This delicious Birria Tacos recipe comes together in about 3 hours and simmers all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will absolutely love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to use up any odds and ends you have lying around. Trust me, these tacos are worth the wait, and the aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone gathering around!
Ingredients for Your Birria Tacos
- 2 lbs beef chuck or brisket – This is the meat that gives your tacos that rich, savory flavor. You can even use pork if that’s what you’ve got on hand!
- 4 cups beef broth – This really pulls it all together and makes the dipping sauce amazing.
- 3 dried guajillo peppers – Known for their mild heat and lovely color.
- 2 dried ancho peppers – They add a deep flavor and subtle sweetness.
- 1 onion, chopped – Fresh and fragrant, perfect for building flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better, right?
- 1 tsp cumin – Adds that warm, earthy flavor we all love.
- 1 tsp oregano – The secret to a cozy, herby flavor.
- 1 bay leaf – Just one is all you need!
- Salt to taste – You know, a couple pinches here and there.
- 8 corn tortillas – For wrapping all of that beefy goodness.
- 8 oz Oaxacan cheese, shredded – The ooey-gooey part, absolutely essential.
- Cilantro, chopped (for garnish) – Because it’s just prettier that way!
- Lime wedges (for serving) – A little squeeze brings everything alive!

Instructions:
How to Make Birria Tacos
Soak the Peppers: In a pot, soak the guajillo and ancho peppers in hot water for about 15 minutes until they’re soft and plump. You’ll know they’re ready when they look more inviting and less shriveled.
Make the Sauce: Once your peppers are softened, drain them and toss them into a blender with the beef broth, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, and a couple pinches of salt. Blend until smooth, this will be the heart of your Birria flavor!
Cook the Beef: Place your beef in a big pot, cover it with the blended sauce, and turn the heat up to medium-high. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer low and slow for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. You want that meat to be tender and shreddable. You’ll know it’s done when it’s fork-tender and just begging to be shredded.
Shred the Beef: After the beef is done cooking, remove it from the pot and shred it with forks. This is the part where you can really get in there and make it all nice and stringy!
Prepare the Tacos: Heat a skillet over medium heat and take a corn tortilla. Place a generous amount of shredded beef and a handful of that lovely Oaxacan cheese right in the center. Fold the tortilla over and fry it in the skillet until it’s golden and crispy, think of those delicious crunchy edges!
Serve: Serve your tacos hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and a wedge of lime! Don’t forget a bowl of that flavorful birria consomé for dipping (that’s the sauce you cooked the beef in, seriously, don’t skip this part!).

I swear, the first time I made these tacos, I nearly fainted from the intoxicating aroma wafting through my kitchen. And, let me tell you, my kids, who usually griped about dinner were begging for seconds! It’s a meal that warms the heart and wraps you in a cozy hug.
Why I Love Birria Tacos
This Birria Tacos recipe is my go-to for cozy family dinners. Honestly, it’s comfort food at its finest! I love how versatile it is; sometimes I swap the beef for some leftover chicken or even beans. The best part is that these tacos are always a hit, no matter how I switch them up. And let me tell you, you can customize them with whatever you have on hand, which is a lifesaver for those busy weeknights! If you’re a sucker for delicious, loaded flavors, then you’ll totally vibe with these tacos!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Smash Burger Tacos, or my Oven-Roasted Corn on the Cob! Perfect complements for these tasty Birria Tacos!
Why This Recipe Works
Comfort Food
There’s something heartwarming about a dish that simmers for a few hours. It fills the house with the most delicious smells and makes you just want to nestle on the couch with a cozy blanket.
Budget-Friendly
Beef chuck is a great cut, you get tons of flavor without breaking the bank! Plus, it’s super satisfying and fills up hungry bellies!
Customizable
Seriously, mix things up! Use shredded pork instead of beef, or add some veggies if you’re feeling spicy. Heaven forbid you have a taco night without a little creativity!
Make-Ahead Friendly
You could easily make the beef a day (or even a few) in advance, then just reheat it when you’re ready to eat. Super convenient for meal prep lovers!
Crowd-Pleaser
I promise, the whole family will love it! It’s especially perfect for taco night, and you know how kids LOVE tacos, right?
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
These tacos are best enjoyed with a side of birria consomé for dipping and maybe some fresh avocado slices or a zingy slaw, it just takes it to a whole new level!
Storing Leftovers
In the fridge, these tasty Birria Tacos can last up to 3 days. Keep the meat and tortillas separate for the best results.
Reheating Instructions
When it comes to reheating, I recommend popping everything in the microwave separately until warmed through. You could also give them a quick fry in a skillet if you want that crispy tortilla again, trust me, it’s worth the effort!
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can freeze the beef for 2-3 months. Just make sure to package it tightly so no air gets in. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge.
In summary, this Quick and Easy Birria Tacos recipe is the perfect combination of flavors, comfort, and flexibility to cater to any craving! You’ll be in taco heaven in no time.
Enjoy cooking, and remember food is more than just sustenance; it’s about bringing together family and friends around the table, sharing those heartwarming moments, and creating delicious memories along the way. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking, friends!
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Quick and Easy Birria Tacos
- Total Time: 195 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Delicious Birria Tacos that come together in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck or brisket
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 dried guajillo peppers
- 2 dried ancho peppers
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
- 8 corn tortillas
- 8 oz Oaxacan cheese, shredded
- Cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- In a pot, soak the guajillo and ancho peppers in hot water for about 15 minutes until soft and plump.
- Drain the softened peppers and blend with beef broth, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, and salt until smooth.
- Place the beef in a pot, cover with the blended sauce, and simmer on medium-high heat before reducing to low for about 2-3 hours.
- Once tender, remove the beef and shred with forks.
- Heat a skillet, place shredded beef and Oaxacan cheese in corn tortillas, fold, and fry until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges, and don’t forget the consomé for dipping!
Notes
Feel free to customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering, Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg