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Birria Tacos with Rich Consomme

Birria Tacos with Rich Consomme

Birria Tacos with Rich Consomme is a traditional Mexican dish featuring tender, slow-cooked beef chuck roast marinated in a smoky, flavorful chili sauce. The meat is served inside crispy, consomme-soaked corn tortillas and accompanied by a rich, aromatic consommé for dipping. This recipe delivers authentic layered spices and comforting warmth, perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Marinade

  • 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
  • 5 dried guajillo chilies, stems and seeds removed
  • 3 dried ancho chilies, stems and seeds removed
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 2 medium tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 1 cup hot water (for soaking chilies)

Broth and Aromatics

  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 4 cups water or beef broth

Tacos and Garnishes

  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 medium white onion, finely chopped (for garnish)
  • 2 limes, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chili Sauce: Remove stems and seeds from the dried guajillo and ancho chilies. Lightly toast them in a dry skillet until fragrant, then soak in hot water until softened. Blend the softened chilies with garlic, tomatoes, onion, and a bit of the soaking liquid to create a vibrant, flavorful sauce for marinating the meat.
  2. Marinate the Meat: Cut the beef chuck into large chunks and thoroughly coat with the chili sauce. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
  3. Cook the Birria: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the marinated meat and sauce with bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cloves, and 4 cups of water or beef broth. Simmer gently over low heat for 3 to 4 hours until the meat is tender and easily shredded, and the consommé develops a rich, aromatic flavor.
  4. Shred the Meat: Remove the meat from the pot and shred finely using forks. Skim excess fat from the consommé to keep it clear and flavorful.
  5. Assemble the Tacos: Dip corn tortillas into the warm consommé to soften and coat them. Place tortillas on a hot skillet, add shredded meat, and sprinkle with cheese if using. Cook until tortillas are crispy and cheese is melted. Fold tortillas over the filling to form tacos.
  6. Serve with Rich Consomme: Serve the crispy tacos alongside warm consommé for dipping. Garnish with finely chopped onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for the perfect balance of flavors.

Notes

  • Use quality dried chilies for the authentic depth of flavor in both sauce and consommé.
  • Marinate the meat overnight to allow spices to fully penetrate and enhance flavor.
  • Simmer the birria low and slow to achieve tender meat and rich consommé.
  • Skim excess fat from consommé to maintain its clarity and taste.
  • Dip tortillas in consommé before crisping for added flavor and perfect texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Birria Tacos, Mexican, Beef Birria, Consomme, Slow Cooked Meat, Authentic Mexican Tacos