My Favorite Birria Tacos

Why Make This Recipe

Birria tacos are a delightful blend of flavors that have gained popularity for their rich taste and satisfying texture. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, cozy dinners, or anytime you crave something truly special. The combination of spices, tender beef, and warm tortillas makes these tacos a family favorite. Plus, they’re great for meal prep, so you can enjoy them throughout the week!

How to Make My Favorite Birria Tacos

To create the delicious birria tacos, follow these straightforward steps that ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 dried guajillo peppers
• 4 dried ancho chiles
• 4 chipotle peppers in adobo
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup organic beef stock (You can sub with water)
• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 Tbsps Mexican oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 3 lbs. organic chuck roast beef, chopped into medium-large chunks
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 4 cups organic beef stock
• 2 cups water
• 12 organic corn tortillas
• Shredded Oaxaca cheese
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Pico de Gallo

Directions:

To Make the Chili Paste:

1. Start by removing the seeds and stems from the dried peppers. Soak the guajillo and ancho chiles in hot water for about 15 minutes until they soften.
2. In a blender, combine the softened peppers, chipotle peppers, chopped onion, garlic cloves, crushed tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, and a little beef stock. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.

To Make the Meat:

3. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
4. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chunks of chuck roast and season with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Sear the meat on all sides until browned.
5. Pour in the chili paste you made and stir. Add bay leaves, Mexican oregano, thyme, cumin, cinnamon, smoked paprika, ground allspice, beef stock, and water. Mix well.

Let Everything Braise in the Oven:

6. Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the preheated oven. Let it braise for about 3-4 hours or until the beef is tender and shreds easily.

To Assemble the Tacos:

7. Remove the beef and shred it with two forks. Dip the corn tortillas into the sauce, then fill them with shredded beef, and top with Oaxaca cheese and chopped cilantro. Serve with Pico de Gallo.

How to Serve My Favorite Birria Tacos

Serve your birria tacos while hot. Add extra toppings like chopped onions, cilantro, and lime wedges on the side. You can also serve the leftover broth in small bowls to dip your tacos, enhancing the flavors even more.

How to Store My Favorite Birria Tacos

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the tacos in a skillet or the oven until they are hot. You can also store the braised beef and sauce separately for easy reheating.

Tips to Make My Favorite Birria Tacos

• For extra depth of flavor, let the chili paste marinate for a few hours before using it.
• Use fresh corn tortillas for the best taste and texture.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers according to your taste.

Variation

You can use different cuts of beef, such as brisket or short ribs, for a different taste. Additionally, try adding different toppings like avocado or jalapeños for added flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze the birria tacos?
Yes, you can freeze the shredded beef in the broth. Once ready to eat, thaw and reheat before assembling the tacos.

2. Can I make birria tacos vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the beef with jackfruit or lentils and make a vegetable broth-based sauce for a vegetarian version.

3. What can I serve with birria tacos?
You can serve them with Mexican rice, beans, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.