Quesabirria Tacos

Name: Quesabirria Tacos
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 cups shredded beef birria; 2 cups birria broth (consomé); 16 thick corn tortillas; 1 pound Oaxaca cheese or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; Garnishes: diced red onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges

Published: May 16, 2025

by Clare

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These Quesabirria Tacos are a delightful fusion of flavor and tradition, perfect for any gathering or casual weeknight dinner. The tender beef birria, combined with gooey Oaxaca cheese, creates a satisfying dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Each taco is griddled in consomé-dipped tortillas until golden brown, served with a side of rich birria broth for an authentic Mexican experience. You’ll love this dish for its incredible taste and versatility, making it suitable for celebrations or everyday meals.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of slow-braised beef and melty cheese offers a rich taste that will keep you coming back for more.
Easy to Prepare: With a little advance preparation, these tacos come together quickly, allowing you to enjoy delicious food without the fuss.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties or family gatherings, everyone will love digging into these cheesy delights.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like onions and cilantro to personalize each taco to your liking.
Dipping Delight: The accompanying birria broth makes every bite better as you dip your tacos into the savory liquid.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Quesabirria Tacos, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and ensures delicious results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet or cast iron griddle
Cooking spray or vegetable oil brush
Serving bowls

Importance of Each Tool

Large skillet or cast iron griddle: Ideal for heating multiple tacos at once while achieving that crispy texture.
Cooking spray or vegetable oil brush: Helps prevent sticking and ensures even browning on the tortillas.
Serving bowls: Great for presenting the warm consomé on the side for dipping.

Ingredients

For the Tacos

4 cups shredded beef birria (prepared in advance)
2 cups birria broth (consomé), reserved from birria
16 thick corn tortillas
1 pound Oaxaca cheese or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

For Garnish

½ cup diced red onions
¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro
2 limes, cut into wedges

How to Make Quesabirria Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Birria

Make the beef birria using your preferred recipe. Once cooked, separate the meat from the broth (consomé) and keep both warm.

Step 2: Preheat the Skillet

Heat a large skillet or cast iron griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly coat it with cooking spray or brush it with vegetable oil.

Step 3: Dip & Cook Tortillas

Dip each corn tortilla into the warm consomé, ensuring both sides are coated.
Place the tortilla on the hot skillet and cook for about 30 seconds. Then flip it to cook briefly on the other side.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Add 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese to one half of each tortilla. Top with about ¼ cup of shredded birria beef. Fold the tortilla over to form a taco.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

Cook each taco for another 30–60 seconds until the cheese is fully melted and the tortilla is crisp and golden. Remove from skillet and repeat with remaining tortillas.

Step 6: Serve

Serve tacos hot, optionally topped with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges. Pour warm consomé into small bowls for dipping.

Enjoy your homemade Quesabirria Tacos!

How to Serve Quesabirria Tacos

Serving Quesabirria Tacos can elevate your dining experience, making it a delightful feast for family and friends. With the right accompaniments and presentation, these tacos can shine at any gathering.

Fresh Garnishes

Diced Red Onions: The crunch and flavor of red onions add freshness to each bite.
Chopped Cilantro: Cilantro brings a burst of herbal notes that complement the richness of the tacos.
Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime enhances the flavors and adds brightness.

Perfect Dipping Sauce

Warm Consomé: Serve the rich birria broth on the side for dipping, enhancing every taco bite with delicious flavor.

Plating Ideas

Layered Presentation: Stack tacos on a platter with garnishes around them for an inviting look.
Individual Serving Plates: Present each taco on its own plate with dips and garnishes for a more personal touch.

How to Perfect Quesabirria Tacos

To create the ultimate Quesabirria Tacos, it’s essential to keep a few key tips in mind. These pointers will help ensure your tacos are flavorful, crispy, and unforgettable.

Bold Flavoring: Season your beef birria well before cooking for maximum flavor infusion.
Fresh Tortillas: Use thick corn tortillas that can hold up against fillings and dipping without tearing.
Proper Cooking Temperature: Ensure your skillet is hot enough to crisp up the tortillas without burning them.
Cheese Choice: Opt for Oaxaca cheese or Monterey Jack for that perfect meltiness that defines quesabirria.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy tacos right after cooking to maintain their crispy texture.

Best Side Dishes for Quesabirria Tacos

Pairing side dishes with your Quesabirria Tacos can enhance the meal and provide variety. Consider these delicious options to complement your main dish.

Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices makes a hearty side that balances the richness of the tacos.
Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans are a classic Mexican side that pairs perfectly with tacos, providing protein and fiber.
Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayo, cheese, and chili powder offers a sweet and spicy contrast.
Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip adds richness and freshness that works well alongside savory tacos.
Salsa Verde: A tangy green salsa made from tomatillos provides a zesty kick that complements the birria flavors beautifully.
Chips & Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for a fun appetizer before diving into those delicious tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Quesabirria Tacos, small errors can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

Using Thin Tortillas: Thin tortillas can tear easily and won’t hold all the delicious fillings. Always opt for thick corn tortillas for better durability.
Skipping the Consomé Dip: Not dipping the tortillas in consomé before cooking can result in bland tacos. Make sure to coat both sides of your tortillas in the warm broth for extra flavor.
Overstuffing Tacos: Filling tacos too much can make them difficult to fold and eat. Stick to 2 tablespoons of cheese and ¼ cup of birria beef for the perfect balance.
Not Preheating the Skillet: If your skillet isn’t hot enough, the tortillas will become soggy instead of crispy. Preheat your skillet properly before cooking each taco.
Assembling Ahead of Time: Assembled tacos are best enjoyed fresh. If you prepare them in advance, they may become soggy due to moisture from the fillings.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Quesabirria Tacos in an airtight container.
They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Ensure that any leftover birria broth is also stored separately in a sealed container.

Freezing Quesabirria Tacos

For longer storage, freeze assembled tacos wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Consider freezing birria and broth separately for optimal freshness.

Reheating Quesabirria Tacos

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake tacos on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat tacos on a microwave-safe plate for 30-60 seconds until warm but note that they may not remain crispy.
Stovetop: Place tacos in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until heated through and crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Quesabirria Tacos?

Quesabirria Tacos are a Mexican dish made with slow-braised beef birria, melted cheese, and dipped in flavorful consomé. They are known for their juicy filling and crispy exterior.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! While Oaxaca cheese is traditional, you can also use Monterey Jack or other melting cheeses depending on your preference.

How do I make my own birria?

You can make birria using various recipes that involve slow-braising beef with spices, tomatoes, and chilies. It’s essential to reserve the broth as it enhances the flavor of your tacos.

Are Quesabirria Tacos gluten-free?

Yes! When made with corn tortillas and gluten-free broth, Quesabirria Tacos are suitable for a gluten-free diet.

How do I customize my tacos?

Feel free to add toppings like diced red onions, fresh cilantro, or avocado slices to suit your taste!

Final Thoughts

Quesabirria Tacos offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Whether you’re enjoying them at home or serving them at a gathering, these tacos are versatile enough for customization. Don’t hesitate to try different toppings or even adjust the recipe with your favorite ingredients!

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