These Easy Birria Tacos are bursting with flavor! Slow-cooked beef becomes so tender that it practically falls apart, soaking up a delicious blend of spices.
Pair them with warm tortillas and some fresh toppings for a tasty treat. Warning: they’re so good, you might want to keep them all to yourself! 😂
Making these tacos is super simple. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Perfect for busy days when you want something yummy with minimal effort!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful. If you prefer a different meat, lamb works well too. You could also use pork or chicken, but the cooking time will vary for those.
Dried Guajillo and Ancho Chilies: These chilies give the tacos their rich flavor. If you can’t find them, you can use chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for some heat and smokiness, or smoked paprika for a milder flavor.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is great, but low-sodium store-bought is handy too. For a lighter option, vegetable broth is a good substitute, though the flavor will differ a bit.
Corn Tortillas: Corn is classic for tacos, but if you’re not a fan, flour tortillas are a fine alternative. Just remember to heat them well for that soft texture.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Dried Chilies?
Toasting dried chilies is a key step that enhances their flavors. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Toast the chilies for about 2-3 minutes. You want them fragrant, not burnt!
- Remove and soak in hot water for 15 minutes till soft.
- This process pulls out more flavors, making your birria taste amazing.
What’s the Best Way to Shred Meat?
Shredding meat can be easy if you use the right technique. Here’s how to do it:
- Let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep it juicy.
- Use two forks and pull the meat apart in opposite directions. This breaks it up nicely.
- Mix the shredded meat with the broth for extra moisture and flavor.
These tips should help you make the most delicious birria tacos. Enjoy cooking!
Easy Birria Tacos Recipe In The Slow Cooker
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Birria:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast or lamb, cut into chunks
- 3 dried guajillo chilies, stems and seeds removed
- 2 dried ancho chilies, stems and seeds removed
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cups beef broth
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- Corn tortillas
- Chopped onion
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Optional: cheese (like Oaxaca or mozzarella) for queso tacos
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious birria taco recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and then you will need to let it cook in the slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Total time varies based on your cooking setting, but patience is key for those tender tacos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Toasting the Chilies:
Start by toasting the dried guajillo and ancho chilies. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the chilies, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes until they smell fragrant. Be careful not to let them burn! Once toasted, remove from heat, transfer to a bowl, and cover them with hot water to soak for about 15 minutes.
2. Make the Chili Sauce:
In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, quartered onion, garlic cloves, cumin, oregano, black pepper, cinnamon, and around 1 cup of the beef broth. Blend it all together until smooth and creamy, creating a flavorful sauce.
3. Preparing the Slow Cooker:
Place the chunked meat into your slow cooker and season it with salt. Next, pour that delicious blended chili sauce over the meat, ensuring every piece is coated. Add the rest of the beef broth and toss in the bay leaves. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the meat is well-mixed with the sauce.
4. Cooking the Meat:
Cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. If you’re on low, let it cook for 6-8 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, set it to high for 3-4 hours. The key is to let the meat become fork-tender, which makes shredding super easy!
5. Shredding the Meat:
Once your cooking time is up, carefully shred the meat using two forks directly in the slow cooker. Mix the shredded meat with the savory broth, allowing all those flavors to come together beautifully.
6. Assembling the Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! Heat a corn tortilla in a skillet over medium heat. On one half of the tortilla, add a generous amount of the shredded meat. If you like cheese, sprinkle some on top before folding the tortilla over. Cook until golden on both sides. Perfect!
7. Serving Your Tacos:
Serve your delicious birria tacos with chopped onions, cilantro, and lime wedges on the side. Squeeze fresh lime over the tacos before enjoying every delicious bite! Celebrate your cooking achievement with these tasty treats!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Meat?
Absolutely! While beef chuck roast or lamb are traditional choices, you can also use brisket or even pork shoulder for a delicious twist. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you use a leaner cut, as it may cook faster.
What Can I Use Instead of Dried Chilies?
If you can’t find dried guajillo or ancho chilies, feel free to substitute with 2-3 tablespoons of chili powder or a combination of smoked paprika and cayenne for a similar flavor. Just adjust according to your spice preference!
How Do I Store Leftover Birria?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the shredded meat in its broth for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove or microwave.
Can I Make Birria Tacos Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the birria the day before and store it in the fridge overnight. Just reheat it before assembling the tacos. This allows the flavors to deepen and become even more delicious!
