Crock Pot Birria Tacos

Crock pot Birria Tacos let you enjoy deeply flavorful beef tucked into crispy golden tortillas without fussing over a pot all day. This slow cooked recipe fills your kitchen with warming spices and delivers restaurant worthy tacos that have become a regular family favorite in my home.

I first made these Birria Tacos for a weekend family movie night and now everyone requests them for birthdays and holiday get togethers. The aroma alone makes the house feel extra cozy.

Ingredients

• Beef chuck roast: The marbled fat keeps the meat juicy after hours of slow cooking Select a roast with fine marbling for best results
• Dried guajillo chilies: They build the authentic earthy flavor Look for ones that feel pliable and smell fruity not dusty
• Dried ancho chilies: These add deep smokiness and a hint of chocolate Seek out ones that are still leathery not brittle
• Onion: The sweetness balances the robust chilies Fresh onions work best do not use pre chopped
• Garlic cloves: Five cloves add aromatic punch Fresh garlic gives the purest taste
• Canned diced tomatoes: These offer bright acidity and texture Choose a brand with no added sugar or herbs
• Beef broth: A full bodied store bought or homemade broth anchors the sauce Quality here affects the entire dish
• Apple cider vinegar: A splash cuts through the richness and blends flavors Use unfiltered for a more robust taste
• Dried oregano: Lends herbal complexity Use Mexican oregano for traditional flair if available
• Ground cumin: Toasty earthy notes that round out the sauce Grind from whole seeds if you can
• Bay leaves: Infuse slow subtle flavor Use whole leaves and remove before serving
• Salt: Essential for drawing out flavors Use kosher or sea salt for best seasoning control
• Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and sharpness Grind fresh for a lively kick
• Corn tortillas: The key to that perfect crispy taco Buy local corn tortillas with few ingredients for better flavor
• Oil for frying: A neutral oil like avocado or canola crisps up the tortillas without overpowering the fillings
• Cilantro and diced onion: Bright herbal garnish that adds freshness Pick fresh leafy cilantro and crisp onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Soak and Blend Chilies:

Cover the dried guajillo and ancho chilies with hot water in a bowl then let them soak for fifteen minutes until softened After soaking transfer the chilies onions and garlic to a blender with diced tomatoes Blend until completely smooth This step infuses all the flavors into a unified sauce

Prepare the Beef and Sauce:

Place beef chuck roast chunks in the crock pot Pour the blended chili mixture over the meat Add in beef broth apple cider vinegar dried oregano ground cumin bay leaves salt and black pepper Stir gently to disperse the spices evenly This marinating step ensures every bite is flavorful

Slow Cook Until Tender:

Set your crock pot to LOW and let it cook for eight to ten hours The beef should become fork tender and shred effortlessly Cooking low and slow lets the flavors meld and yields meat that melts in your mouth

Shred and Combine:

Once finished cooking remove the bay leaves and shred the beef directly in the crock pot so it soaks up all the juices Mixing the beef with its sauce keeps it moist for filling the tacos

Crisp the Tortillas and Fill:

Heat oil in a wide skillet until shimmering Skim the top fat layer from the crock pot broth then dip each corn tortilla into this fat to coat Fry the tortilla in the skillet until golden and crispy on each side Place a generous amount of shredded beef inside fold the tortilla in half and fry again to lock in the crunch

Garnish and Serve:

Top the finished tacos with chopped cilantro and diced onion Serve with a small bowl of reserved broth from the crock pot for dunking This extra step makes each taco a flavor bomb

Pin

My kids love swirling their tacos in the little bowls of birria broth and my husband swears the extra crisp edges of the tortillas are what make these tacos irresistible Every time we cook this the kitchen fills with laughter and the kind of memories that linger long after plates are cleaned

Storage tips

Store any leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator It keeps well for up to five or six days and the flavors actually develop even more Tacos assembled ahead may soften in storage so I recommend crisping them up again in a hot skillet before serving if you like them crunchy

Ingredient substitutions

If you cannot find guajillo or ancho chilies use dried chipotle and New Mexico chilies for a similar deep smoky flavor For those who prefer a little extra heat add in one or two dried arbol chilies instead When choosing beef brisket can be swapped for chuck roast if you prefer something even richer

Pin

Serving suggestions

Set out a garnish tray with extra cilantro diced onions lime wedges and even shredded cheese for a taco night spread Birria beef also makes fantastic quesadillas tostadas or even breakfast burritos with scrambled eggs on the side

Cultural context

Birria originated in the Mexican state of Jalisco and was traditionally made with goat but beef birria has become popular for its rich melt in your mouth texture The method of dipping fried tacos into the braising broth is a street food tradition that brings authentic taqueria style flavor to home kitchens

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of beef works best?

Beef chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling, which creates a tender texture after slow cooking for several hours.

→ Can I use different dried chilies?

If guajillo or ancho chilies are unavailable, chipotle and New Mexico chilies provide a similar flavor profile and mild heat.

→ How can I make tacos extra crispy?

Dip tortillas in the fat layer of the broth before frying, and use a hot skillet to achieve a golden, crisp exterior.

→ What toppings complement birria tacos?

Fresh cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime enhance the flavor and offer a refreshing contrast to the rich filling.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Refrigerate the beef mixture in an airtight container for up to 5–6 days. Assembled tacos can be stored but may soften over time.