Name: Crock Pot Birria Tacos: 3lb Blissful Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks; 3 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed; 2 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed; 1 onion, quartered; 4 garlic cloves; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 2 cups beef broth; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp dried oregano; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; Corn tortillas; Oil for frying; Fresh cilantro and diced onion, for garnish

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Crock Pot Birria Tacos have completely changed my weeknight dinners, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! I remember the first time I tasted authentic birria tacos from a local food truck – the rich, savory meat and the flavorful consommé for dipping were absolutely incredible. I spent ages trying to recreate that magic at home, and I finally cracked the code with this slow cooker method. It’s surprisingly simple and results in the most tender, juicy shredded beef you can imagine. You’ll love how these slow cooker birria tacos fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma. Trust me, these easy crock Pot birria tacos are a game-changer. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Birria Tacos

You’re going to adore how simple and delicious these Crock Pot Birria Tacos are! Here’s why they’ll become a fast favorite:

Incredible Flavor: The slow cooker melds the rich chili flavors into the beef, creating a depth you can’t get any other way.
Minimal Prep Time: Seriously, you just toss everything into the pot. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy & Wholesome: Lean beef and vibrant chilies make this a satisfying meal without the guilt.
Budget-Friendly: Using a beef chuck roast is economical, and the slow cooker tenderizes it beautifully.
Family Approved: Even picky eaters will devour these tender shredded beef birria tacos slow cooker style.
Effortless Entertaining: Make a big batch for guests – they’ll think you spent hours on them.
Authentic Taste: You get that true birria experience right from your kitchen, making these shredded beef birria tacos slow cooker a standout.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Birria Tacos

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to unlocking the magic of these Crock Pot Birria Tacos. This recipe relies on simple yet potent ingredients to create that authentic flavor. You’ll need 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks, which is perfect for slow cooking and shredding. For that signature birria flavor, we use 3 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed and 2 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed. These chilies provide a mild heat and deep, earthy notes. You’ll also need 1 onion, quartered, and 4 garlic cloves for aromatic depth. A 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes adds moisture and a touch of acidity, while 2 cups beef broth forms the base of our rich braising liquid. Don’t forget 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar for a little tang, and seasonings like 1 tbsp dried oregano, 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper to build complexity. These ingredients combine to form the incredible sauce that makes a fantastic birria consommé crock pot recipe. For serving, you’ll need corn tortillas and oil for frying, plus fresh garnishes like fresh cilantro and diced onion.

How to Make Crock Pot Birria Tacos

Let’s dive into creating some truly amazing homemade birria tacos crock pot style! It’s simpler than you might think.

Step 1: Start by softening your dried chilies. Place the 3 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed and 2 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed in a heatproof bowl. Pour enough hot water over them to cover completely, and let them soak for about 15 minutes until they’re nice and pliable.
Step 2: While the chilies are soaking, prepare your blender. Drain the softened chilies and add them to your blender along with the 1 onion, quartered, 4 garlic cloves, and the 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes. Blend until you have a super smooth, rich paste. This is the heart of your birria flavor!
Step 3: Now it’s time to get everything into the slow cooker. Place the 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks into your slow cooker. Pour the smooth chili-tomato mixture evenly over the beef. This is where the magic for our homemade birria tacos crock pot begins.
Step 4: Add the remaining liquid and seasonings to the slow cooker. Pour in 2 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 2 tsp ground cumin, your 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything.
Step 5: Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook. For ultimate tenderness, cook on LOW for 8–10 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, you can use the HIGH setting for 5–6 hours. The goal is for the beef to be so tender it falls apart with just a fork.
Step 6: Once the beef is perfectly tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Place the beef in a separate bowl or on a cutting board and use two forks to shred it. Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker, nestling it into the flavorful sauce. Let it sit for about 15-30 minutes to really soak up all those delicious flavors, creating the perfect base for your homemade birria tacos crock pot.
Step 7: Get ready to fry your tortillas. In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat.
Step 8: For that authentic birria taco crunch, dip each corn tortilla lightly into the top layer of flavorful fat that has separated from the broth in the crock pot.
Step 9: Place the oiled tortilla in the hot skillet and fry each side until it’s golden brown and starting to crisp up.
Step 10: Spoon a generous amount of the shredded birria beef onto one half of the tortilla. Fold the tortilla in half to create a taco. Fry the folded taco again in the skillet until both sides are crispy and the insides are warmed through.
Step 11: Serve your incredible Crock Pot Birria Tacos immediately with some of that rich, flavorful broth from the slow cooker on the side for dipping – it’s called consommé for a reason!
Step 12: Garnish generously with fresh cilantro and diced onion for a burst of freshness.

Pro Tips for the Best Crock Pot Birria Tacos

Want to elevate your Crock Pot Birria Tacos from delicious to absolutely unforgettable? I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference.

Always trim excess fat from your beef chuck roast before slow cooking. This prevents an overly greasy consommé, making it perfect for dipping.
If your consommé looks a bit too oily after cooking, don’t worry! Use a fat separator or a large spoon to skim off the excess oil.
Don’t overcrowd your skillet when frying the tortillas. Give them space so they can get wonderfully crispy and golden brown on both sides.
For maximum flavor infusion, let the shredded beef rest in the sauce for at least 15-30 minutes before you start assembling the tacos.

What’s the secret to perfect Crock Pot Birria Tacos?

The real secret to truly perfect authentic birria tacos crock pot style is the blend of dried chilies and letting the meat simmer low and slow. This process breaks down the connective tissues, making the beef incredibly tender and flavorful. For more information on slow cooking techniques, you can check out this guide.

Can I make Crock Pot Birria Tacos ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook the birria beef up to 3 days in advance. Store the shredded beef and consommé separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This makes assembly a breeze when you’re ready to make tacos.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crock Pot Birria Tacos?

A common pitfall is using beef that’s too lean, which can result in dry meat. Also, be sure not to over-blend your chili mixture; a little texture is good. Lastly, don’t skip the tortilla-dipping step – it’s key for that authentic birria taco flavor! Learning about different chili types can also help; see this resource for more.

Best Ways to Serve Crock Pot Birria Tacos

Once your Crock Pot Birria Tacos are ready, the serving possibilities are endless! My favorite way is the classic street-style taco: load the crispy, fried tortillas with that tender, shredded birria beef. Don’t forget to garnish generously with finely diced white onion and fresh, chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. You can also serve these beauties alongside a simple side of Mexican rice or some creamy refried beans for a heartier meal.

For a delightful pairing that complements the rich flavors of these slow cooker shredded beef tacos, consider a refreshing lime-cilantro slaw or a classic pico de gallo. The bright, acidic notes cut through the richness beautifully, making each bite balanced and utterly delicious. You might also enjoy exploring other taco recipes for inspiration.

Crock Pot Birria Tacos: 3lb Blissful Bites - Crock Pot Birria Tacos - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for Crock Pot Birria Tacos

When you’re enjoying these delicious Crock Pot Birria Tacos, here’s a look at what you can expect per serving (which includes one taco and a bit of consommé for dipping):

Calories: 522 kcal
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 850mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For more on understanding nutrition labels, consult resources like the FDA’s guide.

How to Store and Reheat Crock Pot Birria Tacos

Leftover birria meat and consommé from your Crock Pot Birria Tacos are a treasure! Once the meat has cooled slightly, I like to separate the shredded beef from the consommé. Store each in separate airtight containers. The beef will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, making it easy to whip up more tacos throughout the week. For longer storage, you can freeze the birria beef and consommé for up to 3 months. This is a lifesaver for busy schedules and means you can enjoy these simple crock pot birria tacos whenever the craving strikes.

When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm the shredded beef and consommé on the stovetop over low heat, or pop them in the microwave. If you want those tacos extra crispy again, a quick stint in an air fryer or a pan-fry is perfect. Just be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Birria Tacos

Can I use a different cut of beef for Crock Pot Birria Tacos?

While beef chuck roast is my go-to for its marbling and tenderness, you can certainly use other cuts. Beef brisket or even beef short ribs can work well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, as different cuts may require more or less time to become fork-tender for your crock pot beef tacos recipe.

How do I get the consommé to be less oily?

The fat from the beef naturally separates and rises to the top of the consommé. The best way to manage this is to let the birria cool slightly after cooking. Then, you can easily skim off the excess fat with a spoon or use a fat separator. This step is crucial for a cleaner-tasting dipping broth for your Crock Pot Birria Tacos.

What are the best toppings for Crock Pot Birria Tacos?

Classic toppings really let the birria shine! I love finely diced white onion and fresh cilantro. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice, some thinly sliced radishes for crunch, or even a dollop of crema or sour cream if you like. For those who enjoy a little heat, some pickled jalapeños are fantastic. You can find great topping ideas here.

Can I make the birria sauce spicier?

Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a couple of dried árbol chilies along with the guajillo and ancho chilies. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the blender mixture for an extra layer of heat in your crock pot beef tacos recipe.

Variations of Crock Pot Birria Tacos You Can Try

While this recipe for Crock Pot Birria Tacos is fantastic on its own, there are so many ways to mix things up! If you’re looking for even more ways to enjoy this amazing dish, consider these delicious variations.

Vegetarian Birria: For a plant-based twist, swap the beef for hearty jackfruit or mushrooms. Simmer them in the same rich chili broth. These vegetarian versions make for incredibly satisfying and easy crock pot birria tacos.
Spicy Birria: Crank up the heat by adding a few dried árbol chilies to the soaking and blending process, or stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce into the finished consommé.
Birria Ramen: Forget the tortillas for a moment! Use the rich, flavorful birria broth as a base for ramen noodles. Add the shredded beef, some corn, a soft-boiled egg, and fresh green onions for a unique fusion meal.
Birria Quesadillas: Instead of frying tortillas for tacos, layer the shredded birria with melty cheese between two tortillas and grill them like quesadillas. They’re a delicious alternative that’s just as easy.