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.

Cheap Birria Tacos Recipe | Authentic Flavor on a Budget

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

Scale

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

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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