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Crockpot Birria Tacos: The Ultimate Fall-Apart Tender Recipe That’ll Change Taco Night Forever

Crockpot Birria Tacos

Authentic crockpot birria tacos with fall-apart tender beef slow-cooked in aromatic chile consommé. These crispy, cheese-filled tacos are served with rich dipping broth for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients

For the Birria:

  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cubed
  • 5-6 dried guajillo chiles
  • 2-3 dried ancho chiles
  • 1 dried chile de árbol (optional)
  • 1 white onion, quartered
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 3 Roma tomatoes, halved
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tbsp Mexican oregano
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp coriander
  • 1/2 tsp cloves
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Tacos:

  • 18-24 corn tortillas
  • 2 cups Oaxaca cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup white onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
  • Limes, cut into wedges
  • Vegetable oil

Instructions

  • Prepare Chiles: Toast dried chiles in dry skillet 30-45 seconds per side. Remove stems and seeds. Soak in hot water 15-20 minutes until soft.
  • Char Vegetables: In dry skillet over medium-high heat, char onion, garlic, and tomatoes until blackened in spots, about 8-10 minutes.
  • Make Sauce: Blend soaked chiles, charred vegetables, tomato paste, vinegar, spices, and 1 cup broth until completely smooth.
  • Season Meat: Season beef chunks with salt and pepper on all sides.
  • Load Crockpot: Place beef in slow cooker. Pour chile sauce over meat. Add remaining broth, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick. Stir gently.
  • Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or HIGH for 5-6 hours until meat shreds easily.
  • Shred Meat: Remove beef and shred with forks. Discard bay leaves and cinnamon. Skim fat from consommé if desired. Return meat to pot for 10-15 minutes.
  • Assemble Tacos: Heat skillet over medium. Dip tortilla in consommé. Place on skillet. Add cheese and meat to one half. Fold. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and golden.
  • Serve: Top with onion, cilantro, and lime. Serve with warm consommé for dipping.

Notes

  • Chuck roast can be substituted with short ribs for richer flavor
  • Make extra consommé—it’s incredible for dipping
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day
  • Don’t oversoak tortillas or they’ll fall apart
  • Use fresh corn tortillas for best results
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