Birria tacos made better? Yes there's a way to do it!
Birria tacos made better? Yes there's a way to do it! is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 4. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by Jose.elcook on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 2 hrs 30 min | Total: 3 hrs 5 min
Cost: $16.95 total, $4.24 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 lb Beef Chuck Roast (cut into 1‑inch cubes; trim excess fat)
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil (for searing)
- 1 Onion (medium, diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 Tbsp Cumin (ground)
- 2 Tbsp Chili Powder
- 1 Tbsp Paprika (smoked preferred)
- 2 cup Beef Broth (low‑sodium)
- 8 Corn Tortillas (12‑inch, fresh)
- 1 Lime (cut into wedges for serving)
- 1/4 cup Cilantro (chopped, optional garnish)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
Prep the Beef
Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and black pepper.
Time: PT5M
Toast the Spices
Heat a dry skillet over medium‑high heat for 30 seconds, add cumin, chili powder, and paprika, and stir constantly for 15‑20 seconds until fragrant. Transfer to a small bowl.
Time: PT1M
Sear the Beef
Add olive oil to the cast‑iron skillet and heat over high heat until shimmering. Working in batches, add the beef cubes and sear without moving for about 2 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: 450°F
Build the Braising Base
Remove the seared beef and set aside. In the same skillet, add diced onion and sauté 3 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds. Sprinkle the toasted spices over the vegetables and stir for another 15 seconds.
Time: PT4M
Deglaze and Transfer
Pour 1 cup of beef broth into the skillet, stirring to dissolve the fond. Transfer the mixture, along with the seared beef, into the Dutch oven.
Time: PT2M
Add Remaining Liquid
Add the remaining 1 cup of beef broth to the Dutch oven, give everything a gentle stir, and bring to a low simmer.
Time: PT5M
Slow Cook the Beef
Cover the Dutch oven and let the beef cook on low heat for 2 hours, or until the meat is fork‑tender and easily shreds.
Time: PT2H
Shred the Beef
Remove the pot from heat. Using two forks, shred the beef into bite‑size pieces, mixing it back into the sauce.
Time: PT5M
Warm the Tortillas
Preheat a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F. Place tortillas on the sheet and warm for 30 seconds, then remove.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: 350°F
Quick‑Dip for Crunch
Hold a tortilla over a shallow dish of hot oil (just enough to coat the surface) and dip for a rapid 1‑2 seconds, then lift and let excess oil drip off onto a paper towel. The fat rises to the top, so the quick dip captures just enough grease for a crunchy bite.
Time: PT2M
Assemble the Tacos
Fill each crunchy tortilla with a generous spoonful of shredded beef, top with chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and any additional toppings you like.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 28 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 22 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑free (use corn tortillas), Dairy‑free
Allergens: Wheat (if using flour tortillas), Potential dairy (if cheese is added)
Last updated: April 19, 2026






