Birria tacos have become super popular lately, and it’s easy to see why. They’re filled with tender, juicy meat cooked in a rich, spicy broth. The tortillas are dipped in this broth and then grilled, giving them a crispy outside and a tender inside. This recipe will help you make delicious birria tacos at home, whether you’re new to them or a big fan

Ingredients:
For the Birria:

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
• 2 lbs beef short ribs
• 5 dried guajillo chiles
• 2 dried ancho chiles
• 2 dried pasilla chiles
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 1 large tomato, quartered
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp cumin seeds
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp salt
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Tacos:

• Corn tortillas
• Chopped onions
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Queso Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Salsa (optional)

Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chiles:

• Remove the stems and seeds from the guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chiles.
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and toast the chiles for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
• Transfer the chiles to a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes until they soften.

2. Make the Birria Sauce:

• Once the chiles are soft, drain them and place them in a blender.
• Add garlic, onion, tomato, cumin seeds, oregano, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, and apple cider vinegar to the blender.
• Blend until smooth, adding a little beef broth if needed to help the mixture blend smoothly.

3. Cook the Meat:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
• Sear the beef chuck roast and short ribs on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
• Once browned, remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.

4. Combine and Cook:

• In the same pot, pour in the birria sauce and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
• Add the seared meat back into the pot and pour in the beef broth.
• Add the bay leaves, cover, and bring to a simmer.
• Reduce the heat to low and let the meat cook for 3-4 hours, or until it’s tender and easily shreds with a fork.

5. Shred the Meat:

• Once the meat is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks.
• Return the shredded meat to the pot to keep it warm in the broth.

6. Assemble the Tacos:

• Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
• Dip each tortilla into the birria broth, then place it on the skillet.
• Add a small amount of shredded cheese to one half of the tortilla, followed by the shredded birria meat.
• Fold the tortilla in half and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.

7. Serve:

• Serve the tacos hot with chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
• For an extra flavor boost, serve with a small cup of the birria broth (known as consomé) for dipping.

Cooking Tips:

• Selecting the Meat: While beef is traditional for birria, you can also use goat, lamb, or a combination of meats for a different flavor profile.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder taco, reduce the number of chiles used in the sauce. Conversely, for a spicier kick, you can add a couple of dried arbol chiles.
• Make-Ahead: The birria can be made a day ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
• Freezing: The birria meat freezes well, so you can make a large batch and freeze the leftovers for quick and easy tacos in the future.

FAQs:

Q: Can I make birria tacos with chicken instead of beef? A: Yes, you can substitute chicken for beef in this recipe. The cooking time will be shorter, and you may want to use chicken broth instead of beef broth.

Q: How long does it take to make birria tacos? A: The entire process, including the slow cooking of the meat, takes about 4-5 hours. However, the actual hands-on time is much shorter, and the result is well worth the effort.

Q: What is the best type of cheese to use in birria tacos? A: Oaxaca cheese is traditional, but mozzarella or any mild, melting cheese will work well.

Q: Can I freeze leftover birria? A: Absolutely! The meat freezes well and can be reheated for future meals. Just store it in an airtight container, and it should last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Q: What are birria tacos served with? A: Birria tacos are often served with chopped onions, cilantro, lime wedges, and a cup of consomé (the birria broth) for di