10/16/2026
BIRRIA TACOS 🌮
These crispy, cheesy tacos are the kind of cozy meal that makes everyone gather in the kitchen. Tender beef, warm spices, and a rich dipping broth make every bite extra special.
INGREDIENTS
• 3 lb beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
• 1 lb beef short ribs (optional, for extra richness)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 6 garlic cloves
• 3 dried guajillo chiles, seeded
• 2 dried ancho chiles, seeded
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp apple c***r vinegar
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
• 24 small corn tortillas
• 3 cups shredded Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella cheese
• Chopped cilantro, diced white onion, and lime wedges, for serving
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season beef with salt and brown on all sides, working in batches if needed. Set aside.
2. In the same pot, add onion, garlic, guajillo chiles, ancho chiles, chipotle, tomatoes, broth, vinegar, oregano, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, bay leaves, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Carefully blend the sauce until smooth using a blender or immersion blender. Return sauce to the pot, add browned beef, and cover.
4. Simmer on low for 3 to 3 1/2 hours, until the meat is fall-apart tender. Remove beef, shred with two forks, and discard bones and bay leaves. Skim a little fat from the top of the broth and save it for frying.
5. Dip each tortilla lightly into the birria broth. Place in a hot skillet with a little reserved fat. Add cheese and shredded beef to one side, fold over, and cook until golden and crisp on both sides.
6. Serve hot with a bowl of the rich consommé for dipping. Top with cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime.
TIP: The birria tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make the meat and broth ahead of time. Keep those tacos crispy and serve them straight from the skillet!