Name: Slow Cooker Birria Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 510 min
Total time: 525 min
Ingredients: 2 ½ lbs beef pot roast or chuck roast (trimmed and cut into 2-3 large pieces); 1 ½ cups yellow onion (chopped, plus more for garnish); 4 large cloves garlic (smashed); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican oregano, if you can find it, it is more citrusy); 1 teaspoon cumin; 2 teaspoons chili powder blend; ½ teaspoon cinnamon (or 1 small cinnamon stick); 3 ounces chipotle in adobo (see notes); 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes (fire roasted if you can find it); 3 cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 2 bay leaves; 16 corn tortillas; 2 cups shredded Monterey jack (Oaxaca or queso chihuahua); ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for serving); lime wedges (optional for serving); guajillo, ancho and arbol chiles (optional in place of chipotle for a more traditional birria. See note below.)

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Whenever I think of cozy meals, Slow Cooker Birria Tacos immediately comes to mind. Picture a chilly winter evening, the aroma of tender beef simmering away in the slow cooker, filling my home with warmth and anticipation. I remember the first time I made these tacos, inspired by a friend’s rave reviews. The excitement of creating something so flavorful and inviting brought the whole family together. As the beef cooks, the anticipation builds, and before you know it, you’re ready to indulge in layers of flavor and texture. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a gathering, a celebration, and a comfort all rolled into one delightful taco. I can’t wait to share how you can whip up these amazing tacos and make them a special part of your family traditions.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
8 hr 45 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
510 mins

Difficulty:
Hard

Calories:
450 kcal

Protein:
30 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
20 g

Tools Used:
Slow Cooker

Cooking with a slow cooker really simplifies the process. You just toss in your ingredients, and let the magic happen! With Slow Cooker Birria Tacos, you’ll find that the flavors meld beautifully as they cook low and slow. The tender beef paired with warm tortillas, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime creates a delightful explosion of flavors that are simply irresistible. Trust me, you’ll want to serve these at your next gathering or simply enjoy them during a cozy night at home. They’re sure to become a favorite!

The Charm of This Slow Cooker Birria Tacos

Unforgettable Flavor

The depth of flavor in Slow Cooker Birria Tacos is truly something special. The combination of spices like cumin, chili powder, and cinnamon creates a warm and aromatic profile that will make your taste buds dance. You won’t find a bland bite here; each element contributes to a mouthwatering experience.

Effortless Preparation

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. Just a few minutes of chopping and mixing, and then you can let the slow cooker do all the work. I love recipes that allow me to spend more time with my family instead of in the kitchen!

Perfect for Gatherings

If you’re looking for a dish that impresses, Slow Cooker Birria Tacos is it. They are perfect for gatherings or casual get-togethers. Just set everything up and let your guests build their own tacos. It’s interactive and fun!

Versatile Ingredients

This recipe is also quite flexible. You can easily modify it based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. Want a spicier kick? Add more chilies! Prefer a milder flavor? Adjust the spices accordingly. The possibilities are endless.

Leftovers Done Right

Leftovers are a dream with this dish! The flavors deepen and improve overnight, making the next day’s tacos even more delicious. You’ll find that they make a fantastic lunch or easy dinner option.

Cooking with Love

Lastly, cooking Slow Cooker Birria Tacos is about more than just food; it’s about sharing love and creating memories. Every bite speaks to the hours of simmering and the care you put into making it. You’ll be making memories with every taco you serve!

FAQ

The key ingredients for Slow Cooker Birria Tacos include beef (either pot roast or chuck roast), yellow onion, garlic, a blend of spices (like cumin and chili powder), and corn tortillas. You’ll also need chipotle in adobo for depth, beef broth for flavor, and toppings like cilantro and lime. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a rich, savory taco experience that’s hard to resist!

Absolutely! One of the great things about Slow Cooker Birria Tacos is that they can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the beef and let it simmer in the slow cooker. Once it’s cooked, shred the beef and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the beef and warm the tortillas. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or gatherings!

Storing leftovers of Slow Cooker Birria Tacos is simple. Allow the beef to cool, then place it in an airtight container along with some broth to keep it moist. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the beef and broth separately. Just ensure you thaw it properly before reheating, and enjoy the deliciousness again!

There are many lovely sides that complement Slow Cooker Birria Tacos. I recommend serving them with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal. Salsas, pico de gallo, or a fresh salad also work beautifully. Don’t forget lime wedges and extra cilantro for garnish, as they elevate the flavors even more!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Slow Cooker Birria Tacos truly stands out as a flavorful and comforting dish that brings family and friends together. With tender beef enveloped in rich spices and served in warm tortillas, it’s a culinary experience worth trying. I encourage you to make this recipe a part of your meal rotation; it’s sure to become a favorite!

Slow Cooker Birria Tacos

Craving comfort food? These Slow Cooker Birria Tacos are bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Tender beef simmered in rich spices, served in warm tortillas, ensures an unforgettable experience. Make them tonight for a delicious and satisfying meal!

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 8 30

Total Time 8 45

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 8 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

Slow Cooker

Ingredients

2 ½ lbs beef pot roast or chuck roast trimmed and cut into 2-3 large pieces
1 ½ cups yellow onion chopped, plus more for garnish
4 large cloves garlic smashed
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano Mexican oregano, if you can find it, it is more citrusy
1 teaspoon cumin
2 teaspoons chili powder blend
½ teaspoon cinnamon or 1 small cinnamon stick
3 ounces chipotle in adobo see notes
1 cup canned crushed tomatoes fire roasted if you can find it
3 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon white vinegar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 bay leaves
16 corn tortillas
2 cups shredded Monterey jack Oaxaca or queso chihuahua
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro for serving
lime wedges optional for serving
guajillo, ancho and arbol chiles optional in place of chipotle for a more traditional birria. See note below.

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and spray with cooking spray. Brown the beef on all sides in two batches. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
In a blender, or food processor, blend 1 cup onion, garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, chili powder, cinnamon, chipotle in adobo, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, white vinegar, and salt. Pour over beef. Add bay leaves and cook on low heat for 8 hours.
Shred beef and strain the broth. Return beef to slow cooker with ½ cup broth and keep warm. Save remaining broth for dipping tortillas and serving.
Quickly dip tortilla in the consommé (broth) and add to a hot skillet or griddle.
Add 3 tablespoons of shredded beef and 2 tablespoons shredded cheese to the tortilla with some onion and cilantro. Fold and cook like a quesadilla until browned on each side.
Serve birria tacos with raw chopped onion and cilantro, plus remaining consommé in a small bowl, for dipping.