If you’re looking to enjoy authentic birria tacos without spending a fortune, you’re in the right place. These cheap birria tacos are packed with deep, smoky flavor, tender meat, and a dipping consomé that makes every bite unforgettable. This recipe uses affordable ingredients and easy cooking techniques to deliver restaurant-quality tacos at home.
Looking for more budget-friendly Mexican recipes? Check out our Budget Recipes Collection for delicious options that save money and time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Cheap Birria Tacos
- Budget-friendly, perfect for large families or meal prep
- Packed with bold, traditional birria flavor
- Easy to customize with various meats
- Freezer-friendly and great for leftovers
- Ideal for casual dinners or parties
CHEAP BIRRIA TACOS
Ingredients
For the meat:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast or beef shank
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons oil (for searing)
For the birria sauce (consomé):
- 3 dried guajillo chiles
- 2 dried ancho chiles
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1 medium white onion (quartered)
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
For assembling the tacos:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Best Budget-Friendly Meats
You don’t have to splurge on expensive cuts to get delicious results. These meats are great for cheap birria tacos:
- Chuck roast
- Beef shank
- Pork shoulder
- Lamb neck or lamb shoulder
All these cuts become fork-tender with long simmering and soak up the flavorful broth perfectly.
Want tips on cooking budget meats? Visit our Meat Preparation Guide.
Tender beef simmering in birria consomé
PREPARATION
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare and toast the chiles
Remove stems and seeds from the guajillo and ancho chiles. Toast in a dry pan over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Then soak in hot water for 15 minutes.
2. Sear the meat
Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or pot. Sear meat on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the birria sauce
In a blender, add soaked chiles, chipotle, onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, and all spices. Blend with 1 cup of beef broth until smooth.
4. Combine and simmer
Return meat to the pot. Add blended sauce, remaining broth, and bay leaves. Simmer on low heat, covered, for 3 hours or until the meat shreds easily.
5. Shred the meat
Remove meat and shred with two forks. Return to the pot and stir into the consomé.
Making the Birria Consomé
To serve, strain and reduce the broth slightly to concentrate the flavor. Use it for dipping tacos or pour over plated tacos for extra richness.
Cooking Tips for Maximum Flavor
- Toasting chiles enhances aroma and depth
- Searing meat locks in flavor and adds caramelization
- Apple cider vinegar balances the richness
- Low and slow cooking gives the best texture
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store meat and consomé in separate containers
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days
- Freeze for up to 2 months
- Reheat in a skillet for crispy edges, or microwave gently
Variations and Swaps
- Substitute pork shoulder for a lighter version
- Use lamb for a deeper, gamier taste
- For a spicy version, add a jalapeño or extra chipotle
- Replace cheese with dairy-free options for a vegan version
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with lime wedges, radish slices, and diced onion
- Pair with Mexican Street Corn
- Add a side of Easy Refried Beans
- Dip tacos in the rich consomé for the full birria experience
- Toasting dried chiles adds depth to the birria sauce
FAQ: Cheap Birria Tacos
What is the cheapest meat to make birria tacos?
Beef chuck roast is the most cost-effective choice for birria tacos. It becomes tender when slow-cooked and soaks up the flavorful broth.
What ingredients do I need for birria tacos?
You’ll need beef (or alternative meat), dried chiles, garlic, onion, spices (like cumin, oregano, thyme), broth, and tortillas. Cheese, onion, and cilantro are optional but highly recommended for topping.
What meat is closest to birria?
Traditionally, birria uses goat, but beef is the closest and most accessible substitute. Pork shoulder and lamb are also flavorful alternatives.
What is the sauce made of for birria tacos?
The birria sauce (consomé) includes dried guajillo and ancho chiles, chipotle, garlic, onion, vinegar, broth, and aromatic spices simmered together into a rich, reddish-brown broth.
Final Thoughts
This cheap birria tacos recipe gives you all the mouthwatering flavor of traditional birria without stretching your budget. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a recipe that delivers comfort, richness, and authenticity in every bite.
For more affordable meals with big flavor, visit our Slow Cooker Recipes or our One Pot Dinners.
Looking for your next Mexican dinner idea? Check out our Quick Chicken Tinga or Homemade Salsa Verde.
Print
Birria Tacos – Budget-Friendly & Flavorful
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos 1x
Description
Tender, slow-simmered beef cooked in a rich chile consomé, folded into cheesy corn tortillas, and served with onion, cilantro, and lime. A budget-friendly twist on authentic birria tacos.
Ingredients
- For the meat:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast or beef shank
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons oil (for searing)
- For the birria sauce (consomé):
- 3 dried guajillo chiles
- 2 dried ancho chiles
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1 medium white onion (quartered)
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- For assembling the tacos:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup chopped white onion
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare and toast the chiles: Remove stems and seeds from guajillo and ancho chiles. Toast in a dry pan for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Soak in hot water for 15 minutes.
- Sear the meat: Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a Dutch oven and sear meat until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Make the birria sauce: In a blender, combine soaked chiles, chipotle, onion, garlic, vinegar, and all spices. Blend with 1 cup beef broth until smooth.
- Combine and simmer: Return meat to the pot. Add blended sauce, remaining broth, and bay leaves. Simmer covered on low heat for 3 hours, until meat is fork-tender.
- Shred the meat: Remove meat and shred with two forks. Return to broth.
- Assemble tacos: Dip tortillas in the consomé, fill with shredded beef and cheese, and crisp on a skillet. Garnish with onion, cilantro, and lime.
Notes
💡 Best Budget-Friendly Meats: Chuck roast, beef shank, pork shoulder, or lamb shoulder all become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. For more tips, check the Meat Preparation Guide.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Tacos
- Method: Stovetop & Simmer
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg