These Crockpot Birria Tacos are a crowd-pleaser, featuring tender, slow-cooked beef soaked in a flavorful consommé and nestled inside soft corn tortillas. They’re the perfect balance of rich, savory flavors and crispy textures that come together beautifully when served with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Whether you’re hosting a Taco Tuesday gathering or craving a comforting meal at home, these tacos are sure to impress. The slow cooking method infuses the beef with incredible flavor, while the consommé adds depth and complexity to each bite. Don’t forget to serve them with your favorite salsa for that extra burst of flavor!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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3 lbs beef chuck roast
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2 dried guajillo chiles
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2 dried ancho chiles
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1 onion, quartered
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4 cloves garlic, peeled
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1 tablespoon cumin
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1 tablespoon chili powder
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1 tablespoon oregano
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1 teaspoon ground cloves
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1 bay leaf
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4 cups beef broth
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Salt to taste
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12 small corn tortillas
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2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese
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Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
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Lime wedges (for serving)
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Salsa (optional)
Directions:
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Begin by removing the stems and seeds from the dried chiles. Place them in a bowl of warm water for about 10-15 minutes to rehydrate.
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In a blender, combine the rehydrated chiles, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, cloves, cinnamon, and 2 cups of beef broth. Blend until smooth.
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Place the beef chuck roast into the crockpot and pour the chili mixture over the meat.
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Add the remaining beef broth, bay leaf, and salt to the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the beef is tender and easily shreds.
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Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Strain the cooking liquid to create the consommé.
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Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly toast the tortillas on both sides.
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To assemble the tacos, dip each tortilla into the consommé, then add shredded beef and a sprinkle of Oaxaca cheese. Fold the taco and serve with cilantro, lime wedges, and salsa on the side.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 300 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Introduction to Crockpot Birria Tacos
Crockpot Birria Tacos are a delicious and savory Mexican dish that brings together tender, slow-cooked beef with a rich and flavorful consommé, all tucked inside soft, crispy tortillas. This dish has grown in popularity in recent years, and it’s no surprise why—it’s bursting with mouth-watering flavors and is incredibly satisfying. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the magic of slow cooking, where the beef becomes so tender it practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a family dinner or impress guests at a gathering, these tacos are a guaranteed hit.
The birria taco originates from Jalisco, Mexico, and was originally made with goat meat, although beef is now a common substitute in many versions of the recipe. Traditionally, birria is served with a consommé, which is the flavorful broth left over from cooking the meat. This broth is often used for dipping the tacos, adding an extra layer of taste and richness to each bite. While this recipe focuses on beef chuck roast, the slow-cooked birria is just as delicious, with tender shreds of beef soaking up the spices and becoming absolutely irresistible.
Why Crockpot Birria Tacos are Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the main reasons Crockpot Birria Tacos are so popular is the ease of preparation. The beauty of the slow-cooking process is that you can throw all your ingredients into the crockpot, set it, and forget it. As the day goes on, the flavors develop, and by the time you’re ready to eat, your meal is practically prepared. No fussing over the stove, no last-minute scrambling—just tender, flavorful meat ready to be enjoyed.
These tacos are also versatile, as they can be adjusted to suit different tastes. You can customize the level of heat by adding more or less chili powder or other spices. The consommé can be used for dipping or poured over the tacos for extra moisture and flavor. With toppings like fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and salsa, you can further personalize each taco to your liking.
The Magic of Slow Cooking
The slow-cooking process is key to making these tacos so delicious. Cooking the beef chuck roast in the crockpot allows the flavors to meld and intensify. The beef becomes tender and juicy, with the spices and seasonings infusing every inch of the meat. Slow cooking also gives the consommé time to develop its rich and savory flavor, creating a depth that you just can’t achieve with faster cooking methods. The combination of tender beef and flavorful broth makes these tacos a truly comforting meal.
Not only does the slow cooking method enhance the flavor of the beef, but it also allows for minimal active cooking time. Simply prepare the ingredients, set your crockpot to low, and let it do all the work while you go about your day. This convenience makes it an excellent choice for busy nights, meal prep, or gatherings with friends and family.
Choosing the Right Meat for Birria Tacos
While this recipe calls for beef chuck roast, you can opt for different cuts of meat depending on your preference. Beef chuck roast is an ideal choice because it’s well-marbled, meaning it has enough fat to keep the meat tender during the long cooking process. It’s also a more affordable option compared to other cuts of beef. The fat that renders out during cooking adds flavor and moisture to the meat, resulting in a rich and juicy filling for your tacos.
Other cuts of beef, such as brisket or short ribs, could also be used, though they may require slightly different cooking times. For those who want a traditional birria experience, you can even use goat meat, though this is less common outside of Mexico. Regardless of the meat choice, the slow-cooking method will ensure that the result is a tender and flavorful dish.
The Consommé: An Essential Element of Birria Tacos
What truly sets birria tacos apart is the consommé, the rich and flavorful broth that accompanies the dish. In traditional birria, the consommé is made by simmering the meat with various herbs, spices, and dried chiles. The result is a deeply flavored broth that is often served alongside the tacos for dipping. The consommé not only adds moisture to the tacos but also intensifies the overall flavor of the dish.
In the crockpot version of this recipe, the consommé is created while the beef cooks. The beef chuck roast releases its juices into the broth, infusing it with flavor. The addition of spices like cumin, cinnamon, oregano, and dried chiles gives the consommé a smoky, spicy kick. This broth is then used to dip the tacos or pour over the meat, making each bite a flavorful experience.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
Birria tacos are best served with fresh, simple toppings that complement the bold flavors of the meat. A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness, while a squeeze of lime provides a zesty contrast to the richness of the beef. Some people like to add a bit of salsa for an extra layer of heat and flavor, though this is entirely optional.
To make a complete meal, serve the tacos with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a light salad. For those who enjoy a more indulgent meal, consider serving with a side of crispy tortilla chips and guacamole. The versatility of birria tacos means they can be paired with almost anything, from simple sides to more elaborate dishes.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though we doubt that will happen!), storing them is simple. Place the leftover birria meat and consommé in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat the beef and consommé in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you want to maintain the crispy texture of the tortillas, you can quickly reheat them on a skillet over medium heat.
You can also freeze the leftover beef and consommé for future meals. Place them in a freezer-safe container, and they can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw the leftovers in the fridge overnight and reheat as desired.
Conclusion
Crockpot Birria Tacos are a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to make, incredibly tender, and packed with deep, smoky flavors. The slow-cooked beef, combined with the rich consommé and soft tortillas, makes for a delicious and comforting dish that will surely become a family favorite. The best part is that it requires minimal effort, thanks to the crockpot. Just add your ingredients, set it to cook, and let the slow cooker work its magic.
Whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner, a weekend get-together, or a Taco Tuesday celebration, birria tacos are sure to impress. Their combination of tender beef, flavorful broth, and endless customization options will leave everyone craving more. With its simple preparation, versatility, and incredible flavor, Crockpot Birria Tacos are a must-try dish for any taco lover or home cook. Don’t forget to serve with your favorite toppings and sides, and get ready to enjoy one of the most delicious tacos you’ve ever had!