If I were to start compiling a list of the best new products of 2022, Trader Joe's Beef Birria would absolutely make the list. While it looks like it would be found in the refrigerated section, it is actually found in the freezer section. And yes, Trader Joe's is now pushing out a lot of new and exciting products.
The taste and review
Meat that has been cooked and then frozen and then reheated tends to not be delicious. However, Trader Joe's Beef Birria is tender and flavorful.
I opted to make this in the microwave.
And I regret nothing. It was a hot weekend here in NY and the thought of turning on an oven unnecessarily didn't work for me.
And besides, if it comes out great in the microwave then usually it is fine to make in other ways. And yes, the meat was ready to serve in just under 5 minutes from start to finish.
The first thing you'll notice out of the package is that it is mostly liquid and not meat. The next thing you'll notice is that when you heat this up there is a solid layer of fat that rises to the top.
Normally, you might be tempted to skim that off. But in this case, please do not. That will bring any tortilla to a whole new level. On the back right below the picture, it tells you exactly what you should do with it. Coat your tortilla in the sauce, add meat, onions, and cilantro, and fry until crispy. That is absolutely the way to go.
I tried the meat before adding it to the taco. It was good, nicely seasoned, and flavorful with only mild heat. But adding the fat layer, which is honestly about 20% of the sauce you see in the package, adds so much flavor.
That liquid is made up of tomatoes, and onions, and from what I could tell were guajillo peppers, along with garlic, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. The vinegar kept this acidic yet savory. It was really well balanced and I couldn't wait to go back for another bite.
Unlike some taco nights, this didn't need a lot. Maybe a squeeze of lime or some cilantro and onions, but otherwise, this meat was delightful plain. I haven't tried this as just a stew but would love for people to comment if they did.
Yes, Birria tacos are having their day on social media, and rightly so. This dish was delicious and priced just under $8. You might be able to make it cheaper at home, but this is a dish that is low and slow and will take some time.
But oh, that sauce it sits in. Just be sure not to waste that. It is really the star here as well.
The packaging
The packaging is very similar to many entrees found in the refrigerated section. It has a cardboard cover that slips over the plastic container it is in. The container has enough plastic to keep the contents sealed.
What to serve with this
Looking for ideas on what else you can serve this with? Here are a few pairings and recipes to get you thinking:
Here are some foods that would pair well:
Since Birria originates in Jalisco, why not serve it with a Tequila based drink like:
Overall
If you have an amazing and authentic taqueria near you, then they will likely always be better than something you can pull out of the freezer, but considering this was a frozen dish, it was outstanding.
Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's Beef Birria again. This was a hit in my household, made for easy meal prep, and was a nice change from our regular taco night.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Product Photos
The box of Trader Joe's Beef Birria:
The nutritional information, ingredients, and heating instructions:
Out of the package you get:
After being made per the instructions on back:
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe’s for a searchable list.
The Bottom Line
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Trader Joe's Beef Birria
Product Name: Trader Joe's Beef Birria
Product Description: Trader Joe's Beef Birria is new and found in the frozen food aisle.
Price: $7.99
Summary
Trader Joe's Beef Birria is new, frozen, and a really outstanding pick.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- I've you've never tried Birria tacos, this is a great way to be introduced
- Reasonably priced at under $8
- A really nicely flavored and seasoned product.
Cons
- The package is small despite being a pound, so plan on this serving 2 people at most since most of it is sauce.
- Sodium is quite high.
Alek says
That looks amazing. I can see making birria bowls out of these too. Even over salads too.
becomebetty says
Absolutely let me know what you come up with!
AnTi says
I just made it as a stew, on top of the sticky rice, topped with cilantro, squeeze of lime, iceberg lettuce and ton of slices of radish. Goodness, this is so good!
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing AnTi!
John Ellenberger says
This has been on "production delay" for a month. They have no date for availability.
becomebetty says
Thanks for the update John! I was wondering why I couldn't find it again!
Larry says
Waaay salty, and too man fatty pieces.
Lynn Weiner says
I am a little wimp when it comes to spicy, and, even though this isn’t spicy for most humans, it was for me. I added a teaspoon of ketchup to the entire container and it helped a lot. Served it over jasmine rice with chopped onions and a squeeze of lime and it was DELICIOUS!
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing Lynn!
Barbara Warren says
The meat was very tender, but little left after trimming the fat and gristle. Sauce is great.
becomebetty says
Hey Barbara! Thanks for sharing! I wish the meat was more generous here too!
Bill says
Just finished cooking this—threw most of it away. If I got rid of the fat and salt I’d have nothing left but brown gravy with a hint of garlic. I love TJs and live close enough to walk. Since January 6th I shop there more than Publix. This is my single worst purchase since I first shopped at a TJs a dozen years ago. I’d give this a single star in all categories only because 0 stars is not an option.
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing Bill.
z says
Flavor is good but the few chunks of beef that are in it are full of fat & gristle. I've bought a number of packages of this, and the amount of fat is consistent across packages. Given that, the product is really overpriced - if the beef was mostly meat, with very little fat, the price would be more reasonable (although still on the high side).
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing!