Easy Birria Tacos with Consomme in the Slow Cooker

This Easy Birria Tacos with Consomme in the Slow Cooker recipe is a must-try for taco lovers! The slow-cooked beef, seasoned to perfection, pairs wonderfully with cheese and fresh tortillas. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this dish captures the rich flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine while being incredibly easy to prepare. With the slow cooker doing all the work, you can enjoy tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites without all the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: Just toss all ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and slow cooking creates deep, savory flavors that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Serve these tacos at parties or family dinners, and watch them disappear!
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like onions, cilantro, or salsa to suit your taste.
• Comfort Food: Enjoy a warm and hearty meal any day of the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make Easy Birria Tacos with Consomme in the Slow Cooker, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures smooth preparation and cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Blender
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is vital for achieving tender meat with minimal effort; it does all the cooking while you relax.
• Blender: Necessary for creating a smooth consomme that enhances the flavor of your tacos.

Ingredients

For the Beef

• 2-3 pounds Beef chuck roast, boneless
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 Yellow onions (about 2-3 cups)
• 4 garlic cloves (4 teaspoons)
• 2 Dried Ancho chiles
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon Ground Cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Smoked Paprika (or Ground Chipotle Pepper)
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried thyme (ground or whole)
• 1 tablespoon Dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons Ground black pepper
• 2 bay leaves

For the Sauce

• 1 cup Fresh Cilantro Leaves
• 8 ounces Tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
• 4-5 cups Beef stock or broth

For Serving

• 18 Corn Tortillas, 6 inch (assumes 3 tacos per serving)
• 20 ounces Oaxaca cheese, shredded (mozzarella is a good substitute)

How to Make Easy Birria Tacos with Consomme in the Slow Cooker

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by chopping your onions and mincing the garlic. Remove stems from ancho chiles and soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes until they soften. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Meat

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sear each side of the beef chuck roast until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). Transfer to your slow cooker.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

To the slow cooker, add chopped onions, minced garlic, softened ancho chiles, cinnamon, cumin, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, bay leaves, cilantro leaves, tomato sauce, and beef stock. Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for about 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The beef should be fork-tender when done.

Step 5: Shred the Beef

Once cooked, remove the beef from the slow cooker. Shred it using two forks and return it to the pot to soak up more flavor from the consomme.

Step 6: Assemble Tacos

Heat corn tortillas in a skillet until warm. Fill each tortilla with shredded beef and top generously with Oaxaca cheese. Fold over and serve.

Enjoy your delicious Easy Birria Tacos with Consomme in the Slow Cooker, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Easy Birria Tacos with Consomme in the Slow Cooker

Serving Easy Birria Tacos with Consomme is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this mouthwatering dish.

With Fresh Toppings

• Chopped Onions: Add a fresh crunch and a bit of sharpness.
• Cilantro: Brightens flavors and adds freshness.
• Lime Wedges: Squeeze over tacos for a zesty kick.

Dipping Sauces

• Consomme: Serve the rich, flavorful broth in small bowls for dipping.
• Salsa Verde: A tangy sauce that complements the richness of the tacos.

Accompanying Beverages

• Mexican Beer: A light lager pairs well with the bold flavors.
• Horchata: This sweet rice drink balances the spiciness of the tacos.

With Grilled Vegetables

• Grilled Peppers and Onions: Adds a smoky flavor that enhances your meal.
• Corn on the Cob: A sweet side that contrasts nicely with savory tacos.

How to Perfect Easy Birria Tacos with Consomme in the Slow Cooker

Perfecting your Easy Birria Tacos can elevate your dish to restaurant quality. Here are some helpful tips to consider.

• Use Quality Beef: A good cut like chuck roast ensures tender meat.
• Don’t Skip Browning: Searing the beef beforehand adds depth and flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify spices based on your heat preference.
• Let It Rest: Allow the meat to rest after cooking for easier shredding.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Birria Tacos with Consomme in the Slow Cooker

Pairing sides with your Easy Birria Tacos not only enhances your meal but also creates a well-rounded dining experience. Here are some delicious options.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices, perfect for soaking up consomme.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy beans add protein and complement the flavors of birria.
3. Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Sweet corn topped with cheese and spices offers a tasty contrast.
4. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that’s fresh and satisfying alongside spicy tacos.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy chips paired with salsa make for a great appetizer.
6. Fried Plantains: Sweet, caramelized plantains provide sweetness that balances savory dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Birria Tacos with Consomme in the Slow Cooker is a breeze, but there are common mistakes that can impact your dish. Here are some tips to avoid pitfalls:

• Not browning the meat: Skipping this step can lead to less flavor. Always brown the beef chuck roast in olive oil before slow cooking for richer taste.
• Overcooking the tortillas: If you fry the tortillas too long, they’ll become tough. Lightly fry them just until warm and pliable.
• Ignoring the seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your tacos bland. Taste and adjust the spices, especially salt, before serving.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Subpar ingredients lead to mediocre flavors. Invest in good quality beef and fresh spices for an authentic taste.
• Rushing the cooking time: Slow cooking is key for tender beef. Don’t rush; let it simmer for at least 8 hours for best results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the consomme separate from the tacos for optimal texture.

Freezing Easy Birria Tacos with Consomme in the Slow Cooker

• Freeze unassembled tacos and consomme separately for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Easy Birria Tacos with Consomme in the Slow Cooker

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake wrapped tacos for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual tacos on a microwave-safe plate using medium power for about 1-2 minutes.
• Stovetop: Warm tacos gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of consomme to keep them moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is birria?

Birria is a traditional Mexican dish made from slow-cooked meat, typically beef or goat, seasoned with various spices and served with a flavorful broth.

How do I make Easy Birria Tacos with Consomme in the Slow Cooker more spicy?

To add heat, increase the amount of dried ancho chiles or include other spicy peppers like jalapeños when blending the sauce.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! While Oaxaca cheese is traditional, mozzarella or pepper jack can also work well as tasty alternatives.

How do I serve Easy Birria Tacos with Consomme?

Serve your tacos with fresh cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, and a side of warm consomme for dipping!

Final Thoughts

These Easy Birria Tacos with Consomme in the Slow Cooker offer an incredible blend of flavors that will impress everyone at your table. Versatile and customizable, you can adjust spices or toppings based on personal preference. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!