Instant Pot Birria Beef Tacos

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Instant Pot Birria Beef Tacos

Introduction
Instant Pot Birria Beef Tacos deliver bold Mexican‑style flavors in just about 60 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights. With tender, shredded beef simmered in a rich chile‑spiced broth, they’re irresistibly saucy and ideal for dipping (quesabirria style). Looking for more taco ideas? Check out our easy Barbacoa Beef Tacos recipe. You’ll love how fast you can impress your friends and family with restaurant-quality tacos at home.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Birria Beef Tacos

  • 3 lb beef chuck roast or short ribs, cut into large chunks (preferred cut – see FAQ)
  • 4 dried guajillo chiles, seeded
  • 2 dried ancho chiles, seeded
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 cloves
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • Optional toppings: diced onion, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, crumbled queso fresco

LSI/NLP keywords naturally included: Mexican stew, chile sauce, shredded beef tacos, rich broth

Instant Pot Birria Beef Tacos

Preparation Instructions

Prepping the Chiles & Spice Blend

  1. Toast dried chiles lightly in a skillet until fragrant (about 1‑2 minutes), then soak in hot water for 15 minutes.
  2. Drain and blend with onion, garlic, tomato paste, cumin, oregano, cloves, cinnamon, and vinegar until smooth.

Pressure Cooking & Shredding the Beef

  1. Season beef with salt and pepper, sear in Instant Pot on “Sauté” mode.
  2. Add chile purée and beef broth. Stir and secure lid.
  3. Cook on High Pressure for 45 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes.
  4. Shred beef and stir back into the broth.

Serving Suggestions & Toppings

  • Quesabirria Style: Dip corn tortillas in hot cooking broth, fry lightly in a skillet with shredded cheese, fill with beef, fold and serve with extra consommé on the side.
  • Classic Style: Warm tortillas directly on stovetop flame, fill, and top with onion, cilantro, and lime.
  • Serve with a side of fresh salsa verde or roja.
Instant Pot Birria Beef Tacos

Instant Pot Birria Beef Tacos Tips & Tricks

Adjusting Heat

  • Mild? Use only ancho chiles. Prefer spicy? Add a dried arbol chile or a pinch of cayenne.

Storing & Reheating

  • Refrigerate consommé and beef separately in airtight containers up to 3 days. Gently reheat broth on stove, add beef to warm through.

FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

Can you use a pressure cooker for birria tacos?

Yes! A stovetop pressure cooker or electric pressure cooker (Instant Pot) works brilliantly. The high pressure extracts deep flavor while tenderizing the meat quickly.

How to make birria beef instant pot?

You make it by blending soaked dried chiles and aromatics, searing the beef in the Instant Pot, adding the sauce and broth, and cooking on High Pressure for about 45 minutes, followed by natural release, and shredding the beef into the consommé.

Does beef get tender in instant pot?

Traditional birria uses cuts like beef chuck roast, short ribs, or brisket. These are well-marbled and become very tender and flavorful when pressure-cooked.

What cut of beef is used for birria tacos?

Absolutely — tough cuts like chuck or short ribs become meltingly tender in an Instant Pot, thanks to the high-pressure cooking that breaks down connective tissue efficiently.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Big Flavor with Minimal Effort
The chile purée and simmering broth deliver layers of spice, sweetness, and complexity — with just a few hands-on steps.
Family-Friendly & Customizable
Serve mild or spicy; make quesabirria or classic tacos. Everyone can build to their liking.

Instant Pot Birria Beef Tacos

Conclusion

For tender, richly flavored Instant Pot Birria Beef Tacos that come together in about an hour, this recipe delivers. Whether dipped in consommé or topped with fresh cilantro and onions, every bite bursts with authentic Mexican-style taste. Check out more taco inspiration on Adrian Recipes by visiting your favorite tacos section—and don’t miss our other beef taco recipes.

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