Trader Joe's Birria Is The Easy Way To Instantly Upgrade Taco Night
Trader Joe's is known for its wide array of absolutely delicious food. Aisle after aisle displays snacks and things to put together quick meals. And their frozen foods section offers some of the best treasures for that challenge. Nestled amongst the frozen appetizers and prepared foods is a particular gem: Trader Joe's Beef Birria. The grocer has long offered quick meals and the prepared birria is a perfect example.
We wouldn't fault you if you ate it on its own, but it's really great when used as the base of a meal, and in particular, it's the perfect way to amp up your next taco night. Taco night at home may bring to mind the crunchy yellow shells stuffed with ground beef and topped with lettuce and cheese — the iconic school night dinner that felt like a feast. There's nothing wrong with using ground beef to fill your tacos, but birria presents an opportunity for something that's a little more decadent and a lot more flavorful.
What is birria?
While birria tacos may be popular at the moment, birria itself is a stew — with cuts of meat being simmered away in a rich red broth. It originated in Jalisco and was made with goat or lamb, but these days, it is usually made with beef. Speaking to Thrillist, chef Aarón Sánchez of Johnny Sánchez in New Orleans reminisced about the birria his grandmother made, saying she made "delicious stews that were rich and deep in flavor and utilized the amazing beef, produce, herbs, and spices all grown at the ranch."
Traditional birria may be slow-cooked, but sometimes dinner requires something that can be pulled together faster. Trader Joe's Beef Birria offers a vital part of the traditional experience — gathering around a table to eat a hearty meal. Taco night presents the perfect chance to use premade birria to create a meal that tastes like it took all day.
Dressing up Trader Joe's Birria for taco night
Trader Joe's Birria comes ready to reheat. Much like the traditional stew, the Trader Joe's version boasts tender beef in a red sauce made of chilis, spices, and garlic. It may take less time, but it's just as aromatic as it cooks and it serves as the perfect base for some Tuesday-worthy tacos. For the simplest preparation, all you need are corn tortillas (the fresher, the better!) and some basic garnishes like cilantro and onion. Of course, there's no reason to be tied to keeping it simple.
Beef birria brings a ton of flavor from the chilis and broth and they can hold up to a lot of toppings. You can sprinkle some cheese — cotija, queso fresco, and cheddar are good options. Avocado slices (or a scoop of guacamole) bring some fresh creaminess to the mix. And a healthy squeeze of lime gives balance to the richness of the meat. Radishes and fresh pico de gallo can add some crunch and brightness too. Whatever toppings you choose for your taco night, don't forget the hot sauce!