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Birria Tacos

Tender, juicy meat wrapped in warm tortillas with a rich, savory broth for dipping.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Birria
  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 1 onion quartered
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 4 dried guajillo chiles seeds removed
  • 2 dried ancho chiles seeds removed
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • Salt to taste
For the Tacos
  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 cups queso fresco crumbled
  • Lime wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Blender or food processor
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Serving plates

Method
 

  1. Toast the dried guajillo and ancho chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Combine the toasted chiles, quartered onion, garlic cloves, cumin seeds, dried oregano, and beef broth in a blender and blend until smooth.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the beef chuck roast on all sides for about 5 minutes until browned.
  4. Pour the blended sauce over the seared meat, season with salt, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 2 hours until the meat is tender.
  5. Remove the meat from the broth and shred it using two forks.
  6. Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet over medium heat for 20-30 seconds per side until soft and pliable.
  7. Assemble the tacos by filling each tortilla with shredded beef, chopped onion, chopped cilantro, and crumbled queso fresco, then serve with lime wedges.
  8. Serve the tacos with small bowls of the reserved cooking broth for dipping to enhance each bite.

Notes

Serve with reserved broth for dipping and warm tortillas before filling to keep them pliable.