Zesty Instant Pot Birria Tacos Recipe: Fiesta in Every Bite

Sizzling and packed with mouthwatering Mexican flavors, these birria tacos bursting with tender meat will revolutionize your dinner game.

The instant pot method slashes traditional cooking times while preserving every ounce of rich, spicy goodness.

Succulent beef braised in a complex blend of dried chilies and aromatic spices creates a deeply satisfying meal that demands attention.

Each bite promises a journey through layers of intense, slow-cooked flavors that dance across your palate.

The crispy, cheese-crusted tortillas provide the perfect canvas for this stunning meat preparation.

Serve these tacos with a side of consommé for dipping, and watch as everyone around the table becomes an instant fan.

Get ready to elevate your taco night with this irresistible recipe that combines traditional techniques with modern convenience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 41 minutes

Calories: 440 kcal

Servings: 9

What You Need for Instant Pot Birria Tacos

• Chuck Roast: Provides rich, tender base for the iconic birria, choose well-marbled cut for maximum flavor.
• Short Ribs: Adds depth and gelatinous texture, select bone-in ribs for enhanced taste.

• Onions, Garlic: Create foundational flavor profile, select fresh, firm bulbs without soft spots.
• Carrots: Adds subtle sweetness and depth, choose crisp, bright orange vegetables.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates umami and richness, opt for high-quality brand.
• Oregano: Introduces earthy herbal notes, prefer Mexican variety for authentic taste.
• Cumin: Delivers warm, smoky undertone, use freshly ground for most potent flavor.

• Beef Stock: Builds robust base for consommé, select low-sodium for better control.
• Dried Chiles: Provides complex, smoky heat, seek fresh, pliable chiles without moisture damage.
• Bay Leaves: Contributes subtle herbal complexity, choose whole leaves over crushed.

• Tortillas: Vehicle for delicious filling, select corn tortillas for traditional experience.
• Cheese: Adds creamy, melting element, choose melting cheese like Oaxaca or Monterey Jack.
• Cilantro: Offers fresh, bright garnish, select vibrant green leaves.
• Onions: Provides crisp, sharp contrast, choose white or red for different profiles.
• Lime: Adds bright, acidic finish, pick juicy, heavy fruits.

Tools to Make Instant Pot Birria Tacos

• Instant Pot: Essential for pressure cooking the meat to tender perfection.
• Blender: Crucial for creating a smooth, rich chile sauce with roasted vegetables.
• Sheet Pan: Needed to roast meats and vegetables with oil and seasonings.
• Griddle or Large Skillet: Perfect for crisping up the birria tacos.
• Large Bowl: Used for shredding beef and mixing with seasonings.
• Slotted Spoon: Helps transfer roasted vegetables to the blender.
• Baking Sheet (optional): Keeps tacos warm in the oven.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling and turning meats during roasting.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate liquid and stock measurements.

Cooking Instructions for Birria Tacos

• Meat Preparation

Roast chuck roast, short ribs, onions, garlic, and carrots at high heat. Create a rich base of flavors by browning ingredients deeply.

• Sauce Creation

Blend roasted vegetables with chiles, tomato paste, and aromatic spices. Transform ingredients into a smooth, vibrant sauce that will infuse meat with complex flavors.

• Slow Cooking

Combine roasted meats with prepared sauce in Instant Pot. Allow ingredients to merge and tenderize, creating melt-in-your-mouth texture through pressure cooking.

• Beef Shredding

Break down cooked meat into succulent, tender pieces. Remove excess fat to ensure clean, rich protein for tacos.

• Taco Assembly

Dip tortillas in savory consommé, layer with melted cheese and shredded beef. Crisp on griddle until edges turn golden and crunchy.

• Final Touches

Garnish with fresh chopped onions, bright cilantro, and zesty lime. Serve with extra consommé for dipping, creating a multi-dimensional dining experience.

Flavor Suggestions for Birria Tacos

• Replace chuck roast and short ribs with beef brisket or goat meat for unique flavor profiles and tender texture variations.
• Adjust chile intensity by removing seeds from dried chiles or adding extra chipotle peppers to create mild or super-spicy versions matching personal heat preferences.
• Use corn tortillas for authentic taste or experiment with flour tortillas; double-layer tortillas for extra crispiness and structural integrity during cooking.
• Prepare birria meat mixture one day ahead and refrigerate, allowing flavors to deepen and develop more complex taste dimensions for even more delicious results.
• Substitute beef with jackfruit or mushrooms, using similar spice blend and cooking method to create a plant-based version that maintains rich, traditional birria flavor profile.

Plating and Serving Birria Tacos

• Elevate Your Taco Experience: Serve these birria tacos with small bowls of warm, rich consommé for a traditional dipping adventure that brings authentic Mexican street food right to your table.
• Create a Vibrant Garnish Station: Chop fresh white onions, cilantro, and slice lime wedges so guests can customize their tacos with bright, zesty toppings that complement the tender, flavorful beef.
• Make It a Family-Style Feast: Arrange shredded beef, crispy tortillas, and consommé in separate dishes, encouraging everyone to build their own tacos and enjoy an interactive, communal meal that sparks conversation.
• Pair with Refreshing Drinks: Serve cold Mexican beer, horchata, or a tangy margarita to balance the rich, spicy flavors of the birria tacos and enhance the overall dining experience.

Storage Tips for Birria Taco

• Batch Prepare Efficiently: Cook extra meat and sauce to freeze in airtight containers for quick future meals. Separate beef and consommé into individual portions for easy reheating.
• Refrigerate Smart: Store shredded beef and consommé separately in sealed containers. Consume within 3-4 days for maximum freshness and flavor quality.
• Freeze Like a Pro: Wrap tacos individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Meat and sauce can remain frozen up to 3 months without losing taste integrity.
• Reheat with Care: Warm beef and consommé slowly in microwave or stovetop. Add fresh tortillas when serving to maintain crispy texture and prevent sogginess.

Sizzling Instant Pot Birria Tacos Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 41 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Sizzling Instant Pot Birria Tacos bring Mexican culinary magic to home kitchens with tender braised beef and rich consommé. Crispy corn tortillas folded around spicy meat create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) chuck roast, cut into 4 large chunks
• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) short ribs (bone in)
• 5 guajillo chiles, stems cut off and seeds removed
• 4 ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed
• 6 cups (1.4 l) beef stock
• 2 large yellow onions, roughly chopped
• 1 white onion, finely diced
• 8 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 carrots, cut into large slices
• 1 (6 oz / 170 g) can tomato paste
• 16 corn tortillas (6-inch)
• 1 lb (16 oz / 450 g) Chihuahua cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp Mexican oregano
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 4 dried bay leaves
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 limes, cut into wedges

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Arrange chuck roast, short ribs, onions, garlic, and carrots on a sheet pan. Coat with oil, season with salt and pepper, then roast at 425°F for 20 minutes, rotating midway to ensure even caramelization.
2. Chile Sauce Creation: Simmer beef stock and chiles for 10 minutes. Blend softened chiles, roasted vegetables, tomato paste, oregano, and cumin with stock until smooth and silky.
3. Pressure Cooking: Transfer roasted meats, chile sauce, remaining stock, and bay leaves to the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 40 minutes, allowing flavors to intensify and meld.
4. Meat Processing: Release pressure manually and let meat rest for 30 minutes. Shred beef, removing excess fat and bones, and season with additional salt to enhance flavor profile.
5. Taco Assembly: Dip corn tortillas into rich consommé, layer with shredded cheese and beef. Fold carefully and griddle until achieving a crisp, golden exterior.
6. Serving: Transfer tacos to a 250°F oven to maintain temperature. Garnish with chopped onions, cilantro, and lime wedges. Serve with consommé for authentic dipping experience.

Notes

• Maximize Meat Flavor: Roast meats and vegetables before pressure cooking to develop deep, caramelized flavors that elevate the entire dish’s complexity.
• Perfect Sauce Technique: Blend chiles with roasted vegetables thoroughly to create a smooth, rich sauce that ensures consistent taste in every bite.
• Manage Meat Texture: Allow meat to rest after cooking to help fibers relax, making shredding easier and preventing dryness.
• Crisp Taco Secret: Dip tortillas in consommé before griddling to create a flavorful, crispy exterior that adds an authentic street food texture.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg