BEST BEEF BIRRIA AND BIRRIA TACOS

 How to Make Flavor-Packed Birria Tacos on a Blackstone Grill

Elevate Your Taco Game with This Irresistible Recipe

Birria tacos have taken the culinary world by storm, and for good reason. This Mexican dish combines tender, slow-cooked beef, rich spices, and a crispy tortilla for a mouthwatering experience. Cooking birria tacos on a Blackstone Grill adds a smoky flavor that takes this dish to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this guide will walk you through every step to create tacos that are sure to impress.

What Makes Birria Tacos So Special?

Birria tacos are a fusion of slow-cooked beef stew and crispy tacos. Traditionally, birria originated in the Mexican state of Jalisco and was made with goat meat. However, today’s variations often feature beef, particularly chuck roast and short ribs, for their rich, tender texture. The beef is braised in a flavorful broth made with guajillo chiles, crushed tomatoes, and a medley of spices, then shredded and used as a taco filling.

Why Cook Birria Tacos on a Blackstone Grill?

Cooking birria tacos on a flat-top Blackstone Grill offers several advantages:

1. Even Heat Distribution: The grill provides consistent heat, ensuring your tortillas get evenly crisped.
2. Smoky Flavor: Grilling the tacos enhances their flavor with a subtle smokiness.
3. Large Cooking Surface: A Blackstone Grill is perfect for making a big batch of tacos, ideal for gatherings or family dinners.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Birria Tacos

1. Chuck Roast and Short Ribs: These cuts are perfect for braising, offering a balance of marbled fat and tender meat.
2. Guajillo Chiles: These dried peppers add a mild heat and smoky flavor. Removing the seeds keeps the spice level manageable.
3. Crushed Tomatoes: Tomatoes provide a tangy base for the broth.
4. Mexican Cheese Blend: A combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack and cheddar adds a creamy, melty layer to your tacos.
5. Corn Tortillas: Authentic birria tacos are made with corn tortillas, which crisp beautifully on the grill.

Tips for Perfect Birria Tacos on a Blackstone Grill

1. Prep the Ingredients: Cut the chuck roast into manageable pieces and remove the seeds from the guajillo chiles in advance to save time.
2. Slow Cook for Maximum Flavor: Use a slow cooker to tenderize the beef and allow the flavors to meld. Cooking on low for 8–10 hours is ideal.
3. Skim the Grease: Reserve the flavorful grease from the broth to fry the tortillas. This step gives the tacos their signature crispy texture.
4. Cook in Batches: If you’re making a large batch, grill the tacos in small groups to maintain consistent heat.

Why Birria Tacos Are a Crowd-Pleaser

Birria tacos are more than just a meal—they’re an experience. The combination of savory beef, crispy tortillas, gooey cheese, and fresh lime juice makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, these tacos are sure to be a hit.

Part 2: Step-by-Step Recipe for Birria Tacos on a Blackstone Grill

PREPRATION TIME:
PREP TIME: 15MINUTES
COOK TIME: 8 HOURS 10MINUTES
TOTAL TIME: 8 HOURS 25MINUTES
SERVINGS: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chuck roast, cut into pieces
• 1 pound short ribs
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 6 guajillo chiles, seeds removed and diced
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 bay leaves
• 2 cups beef broth
• 18 corn tortillas
• 3 cups Mexican cheese blend
• 2 limes, cut into wedges

Instructions

1. Preheat and Sear the Meat
   • Heat your Blackstone Grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
   • Spread oil evenly over the surface of the grill.
   • Place the diced chuck roast and short ribs on the grill and sear each side for 4–5 minutes until browned.
2. Prepare the Broth
   • Transfer the seared meat to a slow cooker.
   • Add the onion, crushed tomatoes, guajillo chiles, chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt, and bay leaves.
   • Pour in the beef broth. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours (or on high for 4–5 hours).
3. Skim the Grease
   • Once the beef is tender, skim the grease from the top of the broth. Reserve this grease for frying the tortillas.
4. Shred the Meat
   • Remove the beef and bones from the slow cooker. Shred the meat using two forks and return it to the broth.
5. Assemble the Tacos
   • Reheat the Blackstone Grill to medium-high heat (400°F).
   • Dip each tortilla into the reserved grease and place it on the grill.
   • Add shredded beef and a generous sprinkle of cheese to one side of the tortilla.
   • Fold the tortilla in half to form a taco shape.
6. Grill the Tacos
   • Flatten the tacos slightly and cook until the tortilla is crispy and golden brown on one side.
   • Flip the tacos and cook the other side until equally crisp.
7. Serve and Enjoy
   • Remove the tacos from the grill and serve hot with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos for an extra burst of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Blackstone birria taco recipe combines the rich, bold flavors of slow-cooked beef with the satisfying crunch of grilled tortillas. It’s easy to make, loaded with authentic ingredients, and perfect for any occasion. Try it once, and it’ll become a staple in your recipe collection!