Birria Tacos

What it costs

Estimated from German discount supermarket prices (Aldi and Lidl) in October 2026. Only the amount used is counted, not the whole pack. Prices vary by store and country.

Ingredients

• 600 g beef for stewing (chuck or shank), in large chunks
• 4 dried chilies (guajillo and ancho), seeds removed
• 1 onion, halved
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tomato
• 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 2 bay leaves, a small piece of cinnamon, 2 cloves
• Salt
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 150 g grated melting cheese (mozzarella or Gouda)
• Chopped onion, fresh coriander and lime to serve

Steps

1. Soak the chilies in hot water for 15 minutes.
2. Season the beef with salt and brown it well in a heavy pot.
3. Blend the soaked chilies with the onion, garlic, tomato, spices and 500 ml water until smooth.
4. Pour the sauce over the beef, cover and simmer gently for 2½–3 hours until the meat falls apart.
5. Lift out the beef and shred it with two forks. The sauce left in the pot is the consommé.
6. Dip a tortilla in the red fat on top of the consommé, lay it in a hot pan, add cheese and beef, fold and crisp both sides.
7. Serve with a cup of hot consommé for dipping, plus onion, coriander and lime.

Handy to have

• Heavy pot (Dutch oven)
• Blender
• Large frying pan