Crock Pot Birria Tacos
Crock Pot Birria Tacos is a juicy and flavorful way to enjoy Birria Tacos at home. This dish offers a unique blend of spices and tender meat that makes it perfect for family dinners, parties, or casual gatherings. The slow cooking process enhances the flavors, resulting in mouthwatering tacos everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy preparation: With minimal effort, you can set this dish to cook and let your Crock Pot do the work.
- Rich flavor: The combination of spices and slow-cooked beef creates an incredibly savory taste that elevates your taco experience.
- Versatile serving options: These tacos are perfect for any occasion—serve them at parties, family dinners, or even as leftovers for lunch.
- Customizable toppings: Feel free to add your favorite garnishes like cilantro, onions, or salsa to make each taco your own.
- Comfort food delight: The tender beef and warm tortillas provide a hearty meal that warms the soul.

Tools and Preparation
To prepare these delicious Crock Pot Birria Tacos, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Crock Pot
- Blender
- Skillet
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Crock Pot: This tool ensures the beef cooks low and slow for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption.
- Blender: A blender helps create a smooth chili sauce, which is key to enhancing the dish’s rich profile.
- Skillet: Use a skillet for frying the tortillas to achieve that perfect crispy texture everyone loves.
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast (cut into large chunks)
- 3 dried guajillo chilies (stems and seeds removed)
- 2 dried ancho chilies (stems and seeds removed)
- 1 onion (quartered)
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- Corn tortillas
- Oil for frying
- Cilantro and diced onion for garnish
How to Make Crock Pot Birria Tacos
Step 1: Soak the Dried Chilies
Soak dried chilies in hot water for 15 minutes. After soaking, blend them with onion, garlic, and diced tomatoes until smooth.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef in the Crockpot
Place the beef in the crockpot. Pour the blended chili mixture over the beef. Add in beef broth, apple cider vinegar, oregano, cumin, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the beef is tender. The longer cooking time allows all flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Shred the Beef
Once cooked, remove the beef from the crockpot. Shred it using two forks and mix it back with the sauce in the pot. This will ensure every bite is flavorful.
Step 5: Fry Tortillas
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Dip each corn tortilla into the top fat layer of broth from the crockpot before frying them until crispy on both sides.
Step 6: Fill and Fry Again
Fill each fried tortilla with shredded beef mixture. Fold them over and fry again until crispy on both sides.
Step 7: Serve with Garnishes
Serve your tasty Crock Pot Birria Tacos with additional broth from the crockpot for dipping. Don’t forget to add cilantro and diced onions if desired! Enjoy!
How to Serve Crock Pot Birria Tacos
Serving Crock Pot Birria Tacos is a delightful experience that brings the flavors of Mexico right to your table. Here are some creative ways to enjoy these savory tacos with family and friends.
Classic Serving Style
- Cilantro and Onion: Top your tacos with freshly chopped cilantro and diced onions for an authentic taste.
- Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick that enhances the flavors of the beef.
Dipping Sauce
- Broth from the Crock Pot: Use the rich broth from cooking as a dipping sauce. It adds moisture and extra flavor to each bite.
- Salsa Verde: A tangy salsa verde can complement the richness of the birria, offering a fresh contrast.
Taco Bar
- DIY Taco Station: Create a taco bar with various toppings like shredded cheese, avocado slices, and hot sauce. This allows guests to customize their tacos.
- Pickled Red Onions: Add pickled red onions for a sweet and tangy crunch that pairs beautifully with the birria.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Birria Tacos
To achieve the most flavorful and tender Crock Pot Birria Tacos, follow these simple tips. Each step contributes to enhancing the overall dish.
- Use Quality Meat: Select a well-marbled beef chuck roast for maximum tenderness and flavor during cooking.
- Soak Chilies Properly: Soaking dried chilies in hot water helps soften them, making them easier to blend into a smooth sauce.
- Don’t Skip the Broth: Using beef broth instead of water adds depth to your sauce, enriching the overall taste.
- Cook Low and Slow: Allowing your birria to cook on low heat for 8-10 hours ensures that the meat becomes incredibly tender.
- Fry Tortillas Crisp: For added texture, fry your tortillas until they’re crispy, creating a delicious contrast with the soft filling.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preference. More cumin or additional herbs can enhance flavors further.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Birria Tacos
Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Birria Tacos can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:
- Mexican Rice: A classic side that complements birria perfectly, adding flavor and texture to your meal.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a hearty addition that balances out the meal.
- Guacamole: Fresh guacamole brings creaminess and freshness, enhancing every bite of taco.
- Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad adds sweetness and crunch, making it an ideal summer side dish.
- Chips and Salsa: A crunchy accompaniment that invites guests to snack while waiting for their tacos.
- Grilled Vegetables: Lightly seasoned grilled veggies can add a healthy element alongside your rich tacos.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crock Pot Birria Tacos, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Using the wrong cut of meat – Always choose a tender cut like beef chuck roast for the best flavor and texture.
- Neglecting to soak chilies – Soaking dried chilies in hot water enhances their flavor. Skipping this step can result in a less vibrant sauce.
- Overcrowding the crock pot – Avoid adding too much meat at once; it can prevent even cooking. Stick to the recommended amount for best results.
- Not seasoning properly – Seasoning is key; make sure to follow the recipe closely for the right balance of flavors.
- Skipping the frying step – Frying the filled tortillas adds a crispy texture that elevates your tacos. Don’t skip this for authentic taste!

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Crock Pot Birria Tacos in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Crock Pot Birria Tacos
- Place cooled tacos in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crock Pot Birria Tacos
- Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Use a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add tacos and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy and heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Crock Pot Birria Tacos:
How do I make Crock Pot Birria Tacos spicy?
To increase spice levels, add more dried chilies or include fresh jalapeños in your sauce blend.
Can I use pork instead of beef?
Yes! Pork shoulder works well for this recipe and offers a different flavor profile.
What toppings go well with Crock Pot Birria Tacos?
Popular toppings include diced onions, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado slices.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge before assembling tacos.
Are Crock Pot Birria Tacos healthy?
With lean cuts of meat and plenty of spices, these tacos can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Birria Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize toppings and spice levels according to your preferences. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, so don’t hesitate to give it a try. Enjoy the comforting flavors that will surely impress your guests!
Crock Pot Birria Tacos
Crock Pot Birria Tacos offer a delicious taste of Mexico right in your home. This slow-cooked dish features tender beef infused with a rich blend of spices, resulting in mouthwatering tacos perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a casual gathering, these tacos are sure to impress. The easy preparation allows you to set it and forget it while the flavors meld beautifully over hours of cooking. Top with fresh cilantro, onions, and your favorite garnishes for an authentic experience that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast
- 3 dried guajillo chilies
- 2 dried ancho chilies
- 1 onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- Corn tortillas
Instructions
- Soak the dried chilies in hot water for 15 minutes. Blend with onion, garlic, and diced tomatoes until smooth.
- Place the beef in the Crock Pot. Pour the blended mixture over the beef, adding broth and spices.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours until beef is tender.
- Shred the beef and mix it back into the sauce.
- Fry corn tortillas in oil until crispy, fill with shredded beef, and fry again until golden.
- Serve with garnishes and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (170g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg