The Ultimate Juicy Crock Pot Birria Tacos Recipe You Need!

Did you know that tacos can carry a secret that transforms an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary? With this Crock Pot Birria Tacos recipe, I’ve seeped every ounce of goodness into a cozy slow-cooking process that will make your taste buds dance. Imagine savory, fork-tender beef melded with a blend of spices that create a rich consome, perfect for dressing those soft tortillas.

This recipe is not only a time-saver, but it also turns heads at gatherings. By allowing the flavors to develop over hours, you're rewarded with a dish that feels both comforting and celebratory. And the best part? You can assemble your tacos right before serving, ensuring they are crisp and cheesy, just the way everyone loves them.

Are you ready to dive into this delightful culinary adventure? Scroll down and get ready to make some unforgettable tacos that will leave your friends and family raving!

Why Are CROCK POT BIRRIA TACOS RECIPE So Loved?

Flavor Explosion! Each bite bursts with rich, savory goodness.
Effortless Preparation: Just sear the meat and let the crockpot work its magic.
Tender, Juicy Beef: Slow cooking ensures your beef is fork-tender and bursting with flavor.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for gatherings or cozy family dinners; everyone will rave about these tacos!
Versatile Options: Personalize with toppings like fresh cilantro, diced onions, or pickled jalapeños for a zing!
Cheesy Delight: Assemble with melty cheese for a satisfying crunch, really elevating your taco night.

CROCK POT BIRRIA TACOS RECIPE Ingredients

• Here’s what you’ll need to create these savory delights:

For the Beef

Boneless Chuck Roast – This cut provides the best texture and tenderness when slow-cooked.
Coarse Ground Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper – Essential for seasoning, helping to bring out the beef’s rich flavors.
Avocado or Neutral Oil – Use this for searing the beef and frying the tortillas; any neutral oil will do.

For the Consome

Dried Guajillo Chiles – Offers a slightly sweet and smoky flavor; remove seeds for a milder spice.
Chipotle Chiles in Adobo – This adds heat and depth; adjust the quantity depending on your heat preference.
Small Red Onion, thinly sliced – Provides aromatic sweetness to the dish.
Whole Cloves Garlic, smashed – Helps develop a savory depth of flavor.
Beef Stock – The braising liquid that adds richness to the consome.
Tomato Paste – Enriches the flavor and color of your consome.
Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes – Introduces acidity and umami.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Brightens up the flavors; start with the suggested amount and adjust to taste.
Ground Cumin – Infuses warmth and earthiness into the mix.
Dried Oregano – Adds another layer of savory warmth.
Cinnamon Stick – Introduces subtle sweetness; you can omit or substitute with ground cinnamon if needed.
Dry Bay Leaves – Bring aromatic depth to the consome.
Smoked Paprika – Adds a lovely smoky hint.
Fresh Grated Ginger – Gives a nice zesty kick to balance the flavors.
Ground Coriander – Contributes a citrusy and floral note to the dish.

For the Tacos

Corn or Flour Tortillas – Corn tortillas yield crispier results; choose your favorite!
Lime Wedges – A burst of freshness to serve alongside your tacos.
Fresh Cilantro Leaves, diced – Enhances freshness and adds visual appeal.
Diced White Onion – Offers a crunchy contrast in every bite.
Shredded Oaxacan Cheese (or Italian cheese) – Adds richness and gooey goodness, especially for quesabirria.

This Crock Pot Birria Tacos Recipe will surely become a favorite! Happy cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crock Pot Birria Tacos Recipe

Step 1
Begin by seasoning your boneless chuck roast generously with coarse ground salt and fresh ground pepper. In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of avocado or neutral oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the seasoned beef, searing it on all sides until you achieve a beautiful, even brown crust, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial as it locks in flavor and gives your crock pot birria tacos recipe a rich depth.

Step 2
Transfer the seared beef to your slow cooker. To the same pot, add the sliced red onion, smashed garlic cloves, dried guajillo chiles, chipotle chiles in adobo, beef stock, tomato paste, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, ground cumin, dried oregano, a cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Stir gently to mix all the ingredients. Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours, or on high for 5-6 hours, until the beef is fork-tender and infused with all those heavenly flavors.

Step 3
Once the beef has finished cooking, carefully remove it from the crockpot. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before shredding it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Set aside the shredded beef. While allowing it to rest, remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaves from the pot to prepare for the next step in your crock pot birria tacos recipe.

Step 4
Next, using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the remaining liquid and ingredients in the crock pot until smooth. If using a regular blender, be cautious with hot liquids by letting it cool for a few minutes and blending in batches to avoid pressure build-up. This will create a luxurious consome that will elevate your tacos to the next level.

Step 5
Take some of the rich consome and mix it with the shredded beef in a large bowl, tossing gently to fully combine. Set aside the remaining consome for dipping your tacos later. This step ensures that your beef is even more flavorful, bringing together the magic of your crock pot birria tacos recipe right before assembly.

Step 6
Now it’s time to assemble the tacos! Start by dipping each tortilla into the warm consome, coating both sides lightly. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a teaspoon of oil. Once hot, place the dipped tortilla in the pan, then layer it with a generous amount of shredded beef, diced white onion, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkling of shredded Oaxacan cheese. Fry the tortilla for about 2-3 minutes until it's golden brown and the cheese has melted, then fold it over and cook on both sides until crispy. Serve hot alongside lime wedges and extra consome for dipping!

What to Serve with Crock Pot Birria Tacos?

Elevate your taco night by pairing these delicious birria tacos with complementary dishes that enhance their rich flavors.

Creamy Mexican Rice: A perfect side, it balances the tacos' robust flavors and adds a comforting touch.
Fresh Guacamole: Whipped up from ripe avocados, this adds a cool, creamy contrast that harmonizes beautifully with the spiced meat.
Zesty Corn Salsa: With a hint of lime and crisp corn, this brings a refreshing crunch and sweetness that perfectly complements the tacos.
Crispy Tortilla Chips: Serve these with your favorite salsa or guacamole; the crunchiness offsets the tender birria beautifully.
Pickled Red Onions: Their tangy sweetness can cut through the richness, elevating each bite with an extra pop of flavor.
Vegetable Medley: Roasted seasonal veggies, seasoned simply, bring a vibrant color and crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft tacos.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas for the perfect, festive spread that showcases the star of the meal—your delicious Crock Pot Birria Tacos!

Make Ahead Options

These Crock Pot Birria Tacos are perfect for busy weeknights! You can prepare the beef and consome up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the initial steps of searing the beef, adding all ingredients to the crockpot, and cooking as directed. After cooking, allow the consome to cool before refrigerating it in an airtight container. When you're ready to serve, just reheat the consome and shredded beef together, then assemble the tacos with your preferred toppings. This method not only saves you time but also maintains that rich flavor, giving you delicious tacos that are just as enjoyable as when freshly made!

CROCK POT BIRRIA TACOS RECIPE Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and make these delicious tacos your own!

Instant Pot Birria: Cut beef into 2-inch chunks, sear, and pressure cook for 60 minutes on high. It’s a quicker way to juicy tacos!
Pork Shoulder Option: Swap boneless chuck roast for pork shoulder. This results in an equally tender and flavorful dish that echoes authentic flavors.
Dutch Oven Cooking: Instead of a crockpot, use a Dutch oven at 350°F for approximately 3 hours. This method creates a deeply savory consome.
Chili Powder Swap: Use ground Guajillo or ancho chili powder instead of dried chiles for a faster flavor infusion without the hassle of soaking.
Pickled Toppings: Add pickled red onions and sliced avocado for a tangy touch that brightens each taco bite.
Tomato Variants: Replace fire-roasted diced tomatoes with fresh, chopped tomatoes for a lighter, fresher taste while maintaining acidity.
Herb Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like epazote or cilantro stems into the consome for a delightful twist on flavor.
Cheese Varieties: Try different cheeses like queso fresco or Monterey Jack for varying textures and flavor profiles that your family will adore.

Let your creativity flow, and have fun tailoring this recipe to suit your taste buds!

How to Store and Freeze Crock Pot Birria Tacos

Fridge: Store leftover crock pot birria tacos in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the beef and consome separate for optimal freshness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the shredded beef and consome in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, warm the beef and consome on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out. Enjoy in freshly heated tortillas for best results!

Assembly Tip: Assemble tacos just before serving to maintain their crispy texture and delicious flavor!

Expert Tips for Crock Pot Birria Tacos

Sear to Perfection: Make sure to sear the beef well before slow cooking. This step locks in flavor and adds a delightful depth to your CROCK POT BIRRIA TACOS RECIPE.
Blend Cautiously: When blending the hot consome, be careful! Allow it to cool slightly to avoid any messy explosions.
Adjust Thickness: If your consome is too thick after blending, feel free to strain some out to achieve your desired consistency.
Heat Control: For a milder flavor, remember to remove the seeds from dried guajillo chiles or use fewer chipotles in adobo.
Serving Style: To keep your tortillas crispy, dip them in consome just before frying. This enhances the flavor while ensuring they stay deliciously crunchy!
Make Ahead: If you're hosting, prepare the beef and consome in advance! Serve straight from the crockpot to keep everything warm and inviting.

Crock Pot Birria Tacos Recipe FAQs

Can you do birria in a crock pot?
Absolutely! A crock pot is perfect for making birria because it allows the flavors to meld over long cooking times, resulting in tender and juicy meat. Simply follow the recipe instructions, and you'll be delighted with the outcome!

Why won't my birria tacos get crispy?
To achieve crispy tacos, it's essential to dip the tortillas in warm consome just before frying. If the tortillas are too soggy from excess dipping, they won’t crisp up nicely. Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying them as well, which helps to create that golden, crunchy texture.

Can I put raw ground beef in a crock pot?
You can technically cook raw ground beef in a crock pot, but it's usually recommended to sear it first. This enhances the flavor and texture, particularly for a dish like Crock Pot Birria Tacos, where added depth is essential.

What cut of meat is used for birria tacos?
Boneless chuck roast is the ideal cut for birria tacos. Its rich marbling breaks down during slow cooking, leading to tender, flavorful meat that's perfect for shredding.

How many hours should you cook birria?
For the best results, cook birria on low for about 8 hours or on high for 5-6 hours. You'll know it's ready when the meat is fork-tender and easily shreds apart.

Will taco meat dry out in the crockpot?
Not if you add enough liquid! Ensure you have enough consome or braising liquid in the crockpot to keep the meat moist throughout the cooking process. If it seems too dry, try adding a bit more beef stock or water.

How to make birria not soggy?
To avoid soggy tacos, dip the tortillas in the consome just before frying. It’s also helpful to let them drain for a moment so they don’t soak up too much liquid. Assemble the tacos quickly after frying to keep everything crisp!

Should you sear birria before cooking?
Yes! Searing the beef before adding it to the crockpot elevates your Crock Pot Birria Tacos Recipe by creating a rich, caramelized crust that enhances flavor. It's a step you won’t want to skip!