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The Best Birria Tacos

Deliciously savory birria tacos filled with tender beef infused with rich spices, garnished with fresh onion and cilantro for an unforgettable flavor experience.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the meat
  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast Cut into large chunks
  • 2 lbs beef short ribs
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 4 dried guajillo chiles Dry-toast before soaking
  • 2 dried ancho chiles Dry-toast before soaking
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference
For serving
  • Corn tortillas Lightly grilled before serving
  • Chopped onions For topping
  • Chopped cilantro For topping
  • Lime wedges For serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a skillet, dry-toast the guajillo and ancho chiles over medium heat until fragrant (about 2–3 minutes). Then, soak the chiles in hot water for about 20 minutes until softened.
  2. While the chiles are soaking, blend the softened chiles with beef broth, chopped onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Cut the beef chuck roast into large chunks. Combine the beef, short ribs, and marinade in a large bowl or a zip-top bag. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for maximum flavor).
Cooking
  1. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the marinated beef and sear it on all sides. Pour in any remaining marinade and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  2. Cover and cook on low heat for about 2–3 hours, or until the meat is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
Assembly
  1. While the meat is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Lightly grill the corn tortillas until warm and pliable.
  2. Use a fork to shred the beef from the pot. Fill the tortillas with shredded beef and top with chopped onions and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Substitutions: If you’re looking for Halal-friendly protein alternatives, shredded chicken or lamb can work wonderfully. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Allow for marinating time to let incredible flavors soak into the meat. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.