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Birria Tacos

Savory Birria Tacos: A Fave for Flavor Lovers!

These Birria Tacos are a delightful journey into comfort food, offering tender, seasoned meat in crispy tortillas.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 tacos
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chili Paste
  • 4 pieces Dried Guajillo Peppers Adds rich, earthy flavor and color; substitute with another dried chili if necessary.
  • 4 pieces Dried Ancho Chiles Contributes mild sweetness and depth; can be replaced with more guajillo peppers.
  • 2 pieces Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Provides smokiness and heat; alternatively, use smoked paprika for less heat.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Cloves Enhances overall flavor; fresh garlic should be used, but garlic powder is an alternative.
  • 1 cup Crushed Tomatoes Adds acidity and a rich base to the sauce; tomato paste or fresh tomatoes can also work.
  • 2 cups Organic Beef Stock Provides flavor for braising; substitute with vegetable stock for a vegan option.
  • 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar Balances flavors and adds acidity; lemon juice can be a substitute.
  • 2 pieces Bay Leaves Adds herbal notes; no direct substitute; omit if necessary.
  • 1 teaspoon Mexican Oregano Provides authentic flavor; use regular oregano if unavailable.
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme Various spices that enhance flavor; adjust to taste; can omit if unavailable.
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Various spices that enhance flavor; adjust to taste; can omit if unavailable.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Various spices that enhance flavor; adjust to taste; can omit if unavailable.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Various spices that enhance flavor; adjust to taste; can omit if unavailable.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Allspice Various spices that enhance flavor; adjust to taste; can omit if unavailable.
For the Meat and Assembly
  • 3 pounds Organic Chuck Roast Beef Main protein; choose cuts that shred well; options include lamb, chicken, or jackfruit for a vegan option.
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil For searing beef; any cooking oil can be substituted.
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt Essential for seasoning beef; adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Essential for seasoning beef; adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Adds additional garlic flavor; fresh garlic can be used instead.
  • 12 pieces Corn Tortillas Base for the tacos; recommended for gluten-free options; flour tortillas can also be used.
  • 2 cups Shredded Oaxaca Cheese Adds creaminess to the tacos; substitute with vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
  • 1 cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro Fresh herb garnish; flat-leaf parsley can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 cup Pico de Gallo Optional topping; fresh salsa enhances tacos.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Blender
  • Saucepan
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for My Fave Birria Tacos
  1. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of organic beef stock to a boil. Remove from heat, add the dried guajillo and ancho chiles, and let soak for about 15–20 minutes until softened. Blend with crushed tomatoes, garlic, apple cider vinegar, and spices until smooth.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the organic chuck roast with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then sear the beef for about 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. In the same Dutch oven, add chopped onions and sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Stir in the chili paste, then add the remaining beef stock and a bit of water. Incorporate the seared beef back into the pot.
  4. Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and transfer it to the oven. Let the beef braise for 2.5 hours, until fork-tender. Shred the beef into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
  5. Reserve 1 cup of the broth from the Dutch oven, mix with chopped fresh cilantro to create your dipping sauce.
  6. Briefly dip each corn tortilla into the dipping sauce before placing it in a hot skillet. Fry for about 30 seconds on each side until crispy, then fill with shredded beef and cheese. Cook until the cheese melts.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tacoCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Try pairing Birria Tacos with other taco recipes or adding sides for a complete meal.

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