MY FAVE BIRRIA TACOS

I still remember biting into my first ever birria taco—crispy on the outside, dripping with rich consomé, filled with slow-cooked beef that basically melted into the tortilla. That was the moment I fell in love with what I now call my fave birria tacos. This isn’t just another taco night, folks. This is a whole experience.

In this guide, we’re going full tilt into a proper birria tacos recipe. I’ll walk you through the art of homemade birria, why these are the best birria tacos, and how you can make a taco that crackles with texture and flavor. Whether you’re here for the beef birria, curious about birria de res, or just want to master shredded beef tacos, I’ve got you covered.

And yes, we’ll talk about birria tacos with consomé, why you need it, how to nail that crispy taco texture, and tips for making cheesy birria tacos. Let’s do this.

What Are Birria Tacos?

The Traditional Dish & Authentic Birria Roots

Birria is a traditional Mexican dish, hailing from Jalisco, where goat meat was marinated in an adobo of dried chiles, spices, and vinegar, then slow-cooked until tender. Enter birria de res (beef birria), the modern twist using accessible, marbled beef cuts.

The magic? That consomé. It’s the rich, red broth you dunk the taco into—packed with all the spices and drippings from the braise. So when people talk about birria tacos with consomé, they mean the full, juicy, spicy, crispy experience.

Meat Variations

• Goat (authentic & traditional)
  
• Beef chuck roast (our go-to for shredded beef tacos)
  
• Lamb or chicken (great subs)
  
• Jackfruit or oyster mushrooms (for vegan birria)
  

Why These Are My Fave

Bold, Deep Flavor

We’re talking layers of chili spice, toasted aromatics, vinegar bite, and that umami-laden broth.

Melty, Tender Slow-Cooked Birria

Slow-cooked birria means low and slow until the meat falls apart with a fork—no shortcuts.

Crispy on the Outside, Juicy Inside

That seared tortilla texture after being dipped in birria oil? That’s what dreams are made of.

Cheesy Birria Tacos = Life

Add Oaxaca cheese, get that cheesy pull, and you’re golden.

Great for Groups

Prep the meat ahead. Set up a taco station. Everyone builds their perfect taco. Big win.

How to Make Birria Tacos (Step-by-Step)

1. Make the birria adobo: Toast, soak, blend chiles with garlic, tomato, and spices.
   
2. Braise the beef: Sear, then simmer in the adobo with broth until fall-apart tender.
   
3. Shred and soak: Shred the meat and keep it juicy in the broth (this is key).
   
4. Assemble tacos: Dip tortillas in the top layer of oil from the consomé, fill with meat and cheese.
   
5. Fry until crispy: Fold and fry both sides until golden and crisp.
   
6. Serve with consomé: That dipping sauce? Don’t skip it.
   

Ingredients for Beef Birria & Tacos

Birria Sauce

• Dried guajillo chiles
  
• Dried ancho chiles
  
• Dried chipotle (for smoke)
  
• Tomatoes, onion, garlic
  
• Apple cider vinegar
  
• Beef broth or stock
  
• Spices: cumin, oregano, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf
  

Braised Beef

• Chuck roast (or brisket, short rib)
  
• Onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper
  
• Water + beef broth
  

For the Tacos

• Corn tortillas (street size)
  
• Oaxaca cheese (or mozzarella)
  
• Fresh cilantro, chopped onion
  

Recommended Cooking Tools

• Large Dutch oven or pot for braising
  
• Cast iron skillet or non-stick pan for crisping
  
• Blender or food processor for adobo
  
• Ladle (for dipping consomé)
  
• Tongs and fork for shredding meat
  

Pro Tips for Birria Tacos Success

Avoiding Soggy Tacos

• Use double tortillas if yours are thin
  
• Quick toast tortillas before assembling
  
• Don’t over-dip before frying
  
• Serve immediately after frying
  

Tender Beef Game

• Sear beef for flavor lock-in
  
• Braise low and slow: 3–4 hours minimum
  
• Shred while warm, keep meat juicy with broth
  

Alternative Meats

• Lamb or goat for traditional flavor
  
• Chicken thighs for lighter option
  
• Jackfruit or mushrooms for vegan birria
  

Topping Ideas to Finish Strong

• Pickled red onions
  
• Fresh avocado slices
  
• Pineapple or mango chunks
  
• Salsa verde or roja
  
• Vegan queso or crumbled cotija
  
• Fresh lime wedges
  

Best Tortillas for Crispy Tacos

Corn vs. Flour

• Corn: more traditional, holds up better in broth
  
• Flour: softer, but can get soggy
  

Size & Prep

• Street taco size is best
  
• Heat tortillas before filling to avoid breaking
  
• Dip lightly in oil layer of consomé for extra flavor
  

FAQs About Birria Tacos Recipe

Related Taco Recipes You Should Try

Flavor-Forward and Latin-Inspired Dishes

• Add a spicy kick like these Chili Lime Chicken Tacos
  
• Craving more Mexican-inspired meals? Try this Elote Pasta Salad
  
• Balance your meal with this Creamy Street Corn Pasta Salad
  

Beef-Based or Protein-Packed Recipes

• For a one-skillet weeknight option, check out this Ground Beef Sweet Potato Skillet
  
• These Garlic Butter Beef Bites are another must-try beef recipe
  
• Try this Best Ground Beef and Noodles Recipe for hearty flavor
  

Conclusion

That’s the full scoop on my fave birria tacos. This dish is everything: comforting, spicy, crisp, juicy, and just straight-up fun to eat. Whether you’re here for the braised beef tacos, looking to master how to make birria, or just want to dip your toe in that glorious birria dipping sauce—you’re in the right place.

Now get into that kitchen, make a mess, build some tacos, and enjoy every single bite.

And hey—if this recipe hit the spot, follow me on Pinterest for more dishes like this

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