Easy Beef Birria Tacos Recipe

This Easy Beef Birria Tacos Recipe Will Change Taco Night Forever!

Taco night is about to get an upgrade! If you love bold flavors, juicy meat, crispy tortillas, and a rich, flavorful dipping sauce, then this easy beef birria tacos recipe is about to become your new favorite Mexican dish.

As someone who has spent years experimenting in the kitchen, I’ve tried countless taco recipes, but nothing compares to the magic of homemade birria tacos. The slow cooker (crockpot) makes this dish effortless, allowing the meat to become unbelievably tender and flavorful. Whether you're making these tacos for a family delicious dinner or hosting a taco night with friends, this recipe guarantees everyone will be asking for seconds.

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What is Birria?

Birria is a traditional Mexican dish from Jalisco, originally made with goat meat and slow-cooked in a rich, spicy broth. Over time, beef has become a popular alternative, making the dish more accessible and just as flavorful.

One of the most famous variations is quesabirria tacos – crispy, cheesy, and dipped in a savory dipping sauce (consomé) that takes the experience to the next level. The combination of slow-cooked beef, melted cheese, and a perfectly fried tortilla is pure taco perfection!

Why Use a Crockpot for This Recipe?

I used to spend hours simmering birria on the stovetop, but once I tried making it in a slow cooker, I never looked back. A crockpot makes this process incredibly simple—just set it, forget it, and come back to fall-apart tender beef that’s bursting with flavor. It’s truly a game-changer for busy women who want to make a homemade, authentic dish without spending the entire day in the kitchen.

Ingredients for the Perfect Easy Beef Birria Tacos Recipe

For the Beef Birria:

3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks

1 small onion, chopped

5 garlic cloves, minced

3 dried guajillo chilies, stems and seeds removed

2 dried ancho chilies, stems and seeds removed

2 dried chipotle chilies, stems and seeds removed

2 cups beef broth

1 cup water

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 tbsp dried oregano

1 tbsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp ground cinnamon

2 bay leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tacos:

Corn tortillas (about 10-12)

2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or Oaxaca cheese)

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 cup diced white onion

Lime wedges for serving

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Birria Sauce

Rehydrate the dried chilies by soaking them in hot water for 10 minutes. Once softened, blend them with diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, vinegar, and spices until smooth. This step is what gives birria its authentic Mexican flavor!

2. Slow Cook for Maximum Flavor

Place the beef chunks in the crockpot, pour in the chili sauce, add beef broth and bay leaves, and let it cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours. The result? Tender, juicy beef that shreds effortlessly!

3. Shred the Beef & Prepare the Dipping Sauce

Once cooked, remove the beef and shred it with two forks. Strain the cooking liquid to create a smooth dipping sauce (consomé). This is the key to the ultimate quesabirria experience!

4. Assemble & Cook the Tacos

Dip a tortilla into the consomé, place it on a hot skillet, add cheese and shredded beef, fold it over, and cook until crispy. Flip and repeat for golden, cheesy perfection!

Recommended Kitchen Tools for This Recipe

1. Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker

If you don’t already own a slow cooker, I highly recommend the Crock-Pot 6-Quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker. It’s spacious, easy to use, and perfect for making big batches of birria.

Get it on Amazon here!

2. Ninja Professional Blender

A powerful blender is a must for making the smooth, rich birria sauce. The Ninja Professional Blender gets the job done effortlessly.

Order yours now on Amazon here!

3. Cast Iron Skillet for Crispy Tacos

For the ultimate crispy taco, I swear by my Lodge Cast Iron Skillet. It ensures even cooking and that perfect golden crust.

Check it out on Amazon here!

Serving Suggestions

How to Serve Birria Tacos Like a Pro

Dunk It! The key to the best quesabirria tacos is dipping them in the rich, savory consomé.

Add Fresh Toppings: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and diced onion adds the perfect contrast to the rich meat.

Pair with a Side: Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a light avocado salad for a full meal.

Final Thoughts

This easy beef birria tacos recipe will completely transform your taco nights. The slow cooker (crockpot) makes the process effortless while delivering authentic, homemade, and absolutely delicious results. Whether you're feeding your family or impressing friends, this Mexican dish will have everyone hooked.

So, grab your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy the most crispy, cheesy, and flavorful quesabirria tacos of your life.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments!

forget to check out my recommended kitchen tools to make this recipe even easier!

Happy cooking!