Crispy, cheesy, juicy, and packed with bold flavor—this Easy Birria Tacos Recipe delivers everything you crave in a single bite. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these tacos are made with tender beef and a rich sauce that elevates your comfort food experience. With golden-fried tortillas wrapping around delicious fillings, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavors: The unique blend of spices and chiles creates a rich and savory sauce that enhances the meat.
- Easy to Make: Despite its complex flavors, this recipe is straightforward and manageable for home cooks.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve these tacos with a variety of toppings such as fresh cilantro and onion for an added burst of flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch ahead of time and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves tacos! This dish is sure to be a hit with both adults and kids alike.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need for this Easy Birria Tacos Recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Pressure cooker
- Non-stick pan
- Blender
- Dry pan for toasting spices
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Pressure cooker: Speeds up the cooking process while ensuring the meat becomes tender quickly.
- Non-stick pan: Prevents sticking when frying tortillas, allowing for perfectly crispy edges without hassle.
- Blender: Smoothly combines ingredients into a silky sauce, enhancing texture and flavor in your tacos.

Ingredients
For the Meat Filling
- 2.2 lbs taco meat (brisket or flank steak)
- 1/4 cup onion (cut into thin strips)
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese
For the Sauce
- 8 medium tomatoes (quartered)
- 1 whole head garlic (one crushed whole head)
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp whole cloves (or 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves)
- 2 stick cinnamon stick
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2.3 oz guajillo chiles
- 1.4 oz pasilla chiles
- 1½ tbsp chipotle chile
- 1.1 oz ancho chiles
- a pinch black pepper
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp beef bouillon powder (stock powder)
For the Tortillas
- 10 6-inch corn tortillas
- 1 1/3 cups cooking oil (grape seed oil or avocado oil recommended)
How to Make Easy Birria Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Slice onions, quarter tomatoes, and crush garlic. Clean chiles by removing seeds and veins.
Step 2: Toast Spices
In a dry pan, toast cumin, cloves, oregano, and cinnamon over medium heat for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Sear Meat
Sear meat in oil until browned. If using refrigerated meat, let it come to room temperature first.
Step 4: Cook Aromatics
In the same oil, sauté garlic until golden brown. Then add onions. Cook until they become translucent before adding tomatoes, chiles, and spices. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Blend Sauce
Blend the mixture until smooth then strain it for a silky sauce. Add salt to taste.
Step 6: Pressure Cook
Place meat and sauce in pressure cooker. Add water mixed with stock powder. Cook on medium-high for 72 minutes. Release steam carefully after cooking.
Step 7: Shred Meat
Remove meat from cooker, shred it, and return it to a pan with two scoops of sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste; fry over medium-high heat until coated.
Step 8: Prepare Tortillas
Sprinkle cheese in a non-stick pan. Dip tortillas in sauce before placing them over cheese. Cook each side for about 1 minute until crispy.
Step 9: Assemble Tacos
Fill each tortilla with shredded meat, fresh onion, cilantro, and serve with a side of dipping sauce.
This Easy Birria Tacos Recipe will not only satisfy your cravings but also impress your guests with its rich flavors! Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Easy Birria Tacos Recipe
Serving Easy Birria Tacos is a delightful experience that allows you to customize each taco to your taste. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will elevate your meal.
Fresh Toppings
- Chopped Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the rich meat.
- Diced Onion: Provides a crunchy texture and sharp flavor contrast.
- Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado adds richness and balances the spices beautifully.
Dipping Sauce
- Consommé: Serve the tacos with a side of the rich broth for dipping, enhancing every bite.
- Salsa Verde: A tangy green salsa made from tomatillos for a zesty kick.
Serving Style
- Taco Platter: Arrange tacos on a large platter for sharing, garnished with fresh lime wedges.
- Individual Plates: Serve each taco on its plate with toppings on the side for a personalized touch.
How to Perfect Easy Birria Tacos Recipe
To create the most delicious Easy Birria Tacos, consider these helpful tips that can enhance your cooking process and flavor.
- Choose Quality Meat: Select fresh cuts of beef like brisket and flank steak for tenderness and flavor.
- Toast Spices Well: Ensure spices are toasted until fragrant to unlock their full potential in the sauce.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and garlic will provide better taste than canned or dried alternatives.
- Let Meat Rest After Cooking: Allowing the meat to rest helps retain its juices before shredding, ensuring moist tacos.
- Experiment with Tortilla Types: While corn tortillas are traditional, trying flour tortillas can add a different texture.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Don’t hesitate to tweak salt and spice levels according to your preference for heat.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Birria Tacos Recipe
Pairing your Easy Birria Tacos with the right side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Mexican Rice: A flavorful side dish cooked with tomatoes and spices that complements the tacos beautifully.
- Refried Beans: Creamy beans add protein and richness; serve them with cheese on top for extra indulgence.
- Grilled Corn Elote: Corn on the cob topped with mayonnaise, cheese, and chili powder offers a sweet-savory contrast.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa that adds brightness and crunch; it’s great for balancing flavors in the meal.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip provides richness; it’s perfect alongside the spicy elements of birria tacos.
- Fried Plantains: Sweet plantains offer a delightful sweetness that pairs well with savory dishes like birria tacos.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding mistakes can make your cooking experience enjoyable and successful. Here are some common pitfalls when making Easy Birria Tacos.
- Incorrect Meat Choice: Using the wrong cut of meat can lead to tough tacos. Opt for brisket or flank steak for a tender result.
- Skipping the Toasting Step: Neglecting to toast spices diminishes flavor. Always toast spices in a dry pan to release their full aroma.
- Overcooking Tortillas: Over-frying tortillas can make them hard. Cook just until golden, ensuring they remain pliable for filling.
- Not Shredding Properly: Shredding meat too finely can cause it to dry out. Aim for larger pieces that will stay juicy and flavorful.
- Ignoring Sauce Consistency: A watery sauce will not cling to the tacos well. Blend and strain until it’s smooth and thick enough to coat the meat.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Easy Birria Tacos in an airtight container.
- They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Easy Birria Tacos Recipe
- For longer storage, freeze the tacos individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Easy Birria Tacos Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Wrap tacos in a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add tacos and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best meat for Easy Birria Tacos Recipe?
The best meats are brisket or flank steak as they become tender when slow-cooked. They absorb flavors well and are ideal for this recipe.
Can I make Easy Birria Tacos Recipe spicy?
Absolutely! You can add extra chipotle chiles or adjust the amount of guajillo chiles to increase spiciness according to your taste preference.
How do I customize my Easy Birria Tacos Recipe?
Feel free to add toppings like avocado, fresh cilantro, or diced onions. Experiment with different cheeses or salsas for added flavor.
Can I use other types of tortillas?
Yes, while corn tortillas are traditional, you can use flour tortillas if preferred. Just ensure they are warmed properly before serving.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Birria Tacos are not only packed with bold flavors but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Customize them with your favorite toppings or choose different meats based on what you have available. Don’t hesitate—try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious meal that’s sure to impress!
Easy Birria Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Discover the ultimate Easy Birria Tacos Recipe that brings together crispy, cheesy, and juicy goodness in every bite! These mouthwatering tacos are filled with tender beef simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce made from a blend of spices and chiles. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a casual meal with friends, these birria tacos are sure to impress. Wrapped in golden-fried corn tortillas and served with fresh toppings, they offer a delightful dining experience everyone will love. Perfect for meal prep or taco night, this recipe guarantees satisfaction without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 2.2 lbs brisket or flank steak
- 1/4 cup onion (thin strips)
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese
- 8 medium tomatoes
- 1 whole head garlic
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp whole cloves (or 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves)
- 2 stick cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2.3 oz guajillo chiles
- 1.4 oz pasilla chiles
- 1½ tbsp chipotle chile
- 1.1 oz ancho chiles
- a pinch black pepper
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp beef bouillon powder (stock powder)
- 10 corn tortillas
- 1 1/3 cups cooking oil (grape seed oil or avocado oil recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by slicing onions, quartering tomatoes, and crushing garlic. Clean chiles by removing seeds.
- Toast spices in a dry pan until fragrant.
- Sear meat in oil until browned; set aside.
- In the same oil, sauté garlic and onions until translucent; add tomatoes and chiles.
- Blend the mixture into a smooth sauce; strain if desired.
- Pressure cook meat with sauce and water for about 72 minutes.
- Shred cooked meat and fry it with some sauce until coated.
- Fry tortillas with cheese until crispy; fill them with shredded meat and toppings.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg