In the culinary world, some dishes are more than just meals. These authentic birria tacos fall into that category, combining tender, slow-cooked meat with bold Mexican spices, crispy tortillas, and a savory consommé. This ultimate authentic Birria Tacos Recipe your family will love, celebrates the heart of Mexican cuisine while being completely original.
The History Behind Birria Tacos
Originating from Jalisco, Mexico, Birria was traditionally a slow-cooked goat stew. The dish was a celebration staple, prepared with an aromatic blend of dried chilies, spices, and tomatoes. Over the years, the recipe evolved, and the tacos we know today became a popular street food, often made with beef instead of goat. The crispy, cheese-filled tortillas dipped into rich consommé are a modern twist that has taken the culinary world by storm.
Ingredients for Authentic Birria Tacos You’ll Need for 4 people
For the Birria Stew
- 1 lbs of beef (chuck roast, short ribs, or brisket)
- 2 dried guajillo chilies (de-seeded and softened)
- 2 dried ancho chilies
- 2 dried chiles de árbol (optional for heat)
- 4 Roma tomatoes
- 1 medium white onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 bay leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Serve
- 8 Corn tortillas
- Shredded mozzarella or Oaxaca cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced white onion
- Lime wedges
How to Make Authentic Birria Tacos at Home
This recipe is broken into simple steps that ensure each element of your Birria tacos is perfectly executed.
Step 1: Create the Adobo Sauce
The adobo sauce forms the backbone of this dish, adding depth and flavor to the meat. Start by soaking your dried chilies in hot water for 10 minutes. Blend the softened chilies with Roma tomatoes, onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
Pro Tip: Strain the sauce through a fine mesh to achieve a silky texture.
Step 2: Sear the Meat
How to cook ground beef for tacos?
How long cook tender ground beef for tacos?
When cooking tender beef for tacos, the timing depends on the method you use. Here’s a guide for each common method:
- Stovetop: Cooking ground beef on the stovetop is quick and keeps it tender if done right: 8-10 minutes in a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink and the beef reaches a tender, crumbly texture. Season midway and drain excess fat if needed.
- Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot): For a quick yet flavorful method, the pressure cooker works well: 5 minutes on high pressure, plus time to build and release pressure (about 10-15 minutes total). Use the sauté function to brown the beef first, then add seasonings and a small amount of broth. Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes, then quickly release.
- Oven Baking (Sheet Pan): A less common but effective way to cook ground beef for tacos: 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Spread the ground beef on a sheet pan and season evenly. Break up the beef with a spatula and bake, stirring halfway through, until tender

Cut the beef into large chunks and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a heavy pot and sear the meat until browned on all sides. This step enhances the flavors by locking in the juices.
Unique Twist: Try adding a hint of smoked paprika to the meat for an extra smoky flavor.
Step 3: Slow-cook the Birria

Combine the adobo sauce with the seared meat in the pot. Add bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and beef broth. Simmer on low heat for 3 hours or until the meat is tender and easily shredded.
Why It Works: Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich consommé that’s perfect for dipping.
How to shorten the cooking time: the beef can also be cooked in a pressure cooker for 30 minutes, adding a glass of water before closing.
Step 4: Shred the Beef for your Birria tacos recipe
Remove the meat from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return it to the consommé to soak up all the delicious juices.
Time-Saving Tip: Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for faster shredding.
Step 5: Prepare your authentic Birria Tacos recipe
Warm your tortillas and lightly dip them into the consommé before placing them on a skillet. Sprinkle shredded cheese onto the tortilla, add a layer of shredded beef, and fold it in half. Cook until golden and crispy.
Custom Flair: Experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack or queso fresco for a personalized touch.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top your tacos with chopped cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with a side of consommé for dipping.
Serving Suggestion: Pair with a chilled hibiscus agua fresca for the ultimate meal experience.
Top your tacos with chopped cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with a side of consommé for dipping.
Serving Suggestion: Pair with a chilled hibiscus agua fresca for the ultimate meal experience.
Why These Authentic Birria Tacos Are Unique
This recipe goes beyond the basics, focusing on the authentic flavors of Jalisco while offering modern twists. Whether it’s the addition of smoked paprika or the option to customize your cheese, these tacos allow for creativity while staying true to their roots.
FAQs
How can you reduce the cooking time for beef in a Crock Pot in this Authentic Birria Tacos Recipe?
- 1. Use the High Setting: Cooking on high will usually cut the cooking time in half.
- 2. Brown the Beef First on the stove before adding it to the slow cooker
- 3. Cut the Beef into Smaller chunks or slices before adding it to the slow cooker.
- 4. Add Hot Liquid when starting the Crock Pot. This reduces the time it takes for the slow cooker to reach the optimal temperature.
- 5. Cover and Avoid Opening the Lid as much as possible to maintain a steady temperature.
What’s the best way to soften dried chilies?
Soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes or until pliable.
Can I make Birria in a pressure cooker?
Yes! Cook the meat on high pressure for 45 minutes, then let it naturally release for tender results.
What sides pair well with Birria tacos?
Refried beans, Mexican rice, and pickled vegetables complement the tacos beautifully.
Can I freeze leftover Birria?
Absolutely. Store the meat and consommé in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
How can I make the recipe spicier?
Add more chiles de árbol or a splash of hot sauce to the consommé.
Are Birria tacos gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free corn tortillas and ensure your broth and spices are gluten-free.
Conclusion of this Authentic Birria Tacos Recipe
Birria tacos are more than a meal—they’re an experience. With this unique, Authentic Birria Tacos Recipe, you can bring Mexican cuisine’s bold, rich flavors to your kitchen. Perfect for any occasion, these tacos will leave your family and guests asking for seconds.
So, why wait? Dive into this recipe and savor every crispy, cheesy, and juicy bite!
Authentic Birria Tacos Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large pot or pressure cooker to reduce cooking time.
- 1 Blender to puree the chiles and other ingredients for the sauce.
- 1 Skillet or griddle to fry the tortillas and tacos.
- 1 Tongs for flipping the tortillas.
- 1 Strainer to strain the consommé.
- 1 Cutting board and knife for chopping garnishes (onion, cilantro).
Materials
- 1 lb beef chuck roast
- 2 dried guajillo chiles
- 2 dried ancho chile
- ½ onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ cinnamon stick
- salt
- pepper
- 8 corn tortillas
- fresh cilantro for garnish
- lime wedges for garnish
- onion for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Adobo Sauce
- Start by soaking your dried chilies in hot water for 10 minutes. Blend the softened chilies with Roma tomatoes, onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
2. Cook the Beef
- Cut the beef into large chunks and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a heavy pot and sear the meat until browned on all sides. Sear the beef, then add it to a pot with the chile sauce, cinnamon stick, and water. Simmer for 1 hour (or 30 minutes in a pressure cooker).
3. Shred the Beef
- Remove the beef, shred it, and strain the broth (consommé).
4. Assemble and Fry Tacos
- Dip tortillas in the consommé, fry them, fill with beef and cheese, and cook until crispy.
5. Serve
- Serve with garnishes (cilantro, onion, lime) and consommé for dipping.