Ingredients:
For the birria:
2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks (or a mix of beef and lamb)
2 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed
2 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed
1 dried pasilla chile, stem and seeds removed
4 garlic cloves
1 large onion, quartered
1 large tomato, quartered
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground cloves
2 bay leaves
6 cups beef broth or water
Salt and pepper to taste
For the tacos:
Corn tortillas
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Oaxaca cheese
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Diced onions
Lime wedges
Birria broth for dipping
Directions:
Prepare the sauce:
Toast the guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chiles in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Transfer the chiles to a bowl, cover with hot water, and let them soak for 15 minutes until softened.
In a blender, combine the softened chiles, garlic, onion, tomato, cumin, oregano, and 1 cup of beef broth. Blend until smooth. Strain the sauce through a sieve to remove any solids.
Cook the birria:
In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear the chunks of beef until browned on all sides.
Pour the blended sauce over the beef, add the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and remaining beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 2.5 to 3 hours until the beef is tender and falling apart.
Shred the beef:
Remove the beef from the pot and shred it with two forks. Strain the broth to remove any solids and set aside for dipping.
Assemble the tacos:
Heat the griddle over medium heat. Dip the corn tortillas into the birria broth to coat them, then place them on the griddle. Sprinkle shredded cheese on one half of each tortilla, add some shredded birria meat, and fold the tortilla over to make a taco.
Cook the tacos on both sides until crispy and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Serve:
Serve the tacos with fresh cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, and a small bowl of the reserved birria broth for dipping.
Enjoy these flavorful, cheesy, and juicy Birria Tacos! 🌮
