Slow Cooker Beef Birria Tacos
These Slow Cooker Beef Birria Tacos are a flavorful twist on classic tacos, featuring tender, slow-cooked shredded beef in a rich, smoky birria sauce. The blend of Guajillo and Ancho chiles, garlic, and spices creates an unforgettable flavor that pairs perfectly with corn tortillas. Simply fry the tortillas in the savory sauce, then fill with cheese and beef for a crispy, indulgent bite. Garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, they’re perfect for any taco night.
Ingredients:
3 lbs chuck roast, cut into large chunks
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 dried Guajillo chiles
4 dried Ancho chiles
3 cloves of garlic, peeled
1 medium white onion, quartered
2 bay leaves
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
2 cups beef broth
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Corn tortillas, for serving
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving
Cooking oil, for frying
Shredded Oaxacan or Italian cheese as topping
Tip: Feel free to add your favorite taco toppings!
Directions:
1. Season and prep: Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper, then place it into your slow cooker for ultimate tenderness.
2. Toast and soak chiles: Remove the stems and seeds from the dried Guajillo and Ancho chiles. Toast them in a small saucepan over medium heat for 2 minutes, then cover with water and bring to a boil. Let them soak for 30 minutes.
3. Blend the sauce: Drain the chiles and add them to a blender along with garlic, onion, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, cloves, beef broth, and apple cider vinegar. Blend until smooth.
4. Slow cook: Pour the blended birria sauce over the beef in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, until the beef is tender and shreds easily.
5. Shred the beef: Once cooked, shred the beef with two forks, skim any excess fat from the sauce if needed, and mix the beef with the flavorful sauce.
6. Assemble the tacos: Dip corn tortillas into the rich birria sauce and fry them lightly in a skillet with oil. Fill with shredded beef, add a generous amount of shredded cheese, fold, and sear both sides until crispy.
7. Serve and enjoy: Garnish your tacos with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for that extra burst of flavor.