Forget the predictable ground beef and tired toppings. These Pork Birria Tacos are all about slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth pork simmered in a rich, complex blend of spices and peppers. The result? Flavor so deep it’s practically criminal. These tacos are your answer to any occasion, be it a casual family dinner, a festive gathering with friends, or a solo night in craving something utterly delicious. A slow cooker or Dutch oven does all the hard work, letting you prep ahead for a stress-free meal.

The Ultimate Birria TacosPhoto byThe Salty Cooker

Why You’ll Love Pork Birria Tacos

• Slow-cooked Pork Perfection: Forget dry, flavorless tacos! This recipe delivers tender, juicy pork bathed in a rich broth.
• Endless Flavor Options: Want it spicy? Smoky? Cheesy? Customize it to your taste with our easy variations!
• Weeknight Wins & Party Pleaser: Simple to follow, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.
• Netflix & Deliciousness: Craving a solo night in? Birria tacos are the perfect flavorful and satisfying solution.
• Beyond the Ordinary: Experience a taste of Mexico that’s anything but boring!

The Ultimate Birria TacosPhoto byThe Salty Cooker

Ingredients

• 4 pounds pork butt or pork shoulder
• 2 cup tomato sauce
• 2 dried Guajillo peppers
• 4 tbsp chipotle puree
• 4 bay leaf
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 tsp ground thyme
• 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp peppe
• 2 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp cumin
• 32 oz vegetable or chicken stock

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large Dutch oven, combine the pork butt, tomato sauce, dried Guajillo peppers, chipotle puree, bay leaves, cinnamon, minced garlic, diced onion, ground thyme, dried oregano, black pepper, kosher salt, cumin, and vegetable or chicken stock.
• Cover the Dutch oven and place it in the preheated oven. Cook for 5-6 hours or until the pork is fork-tender.
• Remove the cooked pork from the Dutch oven and allow it to rest for 30 minutes. Then, shred the pork using your hands or a fork.
• Strain the fat out of the juices left in the Dutch oven as best as possible. Transfer the liquid to a blender and blend until smooth.
• Strain the sauce to remove any remaining solids and place the sauce back in the Dutch oven. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the sauce

Slow Cooker Instructions

• Combine all the pork and sauce ingredients in your slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
• Follow steps 4-6 as outlined in the oven instructions to process the sauce and thicken it.

Taco Assembly

• Heat a skillet over medium heat and add vegetable oil.
• Dip each corn tortilla into the sauce from the Dutch oven or slow cooker and place it on the hot skillet.
• Add a layer of jack cheese, some shredded pork on one side, and fold the tortilla in half.
• Cook until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is slightly crispy.
• Serve the tacos with chopped cilantro and onions as toppings and use the sauce for dipping.