Shortcut Birria Tacos in the Pressure Cooker (Easy Weeknight Version)
Looking for a shortcut to flavor-packed tacos that taste like you’ve been slow cooking all day? These Birria Tacos made in the pressure cooker are a total dinner game-changer! With minimal prep and big flavor, they’re perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
How to Make Birria Tacos in Your Pressure Cooker
Life’s busy, but that doesn’t mean dinner has to be boring or time-consuming. These Birria-Style Beef Tacos are made with the pre-seasoned beef you can grab right from Aldi — just toss it in your pressure cooker and let it work its magic. Shred, stuff, sear, and boom: taco night is officially next level.
Got picky eaters? This recipe is totally customizable. Serve with your favorite toppings or sides like Spanish rice, beans, or a crisp salad.
No Aldi? No Problem — Make Your Own Birria-Style Chuck Roast
Can’t find the pre-seasoned Aldi birria chuck roast near you? Don’t stress. You can totally make your own version at home with a simple marinade that brings all that cozy, bold flavor we’re going for. I’ve linked it for you below!
Make Your Own Birria Seasoning for Juicy, Flavor-Packed Beef
Ingredient Note: Aldi’s Birria-Seasoned Beef Chuck Roast
You’ll find the star of this recipe in Aldi’s refrigerated meat section — it’s a pre-packaged Birria-Seasoned Beef Chuck Roast, and it’s already marinated and ready to go. No need to fuss with a long list of spices or hours of prep! Just open the package, toss it in your pressure cooker, and let it do its thing. It’s a total shortcut that still brings that slow-cooked, rich birria flavor we all love.
Ingredients you’ll need
To get started making this recipe, you’ll want to gather all your ingredients first.
Here is what you’ll need:
1 package
Aldi Birria-Seasoned Beef (refrigerated section)
1 package
Flour tortillas (or corn if you prefer)
2 cups
Shredded mild cheddar cheese (more or less depending on portion sizes)
–
Oil or butter for pan searing
Optional
Diced onion, cilantro, sour cream, lime wedges, rice and beans for serving
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Place the Aldi Birria-seasoned chuck roast in your electric pressure cooker and use the “Meat” setting or cook for 45 minutes – 1 hour on high pressure (depending on size of chuck you get). My chuck roast for this recipe was 2.66 lbs so I set my time to 1 hour. Let it naturally release for 10 minutes before opening.
Step 2: Remove the beef and shred it using two forks. Return it to the leftover cooking liquid to soak up all that flavorful broth.
Step 3: Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet. Place some shredded beef and cheese inside a tortilla, fold it over, and sear on both sides until golden and crispy. Repeat until all tacos are done.
If you’re having trouble with tortillas sticking to the pan, try brushing a little oil on the outside before searing and make sure your pan is preheated well.
A non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron works best!
Other ways to use Birria Seasoned Beef
Can you believe just how easy that was? The pressure cooker does all the heavy lifting, and the seared tortillas bring that crispy finish that makes birria tacos so crave-worthy. Serve these up with a side of Spanish rice, beans, or even a quick salad for a meal your family will ask for again (but not too soon—we’re keeping this one in rotation every few months so we don’t get burnt out!).
Answers to your questions about making Birria Tacos
What is the best cut of beef for birria tacos?
Chuck roast is the gold standard for birria. It has enough fat and connective tissue to become incredibly tender and shreddable after pressure cooking. You can also use short ribs or a combination of both for extra richness.
Can I make birria tacos without an Aldi pre-seasoned roast?
Absolutely. I’ve got a full homemade birria seasoning recipe right here on the site that gives you the same bold, slow-cooked flavor from scratch. It’s easier than you think and works with any chuck roast from any grocery store.
What is birria marinade made of?
A traditional beef birria marinade typically includes dried chiles (like guajillo and ancho), garlic, cumin, oregano, apple cider vinegar, and beef broth. The combination creates that deep, rich flavor birria is known for. My homemade birria seasoning post walks you through the whole thing.
How long does birria take in a pressure cooker?
For a 2.5 to 3 lb chuck roast, cook on high pressure for 45 minutes to 1 hour, followed by a 10-minute natural release. The beef should shred easily with two forks when it’s done.
Can I make birria tacos in a slow cooker instead?
Yes! If you don’t have a pressure cooker, cook the seasoned beef on low for 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours in a slow cooker. You’ll get the same tender, shreddable results, it just takes longer.
What do you serve with birria tacos?
Classic sides include Mexican rice, refried beans, and fresh pico de gallo. For toppings, diced white onion, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a side of the cooking broth (consommé) for dipping take these tacos to the next level.
Easy Birria Tacos (Pressure Cooker Version)
Equipment
- 1 Electric Pressure Cooker
- Non-Stick Frying Pan or Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- Aldi Birria-Seasoned Beef (refrigerated section)
- 1 package Flour tortillas (or corn if you prefer)
- 2 cups Shredded mild cheddar cheese Adjust based on preferred portion sizes
- Oil or butter for pan searing
- Optional Diced onion, cilantro, sour cream, lime wedges, rice and beans for serving
Instructions
- Place the Birria-seasoned beef in your electric pressure cooker and use the “Meat” setting or cook for 45 minutes on high pressure. Let it naturally release for 10 minutes before opening.
- Remove the beef and shred it using two forks. Return it to the leftover cooking liquid to soak up all that flavorful broth.
- Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet. Place some shredded beef and cheese inside a tortilla, fold it over, and sear on both sides until golden and crispy. Repeat until all tacos are done.
