Birria Tacos In Crockpot –Made Easy in the Slow Cooker
When comfort food meets authentic Mexican flavor, you get birria tacos—rich, tender, cheesy, and dripping with bold spices. But if you’ve ever wondered how to make these at home without hours of stovetop work, this Birria Tacos in Crockpot recipe is exactly what you need.
Whether you’re new to birria or a seasoned fan, this slow cooker version makes it incredibly easy to bring restaurant-style flavor into your kitchen. With just a few steps and the magic of low-and-slow cooking, you’ll have juicy shredded beef and flavorful consommé perfect for dipping. And if you’re asking for a way to make easy bria tacos or how to do quesabrilla tacos crockpot style, you’re in the right place.
Let’s walk through this melt-in-your-mouth recipe and see why it’s topping the list of Birria Taco Recipes Easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for a dinner party.
The Origin and Rise of This Juicy, Cheesy Mexican Street Food Favorite
Birria originally hails from the Mexican state of Jalisco and was traditionally made with goat meat. Over the years, beef became the go-to protein, especially in the U.S., where birria exploded in popularity thanks to its deep, savory flavor and the viral rise of quesabirria tacos—tortillas dipped in consommé and fried with cheese until crispy.
This dish is typically labor-intensive, requiring hours of simmering and constant monitoring. However, with the crockpot method, you can achieve the same succulent results with far less effort. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or craving something cozy and satisfying, this beef birria recipe Mexican crockpot easy edition is a game-changer.
Slow-Cooked Perfection With Minimal Effort
Making birria tacos in crockpot form means you get fall-apart tender meat with bold flavor, without babysitting the stove. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting—infusing the beef with spices, dried chiles, and aromatics over several hours until it becomes irresistibly rich and juicy.
Compared to stovetop or oven methods, this hands-off technique makes it one of the best easy crock pot birria tacos you’ll ever try. It’s perfect for anyone wanting a croc pot birria recipe that delivers authentic taste with everyday convenience.
Traditional Flavor Using Simple, Accessible Pantry Staples
To make this recipe at home, you’ll need:
- 3–4 lbs beef chuck roast or short ribs
- 3 dried guajillo chiles (stems and seeds removed)
- 2 dried ancho chiles
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Corn tortillas, shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
- Fresh cilantro and diced onion for serving
Most of these are pantry staples or easily found in the international aisle of your grocery store. With this combination, you’ll create the perfect slow cooker barbacoa tacos style filling that’s aromatic, spicy, and layered in depth.
A Foolproof Guide for Fall-Apart Tender Birria
Step 1: Rehydrate the dried chiles
Place guajillo and ancho chiles in hot water and let them soak for 15 minutes until soft.
Step 2: Blend the marinade
In a blender, combine rehydrated chiles, chipotle peppers, onion, garlic, beef broth, and all seasonings. Blend until smooth.
Step 3: Sear the beef (optional)
For extra flavor, sear the beef chunks in a skillet until browned on all sides. This step enhances the final depth of flavor but can be skipped for a faster version.
Step 4: Add to the crockpot
Place beef in the slow cooker. Pour the blended sauce over the meat. Add bay leaves. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours or high for 5–6 hours.
Step 5: Shred and strain
Remove beef and shred with forks. Strain the sauce to create a consommé for dipping.
Step 6: Assemble the tacos
Dip corn tortillas in the consommé, then fry in a hot skillet. Add shredded beef and cheese, fold, and cook until crispy on both sides.
Step 7: Serve and dip
Serve your tacos hot, with extra consommé on the side for dipping. Garnish with diced onion, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Get Authentic Taste Without the Hassle
This method truly captures the essence of beef birria recipe Mexican crockpot easy style. The slow cooking process not only tenderizes the beef but also allows the deep chile flavors to develop fully. The result is rich, bold, and satisfying—every bite dripping with spiced consommé and melted cheese.
Unlike other recipes that may require hours of stovetop prep or specialty tools, this approach brings birria taco recipes easy into your home kitchen.
How to Make Quesabrilla Tacos Crockpot Style With Melty Cheese
If you love cheesy tacos, quesabrilla tacos crockpot style are where it’s at. After preparing your birria meat and consommé, simply take corn tortillas, dip them into the sauce, and toast them on a skillet.
Sprinkle on a generous layer of cheese (Oaxaca or mozzarella works best), add shredded birria meat, fold the tortilla, and cook both sides until golden and crispy. These quesabirria tacos are perfect for parties, game day, or anytime you want a little indulgence.
Flavor Boosters, Texture Tricks, and Serving Secrets
To make your crock pot barrio tacos even better:
- Use a blend of meats like beef and lamb or goat for deeper flavor
- Don’t skip the bay leaves, as they infuse aroma throughout the broth
- Toast tortillas before assembling to prevent sogginess
- Add vinegar or lime juice to the marinade for brightness
- Strain the consommé well to remove solids for the best dipping experience
These small tweaks take your easy crock pot birria tacos from good to unforgettable.
Batch Cooking, Freezing, and Leftover Ideas
Birria is excellent for batch cooking. You can make a double batch, shred the meat, and freeze it in meal-sized portions.
Here are smart ways to use leftovers:
- Birria bowls over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
- Birria quesadillas with extra cheese
- Birria enchiladas baked with sauce and cheese
- Birria nachos with crema, guacamole, and jalapeños
- Birria ramen using the consommé as broth
Meal prepping with easy bria tacos like these saves time and adds variety throughout the week.
Different Meats, Spices, and Serving Ideas
If you want to change it up, try these delicious variations:
- Pork birria using pork shoulder or butt
- Chicken birria with bone-in thighs for faster cooking
- Spicy birria by adding more chipotle or arbol chiles
- Vegan birria with jackfruit and mushroom-based consommé
- Birria tortas served on crusty rolls with consommé
The flavor combinations are endless when you start with a reliable croc pot birria base.
Sides, Salsas, and Sauces to Complete the Feast
Pair your tacos with:
- Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
- Refried or black beans
- Pico de gallo or mango salsa
- Avocado slices or guacamole
- Chili lime slaw for crunch
Don’t forget lime wedges, pickled onions, or crema to elevate every bite. These sides transform your tacos into a complete meal experience.
Crockpot Cooking Pitfalls and How to Fix Them
Avoid these mistakes for the best results:
- Under-seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt after cooking
- Overcooking: While slow cookers are forgiving, too much time can make the meat dry
- Using the wrong cut: Stick with chuck roast or ribs—lean cuts won’t shred well
- Not skimming fat: Chill consommé slightly and skim fat off the top for a cleaner dip
With these tips, you’ll master birria tacos in crockpot like a pro.
Answers to Your Top Questions About Croc Pot Birria and More
Can I make this recipe with chicken or pork?
Yes, both work well. Pork shoulder is especially tender when slow-cooked.
Is it spicy?
The heat level is adjustable—add more or fewer chiles as needed.
How long does birria last in the fridge?
Up to 4–5 days in an airtight container. The flavor improves over time.
Can I use store-bought tortillas?
Absolutely. Just make sure they’re corn tortillas for authenticity.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Both meat and consommé freeze well for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
When it comes to rich, slow-cooked comfort food with bold flavor, birria tacos in crockpot form are unbeatable. They offer a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine with the convenience of a slow cooker—making them ideal for beginners, busy families, or anyone who loves tacos.
Whether you’re making crock pot barrio tacos, cheesy quesabrilla tacos crockpot style, or sticking with the classic birria-and-dip duo, this recipe delivers. It’s easy, versatile, and absolutely delicious.
Add this one to your recipe rotation and watch it become a family favorite in no time.
PrintBirria Tacos In Crockpot –Made Easy in the Slow Cooker
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Description
These birria tacos in crockpot are rich, cheesy, and packed with bold Mexican flavor. Made with slow-cooked beef, dried chiles, and spices, they’re served with crispy tortillas and a savory consommé for dipping. Perfect for quesabirria tacos made easy at home!
Ingredients
For the Birria Beef & Consommé:
-
3–4 lbs beef chuck roast or short ribs
-
3 dried guajillo chiles (stems and seeds removed)
-
2 dried ancho chiles
-
1 white onion, chopped
-
4 garlic cloves
-
2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
-
2 cups beef broth
-
1 tsp cumin
-
1 tsp dried oregano
-
1 tsp paprika
-
2 bay leaves
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembling Tacos:
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Corn tortillas
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2 cups shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
-
Fresh cilantro, chopped
-
Diced white onion
-
Lime wedge
Instructions
1. Rehydrate the dried chiles
Place guajillo and ancho chiles in a bowl and cover with hot water. Soak for 15 minutes until softened.
2. Make the sauce
Add the soaked chiles, chipotle peppers, onion, garlic, beef broth, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to a blender. Blend until smooth.
3. Sear the beef (optional)
For added flavor, sear beef chunks in a hot skillet until browned on all sides.
4. Slow cook the meat
Add beef to crockpot and pour sauce over top. Add bay leaves. Cover and cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours, until meat is tender.
5. Shred and strain
Remove beef from crockpot and shred with two forks. Strain the cooking liquid to create consommé for dipping.
6. Assemble quesabirria tacos
Dip corn tortillas in consommé, then place in a hot skillet. Top with cheese and shredded beef. Fold and cook until crispy and golden on both sides.
7. Serve with toppings
Garnish tacos with cilantro, onion, and lime. Serve with extra consommé for dipping.
Notes
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Skip searing to save time—slow cooking will still develop deep flavor.
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You can mix beef chuck with short ribs for even more richness.
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Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days, or freeze up to 3 months.
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To reduce fat, chill consommé slightly and skim off the top layer.