Crock Pot Birria Tacos

Crock Pot Birria Tacos are tender, slow-cooked shredded beef tacos dipped in a rich, smoky chile broth and crisped on a skillet with melted cheese. This easy slow cooker version delivers deep, authentic flavor with minimal effort. The beef becomes incredibly juicy and flavorful as it cooks low and slow in a bold sauce of dried chiles, spices, and aromatics. Perfect for taco nights, gatherings, or comfort food cravings, these tacos are irresistible with their crispy exterior and savory dipping consommé.

Ingredients

For the Birria Beef

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Chile Sauce

• 3 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
• 2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo
• 4 cloves garlic
• ½ onion
• 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Tacos

• Corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
• Chopped onion
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Soften the Chiles

Place guajillo and ancho chiles in hot water for 10 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Make the Birria Sauce

Add softened chiles, chipotle, garlic, onion, crushed tomatoes, broth, vinegar, salt, cumin, oregano, and paprika to blender. Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Prepare the Beef

Season beef chunks with salt and pepper. Place in crock pot.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Pour chile sauce over beef. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours until beef is very tender.

Step 5: Shred and Soak

Remove beef and shred with forks. Return shredded meat to sauce so it absorbs flavor.

Step 6: Assemble Tacos

Dip tortillas lightly into birria broth. Place on hot skillet, add cheese and shredded beef, fold, and cook until crispy and melted.

Variations

• Use lamb or goat instead of beef for traditional birria
• Add cinnamon stick or clove for deeper authentic spice
• Make quesabirria with extra cheese
• Use flour tortillas for softer tacos
• Add bay leaves during slow cooking
• Make birria bowls with rice instead of tortillas
• Use leftover birria for ramen or nachos

Serving Suggestions

• Serve tacos with birria consommé for dipping
• Top with chopped onion and cilantro
• Add lime squeeze for brightness
• Serve with Mexican rice and beans
• Add salsa roja or verde on side
• Pair with pickled onions or radishes
• Serve family-style taco platter

Prep Time / Cook Time / Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours LOW or 5–6 hours HIGH

Total Time: About 8 hours 20 minutes

Nutritional Info (Approx.)

Calories: 420 per 2 tacos

Protein: 28g

Fat: 22g

Carbohydrates: 26g

Conclusion

Crock Pot Birria Tacos are rich, tender, and deeply flavorful with juicy shredded beef and crispy cheese-filled tortillas dipped in savory chile broth. This slow cooker version makes authentic-style birria tacos easy at home and perfect for taco nights or special gatherings.