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Smoked birria taco being dipped in consomme.
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5 from 13 votes

Smoked Birria Tacos

These smoked birria tacos are the perfect Mexican meal combined with the amazing flavors of BBQ. Tender beef is slow-cooked in a flavorful braise before being shredded and wrapped up in a corn tortilla with cheese and fresh toppings. 
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time9 hours
Total Time9 hours 20 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Smoked Birria Tacos
Servings: 8 people
Author: Susie Bulloch

Ingredients

Braising Liquid

  • 6 cups beef stock divided use
  • 2 ancho chili peppers
  • 2 guajllo chili peppers
  • 2-3 chiles de arbol optional, adds heat
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 8 cloves garlic smashed
  • 1 medium yellow onion quartered
  • 1 cup cilantro

Taco Toppings

  • 16 corn tortilla shells
  • 2 cups quesadilla cheese shredded
  • 2 limes cut into wedges
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 cup cilantro chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat. Preheat your smoker to 275 degrees F.
  • Season. Season the chuck roast on all sides with Fiesta Rub.
  • Make the braising liquid. In a 12-inch cast iron skillet or aluminum pan, combine 4 cups of the beef stock, peppers, garlic cloves, onion, and cilantro.
  • Smoke. Place the pan of braising liquid on the lowest grates of your smoker, set the seasoned chuck roast on a rack above the pan of braising liquid. With this set up, you'll maintain moisture in your smoker, as well as catch any drippings from your roast. Close the lid and smoke your roast for 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reads 165- 175 degrees F.
  • Braise. Move the roast down into the pan of braising liquid, close the lid, and cook for an additional 2-3 hours, or until your roast reads 210 degrees F internal temperature and shreds easily with a fork.
  • Shred. Remove the roast and shred into small pieces. Strain the peppers and onions from your braising liquid. It should have reduced significantly while cooking. Whisk in the remaining 2 cups hot beef stock to reconstitute your consomme and keep warm.
  • Make the tacos. Prepare your workstation for cooking the birria tacos. Preheat a cast iron skillet or flat top over medium-high heat and oil lightly. Dip your tortilla in your consomme liquid and set it directly on the oiled pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes before flipping. Top the tortilla with cheese and layer in your shredded birria. Fold the tortilla over and cook, flipping occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is browned and crisp. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, cheese, and birria.
  • Enjoy. Serve your tacos with fresh lime, cilantro, and diced onion alongside a bowl of your hot consomme (topped with more cilantro and onion). Dip your taco into that consomme before each bite and enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 763kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 66g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 220mg | Sodium: 962mg | Potassium: 1291mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 821IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 538mg | Iron: 6mg