Ingredients
Method
Prepare the Chiles and Aromatics
- Heat a large dry skillet over medium heat. Toast the guajillo and ancho chiles for 30-60 seconds per side until fragrant but not burned. Transfer to a bowl and cover with hot water. Let soak for 20 minutes until softened.
- Meanwhile, char the tomatoes, onion quarters, and garlic in the same skillet until blackened in spots, about 8-10 minutes total. Set aside.
- Drain the soaked chiles and add them to a blender along with the charred vegetables, chipotle chiles, and 2 cups of the beef stock. Blend until completely smooth, about 2 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing solids with a spoon. Discard solids.
Braise the Meat
- Season the short ribs and chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the meat on all sides, working in batches if needed, about 8-10 minutes total.
- Add the strained chile mixture, remaining beef stock, cumin, oregano, cloves, bay leaves, and bouillon paste if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the meat is completely tender and shreds easily with a fork. Check occasionally and add more stock if needed to keep meat mostly covered.
- Remove the meat and shred with two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat or bone. Strain the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve and skim off excess fat, reserving about 1/4 cup of the fat for cooking the tacos.
Assemble the Tacos
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Dip each tortilla briefly in the warm consomme, then place on the hot surface.
- Add a generous portion of shredded meat to one half of each tortilla. Fold the tortilla over and brush the outside with some of the reserved cooking fat.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown. The tortilla should have a reddish color from the chile-infused consomme.
- Serve immediately with small bowls of the warm consomme for dipping, along with diced onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Notes
The meat can be braised up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated. Reheat gently before assembling tacos. If the consomme gets too thick when reheating, thin with additional beef stock. For extra heat, add a minced jalapeƱo to the chile mixture before blending. Store leftover consomme in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
