05/08/2025
Birria Tacos
Ingredients:
For the Chili Paste:
4 dried guajillo peppers
4 dried ancho chiles
4 chipotle peppers in adobo
1 onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves
½ cup crushed tomatoes
½ cup organic beef stock (or water)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons Mexican oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon ground allspice
For the Meat & Consommé:
3 lbs organic chuck roast beef, chopped into medium-large chunks (or shank cut of beef, lamb, or chicken)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ onion, diced
4 cups organic beef stock
2 cups water
For the Tacos:
12 organic corn tortillas
Shredded Oaxaca cheese (or your preferred meltable cheese)
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Directions:
Prepare the Chili Paste: Remove stems and seeds from dried guajillo and ancho chiles. In a medium pot, bring beef stock to a boil. Add chiles and cover; let sit for 15–20 minutes until softened. Transfer chiles to a blender with onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, and spices. Blend until smooth, adding more beef stock or water for desired consistency.
Cook the Meat: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season beef chunks with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear beef on all sides until golden, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove beef and set aside. In the same pot, sauté diced onion until translucent, about 1–2 minutes. Add chili paste, stirring for 1–2 minutes. Add beef stock and water, then return beef to the pot. Stir to combine, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 minute.
Braise the Meat: Transfer the Dutch oven to the preheated oven. Braise for 2½ hours, or until beef is tender and easily shredded. Remove from oven; shred beef using forks.
Assemble the Tacos: Remove 1 cup of the braising liquid and set aside as dipping sauce. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly oil the skillet. Quickly dip a tortilla into the dipping sauce, then place it in the skillet. Top with shredded beef, diced onions, chopped cilantro, and shredded cheese. Fold tortilla in half and cook until cheese melts and the outside is crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
Serve: Serve tacos with the reserved dipping sauce on the side.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 38 kcal per taco
Servings: 12 tacos