Quesabirria Tacos

Name: Quesabirria Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 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; Optional toppings: diced red onions, fresh chopped cilantro, lime wedges

Published: May 4, 2025

by Nora

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These Quesabirria Tacos are a delightful treat that can elevate any meal, whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering. The combination of tender beef birria and gooey cheese, all wrapped in crispy tortillas, offers an explosion of flavor that is hard to resist. Plus, with the rich birria broth on the side for dipping, every bite is an experience. Perfect for taco nights or special occasions, these tacos are sure to impress your family and friends.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The rich flavors of slow-braised beef birria combined with melty cheese create a mouthwatering experience.
Easy to Prepare: With some advance preparation, making these tacos is straightforward and quick.
Versatile Serving: Great as a main dish or as part of a taco bar for gatherings; everyone can customize their toppings.
Authentic Experience: Enjoy the taste of authentic Mexican street food right at home with this satisfying recipe.
Comfort Food: These cheesy tacos are perfect for cozy nights in or when you want something hearty and delicious.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing Quesabirria Tacos even easier. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet or cast iron griddle
Cooking spray or vegetable oil brush
Tongs
Small bowls for serving consomé

Importance of Each Tool

Large Skillet or Cast Iron Griddle: Allows for even cooking and helps achieve that perfect crispiness on the tortillas.
Tongs: Essential for safely flipping tortillas without tearing them.
Small Bowls: Ideal for serving warm consomé alongside the tacos for dipping.

Ingredients

These Quesabirria Tacos are filled with tender, slow-braised beef birria and loads of melty Oaxaca cheese, all griddled in consomé-dipped tortillas until crispy and golden. Served with a rich, flavorful birria broth on the side for dipping, every bite is a juicy, cheesy explosion of authentic Mexican flavor you’ll want to make again and again.

For the Tacos

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

For Optional Toppings

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 your beef birria using your preferred recipe. Once ready, 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 to coat both sides.
1. Place the tortilla on the hot skillet.
2. Cook for about 30 seconds.
3. Flip and cook for another 30 seconds until slightly crispy.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

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

Step 5: Finish Cooking

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

Step 6: Serve

Serve tacos hot and optionally top them with diced red onions, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges. Pour warm consomé into small bowls for dipping alongside your delicious Quesabirria Tacos.

How to Serve Quesabirria Tacos

Serving Quesabirria Tacos is all about enhancing their rich flavors and textures. You can elevate this delicious dish by pairing it with the right toppings and sides, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.

Fresh Toppings

Diced Red Onions: Add a crunchy texture and slight sweetness that complements the savory tacos.
Chopped Cilantro: This herb enhances the flavor with its fresh, bright notes, making each taco taste vibrant.
Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice adds acidity, brightening the rich flavors of the birria and cheese.

Sauces and Salsas

Spicy Salsa Verde: This green salsa brings heat and tang that balances the rich flavors of the tacos.
Creamy Avocado Sauce: A smooth avocado sauce adds creaminess, making every bite even more indulgent.

Broth Dipping

Birria Consomé: Serve this warm broth on the side for dipping, allowing diners to enjoy an extra layer of flavor with each taco.

How to Perfect Quesabirria Tacos

To make your Quesabirria Tacos truly unforgettable, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure you achieve the best flavor and texture for your tacos.

Use Fresh Tortillas: Fresh corn tortillas are thicker and sturdier, preventing them from tearing during assembly or cooking.
Keep Ingredients Warm: Ensure your beef birria and broth are warm when assembling. This helps melt the cheese perfectly inside the taco.
Control Heat Carefully: Cook on medium-high heat to get a crispy exterior without burning the tortillas.
Don’t Overstuff: Avoid overfilling your tacos. Too much filling can cause them to break apart while cooking or eating.
Serve Immediately: For optimal taste and texture, serve your tacos right after cooking to prevent sogginess.

Best Side Dishes for Quesabirria Tacos

Quesabirria Tacos pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices provides a perfect balance to your rich tacos.
Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and richness, making them an excellent accompaniment.
Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn slathered in mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime brings sweetness and crunch.
Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with your favorite salsa make for a crunchy side that’s always a hit.
Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip offers a cool contrast to the spicy flavors of the tacos.
Pickled Vegetables: Brightly colored pickled onions or carrots provide acidity that cuts through the richness of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Quesabirria Tacos, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Avoid these pitfalls for the best results.

Using Thin Tortillas – Thin tortillas can tear easily when dipped in consomé. Always opt for thick corn tortillas to hold all the delicious fillings.
Not Preheating the Skillet – If the skillet isn’t hot enough, the tortilla won’t get crispy. Always preheat your skillet before adding the tortillas for that perfect crunch.
Skipping Cheese – The cheese is a key part of quesabirria tacos. Don’t forget to include it; it adds flavor and creaminess that balances the beef.
Overstuffing Tacos – While it’s tempting to load them up, overstuffing can lead to messy tacos that are hard to eat. Stick to recommended amounts for easier handling.
Ignoring Broth Temperature – Cold consomé won’t coat the tortillas properly. Make sure your broth is warm before dipping to ensure a great texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Quesabirria Tacos in an airtight container.
They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Keep shredded birria and broth separate from tortillas.

Freezing Quesabirria Tacos

Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place wrapped tacos in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Quesabirria Tacos

Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Microwave – Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 30 seconds intervals until warmed. For best results, add a damp paper towel over them.
Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add tacos and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until heated through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Quesabirria Tacos?

Quesabirria Tacos are traditional Mexican tacos filled with slow-cooked beef birria and melted cheese, served with flavorful consomé for dipping.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! While Oaxaca cheese is traditional, you can also use Monterey Jack or even cheddar according to your taste preference.

Are Quesabirria Tacos spicy?

The spiciness of your Quesabirria Tacos depends on the spices used in the birria recipe. You can adjust these spices if you prefer non-spicy versions.

How do I make birria for my tacos?

You can prepare birria using various recipes, typically involving slow-braising beef with spices, herbs, and aromatics until tender.

Can I customize my toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to add toppings like avocado, salsa, or jalapeños based on your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

These Quesabirria Tacos offer an irresistible combination of flavors and textures that are sure to impress anyone at your table. With easy customization options, you can tailor them to suit any palate. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious taste of authentic Mexican cuisine!

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