Description
Experience the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of slow-cooked lamb infused with rich spices, all wrapped in soft corn tortillas. This Crockpot Lamb Birria Tacos recipe is perfect for gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- Lamb Shoulder
- Dried Chiles (Guajillo and ancho chiles)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Bay Leaves
- Tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Beef Broth
- Corn Tortillas
- Queso fresco or Oaxaca cheese (or mozzarella as a substitute)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chiles: Start by removing the stems and seeds from the dried chiles. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Then, soak them in hot water for 15-20 minutes until softened.
- Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, onion, garlic, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth, adding a little soaking water if necessary to achieve a pourable consistency.
- Brown the Lamb: While the sauce is blending, season your lamb shoulder with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the lamb on all sides until browned. This step enhances the flavor.
- Add to Crockpot: Transfer the seared lamb into your crockpot. Pour the blended sauce over the lamb and add the bay leaves along with the beef broth.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. The lamb should be tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the Lamb: Once cooked, remove the lamb from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Discard any excess fat and bones.
- Make the Consommé: Strain the cooking liquid to create a delicious broth that can be served as a dipping sauce for the tacos.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas in a skillet. Fill each tortilla with shredded lamb and top with chopped onions, cilantro, and crumbled cheese. Serve with a side of the consommé for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 8-10 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: For even more flavor, consider marinating the lamb in the blended sauce overnight before cooking. Adjust spice levels by adding more chiles or cayenne for heat, or reducing the number of dried chiles for milder flavors. Fresh toppings like diced avocado, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of radishes can enhance your tacos.