Mexican Beef Birria (Queso Tacos)

Ideal for a Mexican-themed party, this dish can be prepared the day before. Birria resembles Italian beef but features Mexican flavors, with tacos dipped in the consommé. The blend of chilis and Mexican hot chocolate imparts a deep, rich flavor to the consommé. The creamy melted cheese and toppings elevate it even further. Perfect for any fiesta!

Crispy birria tacos garnished with fresh onions and cilantro, served with a rich consomé and lime wedges for an authentic and flavorful meal.

Dutch Oven

Griddle pan

Mexican Hot Chocolate

Mexican Chilis

Beef

3-pound beef roast (I used chuck)

2 ancho chilis

5 guajillo chilis

3 arbol chilis

1 small onion, quartered

5 garlic cloves

2 Roma tomatoes, quartered

1/4 round of Mexican hot chocolate disk

Water

2.5 cups beef broth

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Tacos/Fixings

Corn or flour tortillas

Oaxacan or mozzarella

Diced onions

Chopped cilantro

Lime juice

Cut the beef into 3-inch pieces. Generously season the beef with salt and pepper. Let the beef sit at room temperature for approximately 15 minutes. In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the meat on all sides in batches. (Brown meat tastes good!)

Cubed beef browning in a large pot, ready to be transformed.

Take out the stems and seeds from the chilies. Place the chilies, onion, garlic, tomatoes, and Mexican hot chocolate in a saucepan. Add enough water to just cover the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then transfer it to a blender with 2 cups of cooking liquid and blend until smooth.

Return the meat to the Dutch oven. Mix in the chili mixture, beef broth, vinegar, and seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the meat is tender, which takes about 3 to 4 hours.

Take the meat out of the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the Dutch oven.

Slow-cooked beef in a rich, savory sauce transitions from tender chunks to perfectly shredded strands, ready for a comforting meal.

It's time for tacos! Heat a griddle pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Dip the tortillas in the beef liquid, then sprinkle them with Oaxacan or mozzarella cheese and add 1/4 cup of shredded beef. Once the cheese has melted and the tortilla is browned, fold it in half. Repeat this process until you've made the desired number of tacos. Add your choice of toppings. Fill a small bowl with the cooking liquid for dipping your tacos. Enjoy!

Sizzling birria tacos being prepared: fresh ingredients including chopped cilantro and onions, tortillas filled with succulent beef and melted cheese on a hot skillet, and birria consomme for dipping. Perfect for a flavorful feast!