like Mi Rancho or homemade tortillas preferred.
Oaxaca cheese: A melty, mild cheese that makes the tacos decadently gooey.
Fresh cilantro: Washed and chopped for a fresh, herbal finish.

How to Make My Fave Birria Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Chili Paste

Start by toasting the guajillo and ancho chiles in a dry pan until fragrant—this step is key to unlocking those deep smoky flavors. Then soak them in hot water to soften. Meanwhile, blend the softened chiles with chipotle peppers in adobo, crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic cloves, apple cider vinegar, beef stock, bay leaves, and the medley of herbs and spices until smooth. This paste forms the rich, spicy backbone of the birria sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While your chili paste is resting, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot. Season the chuck roast chunks generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then brown them on all sides. This caramelization locks in flavor and builds a savory base for the tacos.

Step 3: Simmer the Meat in the Sauce

Pour your vibrant chili paste over the browned beef along with additional beef stock and water to create a luscious sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and let it cook low and slow until the meat is fork-tender—usually about 3 hours. This slow cooking transforms the beef into tender, juicy shreds and infuses them with that hallmark birria flavor.

Step 4: Shred the Beef and Prepare Consommé

Once the beef is perfectly tender, remove it from the sauce and shred it with two forks. Strain the cooking liquid to serve as consommé, the savory dipping broth that makes these tacos extra special. This consommé is rich, flavorful, and so deeply satisfying—you will want to dip every bite into it!

Step 5: Assemble and Cook the Tacos

Heat corn tortillas slightly to make them pliable, then dip each one into the consommé before placing it on a hot skillet. Add shredded beef and a generous sprinkle of Oaxaca cheese, folding the tortilla in half. Cook until the cheese melts and the tortillas crisp up. This final step gives the birria tacos their signature deliciously crispy, cheesy texture.

How to Serve My Fave Birria Tacos

Garnishes

The perfect birria taco deserves the perfect finishing touches. Freshly chopped cilantro adds a burst of herbal brightness that counters the richness, while a squeeze of lime juice brings vibrant acidity. You can also add finely diced onions for extra crunch and a mild bite. Some like to add pickled vegetables or a few slices of avocado depending on their mood and taste.

Side Dishes

While the birria tacos shine on their own, pairing them with simple sides makes the meal even more memorable. A crisp cabbage slaw with a tangy lime dressing adds refreshing contrast. Mexican rice and refried beans provide a comforting, hearty balance. And don’t forget to serve with a bowl of consommé for dipping, which doubles as a flavor-packed soup on its own.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Serve My Fave Birria Tacos family-style on a vibrant platter piled high with fresh garnishes and consommé on the side. For a fun twist, turn the shredded beef mix into birria quesadillas or even a birria taco salad for something different. Using mini corn tortillas can turn these into party-sized bites, perfect for gatherings and celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooked, allow the beef and sauce to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep tortillas and garnishes separate to preserve their texture and freshness.

Freezing

My Fave Birria Tacos leftovers freeze beautifully. Freeze the shredded beef and sauce together in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the consommé separately from the meat and tortillas. Avoid freezing tortillas as they may become brittle.

Reheating

Reheat the shredded beef and sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout. Dip your tortillas quickly in warmed consommé before assembling and crisping them on a skillet to revive that fresh-made texture. This way, every bite tastes like it was just made.

FAQs

Can I make My Fave Birria Tacos with chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! You can swap the chuck roast for chicken thighs to create a deliciously tender birria chicken taco. Cooking times will be shorter, so keep an eye on the meat to avoid overcooking.

What if I don’t have all the chiles listed?

While guajillo, ancho, and chipotle peppers contribute unique flavors, feel free to use a combination of the ones you have on hand. Even a simple chili paste with fewer varieties can still yield an amazing birria experience.

Is it necessary to use Oaxaca cheese?

Oaxaca cheese is traditional and melts beautifully, but you can substitute with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any meltable cheese you love. The key is that it gets gooey and adds richness.

How spicy are My Fave Birria Tacos?

The spice level can be adjusted easily. Reducing the number of guajillo peppers or omitting chipotle peppers will soften the heat. This recipe balances smoky heat with savory depth, so it’s approachable for most palates.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Using corn tortillas ensures these birria tacos stay gluten-free. Just double-check any store-bought chili pastes or seasonings to avoid hidden gluten.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough that you give My Fave Birria Tacos a try if you love dishes packed with flavor and heartwarming comfort. Whether you’re new to birria or a seasoned fan, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of smokiness, spice, and richness that keeps people coming back for more. So gather your ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and prepare to impress yourself and your loved ones with every juicy, cheesy morsel.