Homemade BIRRIA Tacos

beef chuck

🥗Healthier: lean turkey

💰Cheaper: pork shoulder

Pork shoulder is often less expensive and still flavorful.

dried guajillo chiles

🥗Healthier: fresh bell peppers

💰Cheaper: canned tomatoes

Canned tomatoes can provide a similar flavor base.

beef broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water + bouillon

Water with bouillon cubes can mimic broth flavor.

corn tortillas

🥗Healthier: whole wheat tortillas

💰Cheaper: flour tortillas

Flour tortillas are often more affordable.

Clean and remove seeds and stems from 6 guajillo chiles, 1 ancho chile, and 1 pasilla chile.

Boil water in a pot, then turn off heat and steep the chiles for 15 minutes.

Remove the liquid, reserving about 2.5 cups for the puree.

In a blender, combine the softened chiles, 2 tablespoons beef bouillon powder, 6 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons Mexican oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/8 teaspoon ground clove, 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. Blend until smooth.

Brown 4 pounds of boneless beef chuck roast in a 14-inch skillet, seasoning with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Remove the beef and sauté onion in the same skillet, then add 1 cup of water to create a broth from the fond.

Add the beef back into the skillet, along with the broth and chili puree, and transfer everything to a 6-quart Instant Pot.

Add 3 cups of water to the blender to rinse out any residual puree and add that to the Instant Pot along with 2 dried bay leaves.

Seal the Instant Pot and set it to the stew meat setting for 55 minutes on high pressure.

After cooking, let it sit for 30 minutes before venting the pressure.

Reserve any rendered fat from the beef for later use.

Chop the meat and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.

Preheat a griddle over low heat and add corn tortillas, flipping them.

Add the chopped meat and Oaxaca cheese to the tortillas, cooking until the cheese is melted and the exterior is crispy.

Serve the tacos with a bowl of the reserved broth, topped with onion, cilantro, salsa, and fresh lime.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: