The sizzling sound of corn tortillas hitting the hot skillet is music to my ears—a prelude to taco night that never fails to excite! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my recipe for Beef Birria Tacos, or quesabirria, complete with crispy tortillas and melty Oaxacan cheese. This traditional Tijuana-style dish transforms any weeknight into a festive culinary adventure, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy family meal. With rich, slow-cooked flavors and an optional gluten-free twist using cassava flour tortillas, these tacos are a true crowd-pleaser that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Are you ready to dive into this flavorful delight and elevate your taco game?

Why Are Birria Tacos So Special?

Crispy Tortillas: The satisfying crunch of fried tortillas adds a delightful texture to each bite.
Slow-Cooked Goodness: The beef is cooked for hours, infusing every morsel with rich, savory flavors.
Cheese Bliss: Melty Oaxacan cheese makes every taco a cheesy delight you won’t forget.
Endless Versatility: Swap beef for chicken, pork, or even jackfruit for a vegetarian option, allowing you to customize to taste!
Gluten-Free Option: Use cassava flour tortillas for a delicious gluten-free twist that everyone can enjoy.
Indulge in these flavorsome tacos and pair them with a side of consommé for dipping to truly elevate your meal!

Birria Tacos Ingredients

For the Beef and Sauce
• Beef Chuck Roast – Provides a tender and juicy base, but you can use sirloin tip roast for a leaner option.
• Guajillo Chiles – Adds sweet, mild heat; deseed to ensure a smoother sauce.
• Ancho Chilies – Offers depth and sweetness; can substitute with other dried mild peppers if needed.
• Arbol Chiles – Adds a moderate kick; reduce quantity if you’re sensitive to spice.
• Roma Tomatoes – Enhances flavor and color; canned tomatoes work well if fresh aren’t available.
• White Onion – Sweetens the sauce; quarter for easier roasting.
• Garlic Cloves – Roasting these unpeeled adds aromatic depth to the sauce.
• Low-Sodium Beef Broth – Serves as the sauce’s flavorful base; substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter version.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Brightens the flavors for a balanced taste.
• Kosher Salt – Essential for seasoning; adjust amount to your preference.
• Ground Black Pepper – For basic seasoning and warmth.
• Ground Cumin – Adds earthiness; a little goes a long way!
• Dried Mexican Oregano – Imparts herbal notes; regular oregano can be an emergency substitute.
• Ground Cloves, Cinnamon, Ground Ginger – Each adds a unique flavor note; adjust according to your taste.
• Bay Leaves – Infuses a subtle flavor during cooking.

For the Tacos
• Corn Tortillas or Cassava Flour Tortillas – The base for your tacos; cassava is perfect for a gluten-free option.
• Diced White Onion & Chopped Cilantro – Fresh toppings that elevate the flavor and presentation.
• Oaxacan Cheese – Melts beautifully to create cheesy bliss; use a Mexican cheese blend if necessary.

Indulge in the magic of these Birria Tacos and savor the delicious flavors they create!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Authentic Quesabirria Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Chiles
Begin by deseeding the guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles to ensure your sauce maintains a smooth texture. Rinse them off, then place in a pot with enough water to cover the chiles. Simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes until they soften and become pliable, brightening in color and enhancing their natural sweetness.

Step 2: Roast Vegetables
While the chiles simmer, preheat your oven’s broiler. Arrange the roma tomatoes, quartered white onion, and unpeeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Broil them for 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally until they achieve a light char. Look for a smoky aroma and a slight blackening—a key step in enriching the flavor of your birria tacos.

Step 3: Make the Sauce
Once the chiles are softened and the vegetables are roasted, transfer everything into a blender. Add the simmering water from the chiles, low-sodium beef broth, apple cider vinegar, and all the spices. Blend until you reach a smooth and luscious consistency. This sauce will become the flavorful base of your authentic birria tacos.

Step 4: Cook the Birria
In your slow cooker, place the beef chuck roast and season with salt and pepper. Pour the vibrant sauce over the meat, and add 2-3 bay leaves for extra aroma. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The meat should be fork-tender and deeply infused with that rich, savory flavor characteristic of traditional birria.

Step 5: Shred the Beef
When your beef is cooked to perfection, remove it from the slow cooker. Let it cool slightly before shredding it with two forks, pulling apart the tender meat into bite-sized pieces. Mix the shredded beef back into the velvety sauce, ensuring every bit is coated, enhancing the flavor profile of your build-your-own birria tacos.

Step 6: Assemble Tacos
Set up a skillet over medium-high heat and prepare to dip each corn tortilla into the warm consommé—the key to crispy perfection. Fry them in the skillet until golden and crisp on both sides. Add a generous amount of the beef and a sprinkle of Oaxacan cheese to each tortilla. Fold the tacos and let them cook for a minute, until the cheese melts delightfully.

Step 7: Serve
Your delicious and authentic birria tacos are now ready to serve! Pair them with a small bowl of the rich consommé for dipping, along with fresh diced white onion and chopped cilantro as toppings. Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures that only homemade birria tacos can bring to your dining experience.

What to Serve with Authentic Quesabirria Tacos

Elevate your taco experience by pairing these savory delights with vibrant, complementary sides that add color and flavor to your meal.

Cilantro Lime Rice: This fluffy rice dish, infused with zesty lime and fresh cilantro, offers a cool contrast to the rich birria flavors.
Sautéed Fajita Veggies: A medley of bell peppers and onions sautéed until tender and slightly caramelized; their sweetness enhances the savory profile of the tacos.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered with cotija cheese and a sprinkle of chili powder adds a joyous crunch that perfectly complements the soft fillings.
Guacamole: Creamy avocado mixed with lime, cilantro, and garlic creates a luscious dip that pairs well with the bold flavors of the birria, elevating each bite.
Pico de Gallo: Fresh diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice provide a burst of freshness and acidity, balancing the richness of the tacos beautifully.
Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips paired with a bowl of vibrant salsa brings a fun and informal element to your dining experience.
Watermelon Agua Fresca: A refreshing drink made with juicy watermelon, lime, and a touch of sweetness; it cleanses the palate between bites of the savory quesabirria.
Flan: This silky caramel custard offers a sweet finish to your feast, balancing the savory and spicy notes of your tacos with its rich creaminess.
Mexican Hot Chocolate: End the meal with this rich, spiced beverage that warms the soul and pairs wonderfully with your taco adventure.

Storage Tips for Birria Tacos

Fridge: Store leftover birria in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days to maintain its delicious flavor and tenderness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the birria in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Tortilla Storage: Keep leftover tortillas wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in a resealable bag at room temperature for 1-2 days. To regain crispiness, reheat on a skillet before serving.

Reheating: Gently reheat the birria in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth if necessary to keep it moist. Enjoy your flavorful Birria Tacos again!

Expert Tips for Birria Tacos

Crispy Tacos: Ensure you dip the tortillas well in the consommé before frying to achieve that perfect crispy texture.
Balanced Heat: Adjust the amount of arbol chiles based on your spice tolerance; this allows you to control the heat level in your birria tacos.
Make-Ahead Sauce: Prepare the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it for enhanced flavors; this step truly elevates your dish!
Meat Substitution: Don’t hesitate to swap the beef for chicken or pork; each protein brings a unique twist to your birria tacos.
Gluten-Free Choice: For a gluten-free option, opt for cassava flour tortillas—delicious and suitable for anyone avoiding gluten.
Leftover Storage: Store any leftover birria in an airtight container; it lasts up to 4-5 days in the fridge or freezes well for up to 3 months.

Make Ahead Options

These Beef Birria Tacos are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the birria sauce and cook the beef up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the sauce and cooking steps, then allow the beef to cool before shredding and mixing it back into the sauce. Store everything in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, quickly reheat the mixture in a skillet while frying your tortillas until crispy. This way, you’ll have delicious, homemade birria tacos ready in no time, ensuring they remain just as flavorful as when freshly made!

Birria Tacos Variations & Substitutions

Explore delightful ways to customize your birria tacos, enhancing their flavors and textures to suit everyone’s taste!

Chicken or Pork: Swap the beef for shredded chicken or pulled pork for a unique twist, maintaining that savory essence.
Vegetarian Delight: Use jackfruit or hearty mushrooms as the main filling for a satisfying vegetarian option that still feels indulgent.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for those who love an extra kick in their tacos.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or a smoky cheese for a unique melted topping that diversifies each bite.
Herbaceous Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or mint into the toppings to elevate the freshness of your tacos beautifully.
Gluten-Free Friendly: Opt for cassava flour tortillas instead of corn for a gluten-free twist without compromising taste—perfect for those with dietary restrictions!
Flavor Infusion: Marinate the beef overnight with spices and broth for a deeper flavor before cooking, enriching your taco experience.

Don’t forget to check out my Birria Tacos Culinary Adventure for more tips and tricks on unlocking the full potential of these delicious tacos!

Beef Birria Tacos Recipe FAQs

What type of beef should I use for birria tacos?
Absolutely! Beef chuck roast is ideal as it becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking. However, if you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute it with sirloin tip roast, which still delivers great flavor but with less fat.

How do I store leftover birria and how long will it last?
Very good question! Leftover birria can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. To enjoy it later, just reheat gently on a stove for the best flavor. If you want to keep it longer, it’s safe to freeze the birria for up to 3 months—just make sure it’s stored in a freezer-safe container.

Can I freeze the birria and how do I do it properly?
Yes, you can definitely freeze your birria! Start by letting it cool completely after cooking. Once cooled, transfer the birria into a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, squeezing out as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Label it with the date, and it should be good for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth if necessary to keep it moist.

What can I use if I can’t find guajillo chiles?
If you can’t find guajillo chiles, don’t worry! You can use other dried mild peppers, such as pasilla or even a little more ancho chiles. Just ensure that whichever chiles you use, you deseed and soak them as instructed to keep that rich, smooth sauce consistency.

Are these tacos suitable for people with gluten intolerance?
Yes! I often recommend using cassava flour tortillas as a delicious gluten-free alternative. They’re sturdy and packed with flavor, making them a fantastic choice for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing the authenticity of your birria tacos.

What should I do if my sauce is too spicy?
If your sauce turns out too spicy for your taste, there are a few ways to mellow it. You could add a bit of sugar or honey to balance the heat, or incorporate more broth, tomatoes, or even avocado to minimize spiciness. This way, you can adjust flavors to suit your preference while still enjoying the delightful essence of your birria tacos!