Crock Pot Birria Tacos

Crock Pot Birria Tacos

Crock Pot Birria Tacos is a delightful way to savor rich flavors and tender meat right in your kitchen. This dish stands out for its juicy filling, which brings the authentic taste of Mexican cuisine to your table. Ideal for gatherings or cozy nights at home, these tacos offer versatility that fits any occasion. Plus, the slow-cooking process ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Cooking: Simply set it and forget it! The crock pot does all the work for you.
  • Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and slow cooking creates a deep, savory taste that’s hard to resist.
  • Versatile Meal: Perfect for taco night, parties, or meal prepping for the week.
  • Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love digging into these tasty tacos.
  • Easy Customization: Add your favorite toppings for a personalized touch.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Crock Pot Birria Tacos, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Blender
  • Skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Importance of Each Tool

  • Slow cooker: Allows for low and slow cooking, which tenderizes the meat perfectly.
  • Blender: Essential for creating a smooth sauce from the dried chilies and other ingredients.
  • Skillet: Used for frying tortillas to achieve that crispy texture.

Ingredients

For the Meat

  • 3 pounds beef chuck roast (cut into large chunks)
  • 3 dried guajillo chilies (stems and seeds removed)
  • 2 dried ancho chilies (stems and seeds removed)
  • 1 onion (quartered)
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Assembly

  • Corn tortillas
  • Oil for frying
  • Cilantro and diced onion for garnish

How to Make Crock Pot Birria Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Chilies

Soak dried chilies in hot water for 15 minutes. After soaking, blend them with onion, garlic, and diced tomatoes until smooth.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot

Place beef in the crock pot. Pour the chili mixture over the beef. Add beef broth, apple cider vinegar, oregano, cumin, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef

Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours until beef is tender. The long cooking time allows all flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Shred the Beef

Once cooked, shred the beef inside the crock pot and mix it with the sauce to ensure every bite is flavorful.

Step 5: Fry Tortillas

Heat oil in a skillet. Dip corn tortillas in the top fat layer of broth from the crock pot. Fry them until crispy on both sides.

Step 6: Assemble Tacos

Fill each tortilla with a generous amount of shredded beef mixture. Fold and fry again briefly until crispy.

Step 7: Serve

Serve with additional broth from the crock pot for dipping along with fresh cilantro and diced onion as garnishes. Enjoy every delicious bite!

How to Serve Crock Pot Birria Tacos

Crock Pot Birria Tacos are a delightful dish that can be customized in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your taco experience.

Traditional Toppings

  • Cilantro – Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and freshness.
  • Diced Onion – Sweet, crunchy onions complement the rich meat perfectly.
  • Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime brightens the flavors and adds acidity.

Dipping Sauce

  • Consommé – Serve the delicious broth from the crock pot as a dipping sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Salsa Verde – This tangy green salsa offers a nice contrast to the richness of the tacos.

Additional Sides

  • Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice seasoned with spices pairs well with the tacos.
  • Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans add heartiness to your meal.

Drink Pairings

  • Horchata – This sweet rice drink is a refreshing complement to spicy tacos.
  • Mexican Coke – The classic soda enhances the flavors with its unique sweetness.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Birria Tacos

Making perfect Crock Pot Birria Tacos is easy with a few tips. Follow these suggestions for an even better outcome.

  • Use Quality Meat – Choose a well-marbled beef chuck roast for tenderness and flavor.
  • Blend Chili Spice Mixture Well – Ensure the chili mixture is smooth for a richer sauce.
  • Cook Low and Slow – Cooking on low heat allows flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Adjust Seasoning – Taste the broth before serving and adjust salt or spices as needed.
  • Fry Tortillas Carefully – Ensure oil is hot enough for crispy tortillas without being greasy.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Birria Tacos

To round out your meal, consider these tasty side dishes that pair wonderfully with Crock Pot Birria Tacos.

  1. Mexican Rice – Flavored with tomatoes and spices, this dish is a staple.
  2. Refried Beans – Creamy beans that provide texture and balance to spicy tacos.
  3. Elote (Mexican Street Corn) – Grilled corn topped with mayo, cheese, and spices offers sweetness.
  4. Guacamole – Creamy avocado dip adds richness and creamy texture.
  5. Chips and Salsa – Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa enhance snacking options.
  6. Pickled Vegetables – Tangy pickled onions or jalapeños add brightness and crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crock Pot Birria Tacos, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

  • Skipping the soaking step: Failing to soak the dried chilies can result in a gritty texture. Always soak them in hot water for 15 minutes for a smoother sauce.
  • Not seasoning properly: Forgetting to add salt and spices can lead to bland tacos. Make sure to follow the recipe closely for the right flavor profile.
  • Overcooking or undercooking the meat: Cooking the beef too long can make it dry while not cooking it enough leaves it tough. Aim for 8-10 hours on low for tender results.
  • Using low-quality tortillas: Cheap tortillas may fall apart when frying. Invest in good quality corn tortillas that can hold the filling well.
  • Neglecting garnishes: Skipping cilantro and diced onion can result in a flat taste. These fresh toppings add necessary brightness and flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
  • They will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing Crock Pot Birria Tacos

  • Freeze the beef mixture in freezer-safe containers.
  • It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Crock Pot Birria Tacos

  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Place servings on a microwave-safe plate and cover. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
  • Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Crock Pot Birria Tacos?

Crock Pot Birria Tacos are flavorful Mexican tacos made with tender beef cooked slowly in spices and chilies, served with broth for dipping.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute chicken, but adjust cooking times as chicken cooks faster than beef.

How do I make my tacos crispy?

Fry the tortillas after dipping them in broth fat until golden brown. This adds crunch and enhances flavor.

Can I customize my toppings?

Absolutely! You can add avocado, cheese, or your favorite salsa to personalize your Crock Pot Birria Tacos.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Birria Tacos offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them perfect for any occasion. They are versatile, allowing you to customize toppings or even swap proteins based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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Crock Pot Birria Tacos

Crock Pot Birria Tacos


  • Author: Cecilia
  • Total Time: 37 minute
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

Description

Indulge in the mouthwatering experience of Crock Pot Birria Tacos, where tender beef meets a medley of spices and chilies for an authentic taste of Mexico. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners, these tacos are not only easy to prepare but also allow for endless customization with toppings. Slow-cooked to perfection, every bite is bursting with flavor and pairs beautifully with savory broth for dipping.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds beef chuck roast
  • 3 dried guajillo chilies
  • 2 dried ancho chilies
  • 1 onion
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Corn tortillas
  • Oil for frying
  • Cilantro and diced onion for garnish

Instructions

  1. Soak dried chilies in hot water for 15 minutes, then blend with onion, garlic, and tomatoes until smooth.
  2. Place the beef in the crock pot and pour the blended chili mixture over it.
  3. Add beef broth, apple cider vinegar, oregano, cumin, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours until the beef is tender.
  5. Shred the beef inside the crock pot and mix it with the sauce.
  6. Fry corn tortillas in oil until crispy; dip them in the broth fat for added flavor.
  7. Assemble tacos by filling tortillas with shredded beef and frying briefly until crispy.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 to 10 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow cooking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tacos (approximately 200g)
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For added flavor, use quality meat that is well-marbled. Feel free to customize your toppings such as avocado or cheese for a personal touch. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.

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Cecilia

Pro Chef & Blogger

Welcome to my culinary corner, where passion meets the plate! I’m a chef with a love for creating delicious and inspiring dishes. Here, I’ll share my best recipes, tips, and tricks to help you bring a taste of magic into your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll find something to ignite your passion for cooking. Join me on this flavorful journey and let’s make every meal memorable. Happy cooking.

Cecilia