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Beef Birria Tacos Recipe 20-Minute Easy and Flavorful Dinner

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A quick and flavorful beef birria tacos recipe that comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings. Uses ground beef and a homemade spice blend for authentic taste without the long cooking time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 2 dried guajillo chilies, seeds removed and soaked
  • 1 dried ancho chili, seeds removed and soaked
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
  • 1 small white onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth, low sodium
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

Instructions

  1. Soak the dried guajillo and ancho chilies in hot water for 5 minutes to soften.
  2. Drain the chilies and blend with chipotle pepper, garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth until smooth. Add more broth if needed to reach a rich, vibrant sauce consistency.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, for about 4-5 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if desired.
  4. Pour the birria sauce over the browned beef. Add the remaining 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth. Stir to combine, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer gently for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and soaks into the beef. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
  6. Spoon a generous amount of beef mixture onto each tortilla. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and fold the tortillas in half.
  7. Return folded tacos to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until the cheese melts and tortillas become slightly crispy. Use tongs to flip carefully.
  8. Serve immediately garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Optionally serve with salsa or pickled onions.

Notes

If the sauce is too thick or beef seems dry, add a splash more beef broth during simmering. Letting the beef sit in the sauce off heat before assembling enhances flavor. For dairy-free, substitute cheese with vegan cheese or omit. Soak chilies fully to avoid gritty texture. Brown beef in batches for better caramelization. Warm tortillas properly to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef birria tacos, quick birria recipe, 20-minute tacos, easy Mexican dinner, ground beef birria, spicy tacos, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/beef-birria-tacos-recipe-20-minute-easy-and-flavorful-dinner/