Crock Pot Birria Tacos is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this classic Mexican dish at home. The slow cooking process makes the beef incredibly tender and infuses it with rich flavors, perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive gatherings. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, allowing you to savor every bite without spending hours in the kitchen.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Meat
- For the Sauce
- For Assembling
- How to Make Crock Pot Birria Tacos
- Step 1: Prepare the Chilies
- Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot
- Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
- Step 4: Shred Beef
- Step 5: Fry Tortillas
- Step 6: Assemble Tacos
- Step 7: Serve
- How to Serve Crock Pot Birria Tacos
- Traditional Garnishes
- Dipping Sauce
- Side Options
- How to Perfect Crock Pot Birria Tacos
- Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Birria Tacos
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Crock Pot Birria Tacos
- Reheating Crock Pot Birria Tacos
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Crock Pot Birria Tacos?
- How do I make Crock Pot Birria Tacos spicier?
- Can I use pork instead of beef?
- What should I serve with Crock Pot Birria Tacos?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: Simply add ingredients to the crock pot and let it do the work while you relax.
- Rich Flavor: The blend of spices and slow cooking creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy the tacos as is or customize them with your favorite toppings for a unique twist.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and have leftovers for an easy lunch or dinner throughout the week.
- Ideal for Sharing: Great for gatherings, these tacos will impress your family and friends.
Tools and Preparation
Before starting with the recipe, gather your essential tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker (crock pot)
- Blender
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This tool allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring your beef becomes tender over hours without constant monitoring.
- Blender: It helps create a smooth sauce that enriches the flavor of your birria tacos.
- Skillet: Essential for frying the tortillas, giving them that crispy texture that complements the juicy filling.
Ingredients
Crock Pot Birria Tacos is a juicy and flavorful way to enjoy Birria Tacos at home. Tender meats cooks in a delicious sauce for a delicious meal idea.
For the Meat
- 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
For the Sauce
- 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 Assembling
- Corn tortillas
- Oil for frying
- Cilantro and diced onion for garnish
How to Make Crock Pot Birria Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Chilies
Soak dried chilies in hot water for 15 minutes. Once softened, blend them with onion, garlic, and tomatoes until smooth.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot
Place beef in the crock pot. Pour chili mixture over beef. Add broth, vinegar, oregano, cumin, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cook on low for 8-10 hours until beef is tender. The long cook time allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Shred Beef
Once cooked, shred beef directly in the crock pot and mix it with the flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Fry Tortillas
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Dip tortillas in the top fat layer of the broth from the crock pot. Fry until crispy on both sides.
Step 6: Assemble Tacos
Fill tortillas with shredded beef mixture, fold them over, and fry again until crispy.
Step 7: Serve
Serve with additional broth from the crock pot for dipping along with cilantro and diced onion if desired. Enjoy your homemade Crock Pot Birria Tacos!
How to Serve Crock Pot Birria Tacos
Crock Pot Birria Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your taco experience and impress your guests.
Traditional Garnishes
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and freshness.
- Diced Onion: Chopped white or red onion enhances the taste with its crunchiness.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens up the flavors beautifully.
Dipping Sauce
- Broth from the Crock Pot: Serve warm broth for dipping your tacos. It enhances the flavors and keeps them moist.
- Salsa Verde: A tangy salsa verde adds a zesty kick to each bite.
Side Options
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the tacos perfectly.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans work well as a filling side dish.
- Guacamole: Rich guacamole provides a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the tacos.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Birria Tacos
To achieve the best results with your Crock Pot Birria Tacos, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Meat: Choose a good cut of beef like chuck roast for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Soak Chilies Properly: Ensure you soak the dried chilies long enough to soften them for blending, which enhances the sauce.
- Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to tweak spices like cumin and oregano according to your flavor preference.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let the meat rest before shredding. This allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Fry Tortillas Crispy: Fry tortillas in hot oil until crispy for a delightful texture that holds up against the fillings.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy tacos right after preparation for optimal flavor and freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Birria Tacos
Pairing sides with your Crock Pot Birria Tacos can enhance your meal. Here are some tasty side dishes to consider.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, and chili powder is a favorite.
- Cabbage Slaw: A refreshing slaw adds crunch and acidity that balances the richness of birria tacos.
- Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa provide a fun appetizer before tacos.
- Pico de Gallo: This fresh tomato salsa brings vibrant flavors and freshness to your meal.
- Queso Dip: Creamy cheese dip is perfect for dipping chips or drizzling over tacos for extra indulgence.
- Tortilla Soup: A warm, flavorful soup complements the main dish well and keeps things cozy on cooler days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crock Pot Birria Tacos, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to steer clear of for a perfect dish.
-
Skipping the soaking step: Not soaking the dried chilies can lead to a gritty texture in your sauce. Always soak them in hot water for at least 15 minutes to soften them before blending.
-
Neglecting seasoning balance: Over or under-seasoning can ruin the flavor profile. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spices while cooking to achieve the desired richness.
-
Ignoring cooking time: Cooking the beef for too short a time will leave it tough. Make sure to cook on low for the full 8-10 hours until it’s perfectly tender.
-
Frying tortillas incorrectly: Using cold oil can result in soggy tortillas. Heat oil properly before frying; this ensures they turn crispy and delicious.
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Not using enough broth: Insufficient liquid may lead to dry meat. Ensure you use the proper amount of beef broth for a juicy outcome.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Crock Pot Birria Tacos
- Use freezer-safe bags or containers for storage.
- These tacos can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Crock Pot Birria Tacos
-
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tacos in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
-
Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
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Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm tacos for about 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crock Pot Birria Tacos?
Crock Pot Birria Tacos are flavorful tacos made with tender, slow-cooked beef chuck roast, served with a rich sauce perfect for dipping.
How do I make Crock Pot Birria Tacos spicier?
To add more heat, include extra dried chilies like chipotles or jalapeños when blending your sauce. Adjust according to your spice preference!
Can I use pork instead of beef?
Yes! You can substitute pork shoulder or another cut of pork if you prefer a different flavor profile. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
What should I serve with Crock Pot Birria Tacos?
These tacos pair well with fresh cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, and a side of rice or beans for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Birria Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them with your favorite toppings or even try different meats. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and make it your own!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
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Crock Pot Birria Tacos
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Crock Pot Birria Tacos offer a delightful and authentic taste of Mexico right in your kitchen. This simple slow-cooked recipe transforms tender beef into a flavorful filling, perfect for taco enthusiasts. The secret lies in the rich blend of spices and chilies that infuse the meat with deep flavors over several hours of cooking. Ideal for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners, these tacos are easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy quality time with loved ones while your meal cooks itself. Serve them hot with fresh garnishes and a side of savory dipping broth for an unforgettable meal.
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
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Corn tortillas
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Soak the dried chilies in hot water for about 15 minutes until softened, then blend with onion, garlic, and tomatoes until smooth.
- Place the beef chuck roast in the crock pot and pour the chili mixture over it.
- Add beef broth, apple cider vinegar, oregano, cumin, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the beef is tender.
- Shred the beef directly in the crock pot and mix well with the sauce.
- Heat oil in a skillet and fry corn tortillas after dipping them in the broth fat layer until crispy.
- Assemble tacos by filling tortillas with shredded beef mixture and fry again if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow cooking/Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (150g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg