Slow Cooked Birria Tacos on the Blackstone
Birria tacos have become a sensation in the culinary world, capturing the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts everywhere. These delectable tacos are made with tender, flavorful meat cooked in a rich, aromatic broth. In this recipe, we will explore how to create an irresistible birria taco experience using chuck roast cooked in a crock pot and the final touch of griddling the tacos on a Blackstone griddle. Prepare yourself for a culinary adventure that combines traditional Mexican flavors with modern cooking techniques.

What is a Birria Taco?
Originating from the Mexican state of Jalisco, birria is a savory meat stew traditionally made with goat or lamb. However, this recipe adapts the concept using chuck roast, a tender cut of beef. The chuck roast is slow-cooked in a fragrant broth until it becomes tender and easily shreds apart. The resulting meat is then folded into corn tortillas, creating irresistible birria tacos.
Ingredients:
For the Birria:
- 2 pounds chuck roast
 - 1 large onion, diced
 - 4 cloves of garlic, minced
 - 2 bay leaves
 - 1 tablespoon dried oregano
 - 1 tablespoon ground cumin
 - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
 - 1 teaspoon salt
 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
 - 4 cups beef broth
 - 2 cups water
 - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
 - 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
 
For the Tacos:
- Corn tortillas
 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
 - White onion, finely diced
 - Lime wedges
 - Queso fresco or feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
 
Instructions:
- Preparing the Chuck Roast in the Crock Pot:
 
- Start by trimming any excess fat from the chuck roast and cutting it into large chunks.
 - In a skillet over medium heat, sear the meat on all sides until browned. Transfer the seared meat to the crock pot.
 - Add diced onion, minced garlic, bay leaves, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper to the crock pot.
 - Pour in the beef broth, water, diced tomatoes, and apple cider vinegar.
 - Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
 - Set the crock pot to low heat and cook for 8-10 hours or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
 - Save the sauce after removing the meat, putting it through a food processor or blender, this will be our taco dipping sauce.
 
2. Shredding and Assembling the Tacos:
- Once the meat is tender, remove it from the crock pot and transfer it to a cutting board.
 - Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
 - Heat a Blackstone griddle or a large skillet over medium-high heat.
 - Warm the corn tortillas on the griddle for about 30 seconds on each side until they are pliable.
 - Fill each tortilla with a generous amount of the shredded meat and fold it in half, creating a taco shape.
 - Place the filled tacos on the griddle and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are crispy and golden brown.
 
3. Serving the Birria Tacos:
- Transfer the crispy tacos to a serving platter.
 - Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, finely diced white onion, and crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese if desired.
 - Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos for a burst of acidity.
 - Serve the birria tacos immediately while they are still warm.
 - Using the sauce from the crockpot, serve it alongside as a dipping taco sauce.
 
Why a Blackstone Griddle is Perfect for Birria Tacos:
A Blackstone griddle provides the perfect cooking surface for birria tacos. The flat, wide cooking surface ensures even heat distribution, allowing the tacos to develop a crispy texture while retaining their juiciness. The griddle’s ample space enables you to cook multiple tacos at once, making it ideal for serving a crowd or preparing a feast.

What to Serve with Birria Tacos:
Birria tacos pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments that enhance the overall dining experience. Consider serving them with:
- Salsa Roja: A spicy, tomato-based salsa that adds a tangy kick to the tacos.
 - Guacamole: Creamy and flavorful, guacamole provides a refreshing contrast to the savory meat.
 - Pickled Onions: Thinly sliced red onions pickled in vinegar and spices lend a vibrant, tangy element.
 - Radishes: Sliced radishes add a crisp, peppery bite that balances the richness of the meat.
 - Mexican Rice: A side of fragrant, fluffy Mexican rice completes the meal.
 
With this recipe, you can embark on a culinary journey and savor the exquisite flavors of birria tacos made with chuck roast cooked to perfection in a crock pot and then griddled on a Blackstone griddle. The tender, juicy meat combined with the crispy tortillas, aromatic spices, and a variety of accompaniments create an unforgettable taco experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply satisfying your craving for authentic Mexican cuisine, these birria tacos are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.