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Let’s talk Birria Tacos — tender shredded beef, deep smoky chiles, crispy tortillas, and a rich consommé for dipping… I mean, what’s not to love? These Authentic Birria Tacos bring serious flavor, and honestly, once you try them, you’ll probably wonder why you ever settled for plain tacos. FYI, after this, you’ll feel slightly fancy — even if you cook in pajamas 🙂
I first tasted Mexican Birria at a tiny street food stand — zero frills, all flavor. The cook dipped tortillas in a deep red Birria sauce, stuffed them with juicy beef, crisped them on a flat grill, and handed me a cup of consommé (aka dunking liquid gold). I cried a little. (Kidding… maybe.)
Today, I recreate that magic at home with this Birria Tacos Recipe. I use chuck roast and bone-in short ribs to get the perfect balance of flavor and texture — slow-cooked Birria so tender it falls apart with zero effort. Along the way, I’ll show you how to make Birria properly, with a delicious broth flavored by guajillo chile, ancho chile, garlic, spices, and herbs. IMO, it beats most taco trucks — yes, I said it 🙂
Whether you crave Birria de Res, Cheesy Birria Tacos, or light but crispy street-style tacos, this guide helps you turn simple ingredients into the Best Birria Tacos you’ve ever tasted. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients

- 3 lbs chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 1 lb bone-in short ribs (optional but recommended)
- 10 dried guajillo chiles, seeded
- 4 dried ancho chiles
- 1 onion, halved
- 8 cloves garlic
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp Mexican oregano
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp cumin
- Salt & pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 Roma tomatoes
- Corn tortillas
- Shredded cheese (optional)
- Fresh cilantro & white onion for topping
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Toast the guajillo and ancho chiles for 1–2 minutes in a dry skillet until fragrant. Don’t burn them (unless you enjoy bitterness… which I don’t recommend).
- Boil chiles with tomatoes for 8–10 minutes until softened.
- Blend the softened chiles, tomatoes, garlic, onion, cumin, paprika, and oregano with 1 cup of broth until smooth.
- Season the beef generously with salt & pepper.
- Sear beef pieces in a large pot until browned.
- Pour the blended sauce over the beef.
- Add bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and broth.
- Cover and simmer for 3 hours, until tender. Slow-cooked Birria is everything — just trust me.
- Shred the meat and strain the broth. That strained broth is your consommé.
- Dip corn tortillas into consommé, then fill with shredded beef and cheese (if using).
- Cook on a skillet until crispy. Flip to crisp both sides.
- Serve with onions, cilantro, and consommé on the side for dunking. Dunking is mandatory.

Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these:
- Cheesy Birria Tacos: Add melty Oaxaca or mozzarella for glorious cheese pulls.
- Spicy Birria: Add extra ancho chile or a chipotle pepper for smoky heat.
- Birria Burritos: Wrap in flour tortillas with rice, beans, and beef.
Serving & Tips
You serve these Birria Tacos fresh and crispy with diced onion, cilantro, and lime wedges. I always serve warm Birria with consommé for dipping because that’s where the magic happens. Trust me — dipping makes life better.
Storage tips:
- Store leftover beef & consommé separately.
- Reheat beef in broth to keep it juicy.
- Freeze meat up to 2 months.
Want a cozy twist? Serve with Mexican rice, charred corn, or crispy potatoes. If you feel extra, sprinkle queso fresco on top. Why not?

Final Thoughts
These Homemade Birria Tacos prove you don’t need a plane ticket to enjoy incredible Mexican taco recipes. You slow-cook, shred, dip, crisp… then dunk into consommé like a champion. I love this recipe because it feels fancy but stays easy. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing. You’ll thank me later 🙂
So grab the chiles, simmer your Slow Cooked Birria, and enjoy a batch of golden, crispy tacos. Invite friends… or keep them all to yourself (no judgment).
FAQs
How do I make Birria spicy?
Add more guajillo chile, toss in a chipotle pepper, or use hotter dried chiles. Easy.
Can I use another cut of meat?
Yes — brisket or beef shank works great. I prefer chuck roast + short ribs for maximum flavor.
Do Birria Tacos require cheese?
Nope. I love Cheesy Birria Tacos, but traditional Birria de Res skips cheese.
What’s the best way to reheat?
Warm beef in consommé to keep it juicy. Then crisp tacos on a hot skillet.

