Slow Cooker Birria Tacos

 

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 pounds beef chuck roast, boneless, cut into 12 equal pieces
• 3 teaspoons, kosher salt, plus more to taste, divided
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
• 4 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed
• 2 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed
• 1 large white onion, halved, divided
• 5 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, halved
• 2 medium plum or roma tomatoes
• 5 cups water
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 cup avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or canola oil
• 5 cups beef broth
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 18 (6-inch) corn tortillas
• 1 pound Chihuahua cheese, Oaxaca cheese, or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded, optional
• 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 medium limes, cut into wedges

Directions

Step 1 -Season the beef with 2 teaspoons of the salt and the ground black pepper.

Step 2 -In a 6-quart pressure cooker, add the guajillo chiles, the ancho chiles, 1/2 of the onion, the garlic cloves, the ginger, the tomatoes, and the water and stir to combine.

Step 3 -Using the "Sauté" option over high heat, bring the onion mixture to a boil, and cook, about 10 minutes.

Step 4 -Turn the pressure cooker off.

Step 5 -Use a slotted spoon to transfer the onion mixture to a blender, reserving the cooking liquid in the pressure cooker.

Step 6 -Add 2 cups of the cooking liquid, the remaining teaspoon of salt, the apple cider vinegar, the black peppercorns, the Mexican oregano, the cumin seeds, the ground cinnamon, and the ground cloves to the blender and blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth, about 1 minute.

Step 7 -Place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl.

Step 8 -Pour the blended mixture through the strainer and use the bottom of a ladle to push the sauce through the strainer until a thick paste remains. Discard the thick paste.

Step 9 -Empty, wash, and dry the inside of the pressure cooker.

Step 10 -Add the oil to the pressure cooker and heat it on the "Sauté" setting over high, about 5 minutes.

Step 11 -Add the beef, in batches, and sear until it has browned on a few sides, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 12 -Transfer the beef to a large plate.

Step 13 -Return all the seared beef and its juices to the pressure cooker.

Step 14 -Add the strained sauce, the beef broth, and the thyme sprigs to the beef and stir to combine.

Step 15 -Lock the lid on the pressure cooker and ensure the valve is set to seal.

Step 16 -Set the pressure cooker to cook on "High Pressure" for 40 minutes. It will take about 15-20 minutes for it to come up to pressure.

Step 17 -Let the pressure release naturally, for about 15 minutes, then quick-release any of the remaining pressure.

Step 18 -Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.

Step 19 -Line an 18x26-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 20 -Use a slotted spoon to transfer all of the cooked beef to a large bowl, then use two forks to shred the beef. Reserve the cooking liquid in the bowl and discard the fat and the thyme sprigs.

Step 21 -Season the beef with the extra salt and the pepper.

Step 22 -Heat a griddle or large nonstick frying pan over medium heat.

Step 23 -Dip the tortillas, one at a time, in the reserved cooking liquid and then place as many tortillas as will fit in a single layer on the griddle.

Step 24 -Sprinkle the tortillas with 1/4 cup of the cheese.

Step 25 -Top the cheese with 1/4 cup of the shredded beef.

Step 26 -Drizzle the shredded beef with some of the remaining cooking liquid.

Step 27 -Cook the tortillas until the cheese has melted and then fold each tortilla in half.

Step 28 -Flip the tortillas and cook until they are browned in spots and crispy, about 5-6 minutes

Step 29 -Place the tacos onto the prepared baking sheet and transfer it to the oven to keep them warm.

Step 30 -Repeat the process until all the remaining taco ingredients have been used.

Step 31 -Top the tacos with the onions, the cilantro, the lime wedges, and the remaining cooking liquid for dipping.

Step 32 -Serve.