Name: Keto Beef Birria Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 3 h 40 min
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 pounds Beef Chuck Roast (cut into 3 large pieces); 1 1/2 cups Beef Broth; 1 Bay Leaf; 2 Dried ancho chiles; 2 Dried Guajillo chiles; 1 can Fire roasted diced tomatoes (undrained); 2 tsp White Vinegar; 2 tbsp Olive Oil; 1/2 large Onion (chopped); 3 tsp Minced Garlic; 2 tsp Cumin; 2 tsp Oregano; 1 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon; 2 tsp Ginger Paste; 16 Zero carb street taco sized tortillas; 1/4 large Red Onion (finely chopped); 1 1/2 cups Mexican Quesadilla Melting Cheese; Chopped Cilantro

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 49 reviews

If you are craving a comforting meal that perfectly blends rich, bold flavors with a low-carb twist, this Keto Beef Birria Tacos Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine juicy, tender beef slow-cooked to perfection in a deeply spiced sauce made from dried chiles and fragrant herbs, all wrapped up in zero-carb tortillas that crisp up just right. This dish is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a celebration of Mexican culinary tradition adapted beautifully for a keto lifestyle. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special gathering, these tacos promise satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black speckled pot filled with several pieces of meat covered in a thick reddish-brown sauce. The sauce has a smooth yet slightly chunky texture, evenly coating the meat pieces, with some small visible herbs and spices mixed throughout. The meat pieces are partially submerged and appear tender, with the sauce pooling around them and filling the pot's rounded edges. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to an unforgettable Keto Beef Birria Tacos Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of taste, texture, and aroma, making the final dish both authentic and keto-friendly.

16 Zero carb street taco sized tortillas: These low-carb tortillas are perfect for wrapping your filling without the extra carbs of traditional corn or flour options.
2 Dried ancho chiles: Brings a smoky and mild heat that deepens the flavor of your sauce.
2 Dried Guajillo chiles: Adds a sweet and tangy note essential to classic birria.
2 tbsp Olive Oil: Used for searing the beef and sautéing aromatics, bringing richness to the dish.
1/2 large Onion (chopped): Provides a subtle sweetness and base for the sauce.
3 tsp Minced Garlic: Imparts a savory punch that enhances every bite.
2 tsp Cumin: The warm, earthy spice that gives birria its signature flavor.
2 tsp Oregano: Adds a fragrant herbal tone to balance the spices.
1 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon: A hint of sweetness and complexity in the sauce.
2 tsp Ginger Paste: Introduces a subtle zing to brighten the rich sauce.
1 can Fire roasted diced tomatoes (undrained): Lends a smoky depth and acidity to the birria broth.
2 tsp White Vinegar: Enhances tanginess and deepens the overall flavor profile.
1 1/2 cups Beef Broth: Creates a flavorful base for slow cooking the beef.
1 Bay Leaf: Infuses an aromatic earthiness during the long cook.
3 pounds Beef Chuck Roast (cut into 3 large pieces): The star of the dish, perfect for slow braising until meltingly tender.
1/4 large Red Onion (finely chopped): Adds freshness and crunch as a topping.
1 1/2 cups Mexican Quesadilla Melting Cheese: Ensures melty, gooey goodness inside your tacos.
Chopped Cilantro: A bright herbaceous finish that elevates every bite.

How to Make Keto Beef Birria Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Soften the Chiles

Start by slicing open the dried ancho and guajillo chiles to remove their stems and seeds. Toast them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat for a couple of minutes to awaken their full flavor. Then, soak them in very hot water for about 30 minutes until they are soft and ready to blend. This step is crucial because it unlocks the vibrant and smoky character that makes this Keto Beef Birria Tacos Recipe so special.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

While the chiles are soaking, preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef chuck roast pieces generously with salt and pepper, then sear on every side until you get a beautiful golden crust. This locks in juices and adds an irresistible depth of flavor that will carry through your birria.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Transfer the seared beef to a dutch oven along with a bay leaf. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté the chopped onions until fragrant and softened. Add the garlic, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, and ginger paste, cooking for just 30 more seconds to toast these spices gently. Stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, white vinegar, softened chiles, and beef broth, then let the sauce simmer for five minutes to marry all the wonderful flavors.

Step 4: Puree the Sauce

To get the perfect smooth consistency for your birria, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce directly in the skillet. If you don’t have one, let the sauce cool a bit and carefully blend it in a countertop blender. This silky sauce is the magic that envelops the beef while it cooks and becomes your dip later.

Step 5: Slow Cook the Beef

Pour the pureed sauce over the beef in the dutch oven, cover it, and bake for three hours. This low and slow cooking tenderizes the beef until it is falling apart and infused with all those deep, complex flavors, absolutely perfect for your tacos.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos

Once the beef is tender, remove it and shred it with two forks. Add a little water to the remaining sauce (consomme) to thin it if needed. Warm a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Quickly dip each zero-carb tortilla into the consomme, allowing it to soak up flavor, then place it in the skillet. Add a layer of melting cheese, a generous portion of shredded beef, then sprinkle with finely chopped red onion and cilantro. Fold the tortilla over, cook until crispy on both sides, and get ready for pure taco bliss.

How to Serve Keto Beef Birria Tacos Recipe

Two toasted quesadillas lie on a dark cooking surface. Each quesadilla is folded in half, showing a crispy, browned outer layer with a slightly uneven texture and small charred spots. Inside, the filling consists of melted white cheese, tender shredded meat with a rich brown color, and bits of green leafy vegetables peeking out. The quesadillas have a warm golden-brown hue with darker grill marks. The background is plain and unadorned to keep the focus on the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The final touches matter so much for this recipe. Fresh chopped cilantro and finely diced red onion bring in that sharp and fresh contrast to the rich beef. You can even add lime wedges for an extra zesty pop that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple and keto-friendly with a side salad of crisp radishes and avocado or a creamy guacamole. These sides complement the heavy, sauce-soaked tacos without overpowering their complex flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these tacos open-faced on a platter with small bowls of extra consomme for dipping. You can also make mini taco sliders using smaller tortillas for parties, making this Keto Beef Birria Tacos Recipe not only delicious but super shareable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover shredded beef and sauce can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keep your tortillas separate to maintain their perfect texture when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze the beef and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat the shredded beef with the sauce covered on low heat to keep it moist and tender. Warm the tortillas separately in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp cloth to avoid drying out. Then assemble your tacos fresh for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use a slow cooker instead of the oven?

Absolutely! After searing the beef and preparing the sauce, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. It’s a convenient alternative without sacrificing flavor or tenderness for this Keto Beef Birria Tacos Recipe.

Are there any suitable substitutes for the dried chiles?

If ancho and guajillo chiles are hard to find, you can use pasilla or New Mexico chiles, which have similar flavor profiles. Just be sure to toast and soak them to develop the right depth of flavor.

What’s the best cheese for melting in these tacos?

Mexican quesadilla cheese melts beautifully and offers a mild, creamy taste that complements the beef without overpowering it. Monterey Jack or mozzarella are fine alternatives if you can’t find quesadilla cheese.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Since this Keto Beef Birria Tacos Recipe uses zero-carb tortillas and naturally gluten-free ingredients, it’s perfect for gluten-free diets as long as you check the broth and spices do not contain any hidden gluten.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a gentle, smoky heat that balances the other flavors nicely. If you prefer it milder, reduce the number of chiles or remove all seeds. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a few extra dried chiles.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making Keto Beef Birria Tacos Recipe from scratch—the way the house fills with savory aromas and how the tender meat melts in your mouth. Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned pro, these tacos offer a warm, comforting meal that hits all the right notes. I can’t wait for you to try them and share the joy that these lovingly crafted tacos bring. Your taste buds will thank you!