Name: Crockpot Birria Tacos
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-489416H37M30S
Total time: PT-489416H37M30S
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 to 3 lbs chuck roast or beef stew meat, cut into large chunks; 4 slices smoked turkey bacon; 1/2 cup chopped smoked turkey slices; 1 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded; 4 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded; 2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded; 3 tbsp tomato paste (natural); 1 medium onion, roughly chopped; 4 garlic cloves, peeled; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural); 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural); 1 tsp natural gelling agent (such as pectin or agar); 12 corn tortillas; Optional garnishes: chopped white onions, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, pickled onions, sliced avocado

If you are craving a meal packed with bold, savory flavors and an unbeatable tender texture, then Crockpot Birria Tacos are your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe combines slow-cooked, juicy meat infused with rich spices and topped with melted plant-based cheese (plant-based) in warm tortillas, making each bite a celebration of authentic Mexican-inspired goodness. Perfect for casual dinners or gatherings, these tacos are both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, appealing to anyone who loves a hearty, flavorful meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ease of Preparation: Toss all ingredients into a crockpot and let it do the work while you relax or prep other dishes.
Rich Flavors: A vibrant combination of spices and slow-cooking unlocks deep, comforting flavor that fills your kitchen with warmth.
Perfectly Tender Meat: The slow cooking makes the meat incredibly tender and easy to shred, ideal for juicy tacos every time.
Plant-Based Cheese (plant-based) Delight: Using plant-based cheese (plant-based) makes this dish inclusive while keeping the gooey cheesiness everyone loves.
Versatile Meal: Great for weeknights, parties, or meal prep, these tacos please both meat lovers and plant-friendly eaters alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is made with straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in achieving that classic birria taco taste and texture. With simple pantry staples and key spices, this dish bursts with rich color and layers of flavor.

Chuck Roast or Beef Stew Meat: Choose a cut that becomes tender after slow cooking, soaking up all the delicious spices.
Dried Guajillo and Ancho Chilies: These provide smoky, deep heat and a beautiful red hue to the sauce.
Tomato Paste: Adds sweetness and body to the cooking liquid for a robust base.
Onion and Garlic: Classic aromatics that build the foundation of savory flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds bright acidity that balances the rich meat and spices.
Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce (natural): Enhances the umami profile for depth and complexity.
Smoked Turkey Bacon: Brings a smoky background note without overpowering the dish.
Smoked Turkey Slices: Adds texture and an extra smoky element to the filling.
Plant-Based Cheese (plant-based): Melts beautifully, creating that irresistible gooey texture inside your tacos.
Corn Tortillas: The perfect soft and slightly chewy shell to hold all your savory filling.
Natural Gelling Agent: Used in the sauce for the perfect consistency without losing any authentic taste.

Variations for Crockpot Birria Tacos

Feel free to get creative with your Crockpot Birria Tacos. Whether you’re adjusting for dietary preferences or simply changing up the flavors, this recipe welcomes your personal touch with ease.

Vegetarian Twist: Swap meat for hearty mushrooms or jackfruit to make these tacos plant-friendly while keeping that rich birria spirit.
Spice Level: Increase or reduce chili quantities to customize how much heat you want in every bite.
Toppings Galore: Add pickled onions, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or sliced avocado for extra vibrant garnishes.
Cheese Choice: Experiment with different plant-based cheese (plant-based) varieties to find your perfect melt and flavor match.
Taco Shells: Try flour tortillas or crispy taco shells for different textures and flavor experiences.

Easy Crockpot Birria Tacos for Flavor Lovers

How to Make Crockpot Birria Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Chili Sauce

Start by soaking dried guajillo and ancho chilies in hot water until softened. Blend them with tomato paste, onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and smoked turkey bacon to make a smoky, spicy sauce base.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot

Place your cut chuck roast or beef stew meat into the crockpot, then pour the chili sauce over it. Add natural gelling agent to help thicken the cooking liquid naturally as it simmers.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set the crockpot to low heat and cook for 8 to 10 hours until the meat is fall-apart tender, soaking up every ounce of flavor from the sauce.

Step 4: Shred and Combine

Once cooked, shred the meat directly in the crockpot with forks and stir in chopped smoked turkey slices for a smoky boost that blends perfectly with the tender beef.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Dip corn tortillas in the birria sauce or broth, then fill with the melty plant-based cheese (plant-based) and shredded meat mixture. Fold and toast on a hot griddle until the tortillas are slightly crispy and the cheese is melted.

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Birria Tacos

Prep Ahead: Make the chili sauce the day before to let the flavors deepen overnight for an even richer taste.
Cheese Melting: Use a hot, lightly greased skillet or griddle to achieve that perfect crispy-tender shell with gooey cheese inside.
Broth for Dipping: Serve the reserved cooking liquid as a side dip known as consomé for authentic enjoyment.
Low and Slow Cooking: Avoid rushing the cooking process to develop the best tender texture and melded flavors.
Taco Assembly: Work in batches when dipping and crisping tortillas to keep them fresh and delicious each round.

How to Serve Crockpot Birria Tacos

Garnishes

Add chopped white onions, fresh cilantro, and wedges of lime on the side to brighten and elevate every bite with texture and zing.

Side Dishes

Pair your birria tacos with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp cabbage slaw for contrasting textures and a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve tacos on a wooden board with small bowls of consomé for dipping, or create a taco bar allowing guests to customize with various sauces and toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover birria meat and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, preserving its rich flavors and tender texture.

Freezing

Freeze any extra birria meat and sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to three months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of reserved sauce or broth to maintain moisture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Crockpot Birria Tacos without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can use a Dutch oven or heavy pot to simmer the meat and sauce gently on the stove or bake it in the oven at low heat for several hours.

What kind of meat is best for birria tacos?

Chuck roast or beef stew meat works beautifully because it becomes tender and flavorful during long, slow cooking.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, preparing the chili sauce in advance helps deepen the flavors, making the dish even more delicious when cooked with the meat.

Is there a way to make these tacos spicier?

For more heat, add extra dried chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the chili sauce when blending.

How can I store the consomé broth?

Pour leftover broth into a sealed container and refrigerate for up to four days or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Making Crockpot Birria Tacos is like welcoming a fiesta of rich flavors into your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum reward. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, these tacos bring warmth, comfort, and joy with each savory bite. Get your crockpot ready and enjoy the deliciousness that unfolds in every tender, cheesy morsel.

Crockpot Birria Tacos

Author: David
Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes to 10 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Crockpot Birria Tacos are a savory, slow-cooked meal featuring tender beef infused with rich smoky spices and topped with melty plant-based cheese (plant-based) inside warm corn tortillas. Easy to prepare, deeply flavorful, and perfect for casual dinners or gatherings, these tacos offer a comforting Mexican-inspired experience with a delicious, gooey texture and authentic taste.

Instructions

Prepare the Chili Sauce: Soak the dried guajillo and ancho chilies in hot water for 15-20 minutes until softened. Blend the soaked chilies with tomato paste (natural), onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and smoked turkey bacon until smooth to create a smoky, spicy sauce base.
Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot: Place the chuck roast or beef stew meat into the crockpot. Pour the prepared chili sauce over the meat. Sprinkle the natural gelling agent evenly on top to help thicken the cooking liquid naturally as it simmers.
Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat. Cook for 8 to 10 hours until the meat is fall-apart tender and has absorbed all the rich flavors of the sauce.
Shred and Combine: Remove the meat from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the crockpot and stir in the chopped smoked turkey slices for an added smoky texture and flavor.
Assemble the Tacos: Dip each corn tortilla briefly into the birria sauce or broth from the crockpot. Place the dipped tortilla on a hot, lightly greased griddle or skillet. Add a layer of shredded plant-based cheese (plant-based) and the shredded meat mixture. Fold the tortilla over and toast until the cheese melts and the tortilla is slightly crispy.

Notes

Prep the chili sauce one day in advance to deepen the flavor.
Use a hot, lightly greased skillet or griddle for perfect crispy yet tender tortillas with melted cheese.
Reserve some cooking liquid (consomé) to serve as a flavorful dipping broth.
Cook low and slow to achieve tender meat and full flavor development.
Dip and crisp tortillas in small batches to maintain freshness.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 8 to 10 hours
Category: Appetizers
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Mexican