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Flavorful Birria Ground Beef Tacos with Easy Quick Consommé Recipe

birria ground beef tacos - featured image

A quick and easy birria-inspired ground beef taco recipe paired with a fast, flavorful consommé perfect for dipping. This recipe captures the deep, smoky flavors of traditional birria without the long cooking time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20, preferably grass-fed)
  • 4 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed
  • 2 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust for heat preference)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth or stock (can substitute vegetable broth)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (preferably Mexican oregano)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 8 corn or flour tortillas (corn for gluten-free)
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced onion, lime wedges, shredded cheese (Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, or Cotija)

Instructions

  1. Soak the dried guajillo and ancho chiles in hot water for about 10 minutes until pliable.
  2. Drain the chiles and add them to a blender with chipotle peppers, garlic, tomato paste, cumin, oregano, vinegar, salt, and a splash of beef broth. Blend until smooth, adding more broth if needed to thin the marinade.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned but still juicy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in the chopped onion, then pour in the chile marinade. Cook together, stirring, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the beef with a rich sauce, about 5 minutes.
  5. In a separate pot, combine beef broth, bay leaf, a spoonful of the chile marinade, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer and let flavors meld for 10-15 minutes. Strain out solids to create a clear consommé.
  6. Warm the tortillas on a dry skillet or comal for 2-3 minutes until soft and pliable with slight char marks.
  7. Assemble the tacos by spooning the beef mixture onto tortillas. Top with diced onion, cilantro, and cheese if desired. Serve immediately with a small bowl of consommé for dipping.

Notes

Keep consommé at a gentle simmer to maintain clarity and flavor. Use soaking liquid from chiles to thin marinade if needed. Avoid overcooking ground beef to keep it juicy. Toast tortillas lightly for texture and flavor. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas and verify no wheat in store-bought tortillas. Cheese is optional and can be omitted for dairy-free. The consommé flavor improves if made ahead and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: birria, ground beef tacos, consommé, quick birria, Mexican tacos, easy tacos, weeknight dinner, spicy beef tacos