These Quesabirria Tacos are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these tacos deliver an authentic taste of Mexico. The combination of tender beef birria, melty Oaxaca cheese, and crispy tortillas creates a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone coming back for more. Plus, serving them with a rich birria broth for dipping adds an extra layer of flavor that makes this dish truly special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: Each bite is packed with juicy beef and gooey cheese, delivering a delightful taste sensation.
- Easy to Make: With pre-prepared beef birria, cooking the tacos is quick and straightforward, making them accessible for everyone.
- Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for gatherings or meal prep; these tacos are sure to impress friends and family alike.
- Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite garnishes such as onions, cilantro, or lime to personalize each taco to your liking.
- Authentic Experience: Enjoy the rich flavors of traditional Mexican street food right at home.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Quesabirria Tacos, having the right tools on hand is essential. These tools will help you achieve the best results while simplifying the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet or cast iron griddle
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil brush
- Tongs
- Serving bowls
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet or Cast Iron Griddle: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly cooked tacos with crispy edges.
- Tongs: Makes flipping tortillas easy without burning your fingers.
- Serving Bowls: Perfect for presenting garnishes and consomé for dipping.
Ingredients
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
- 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). Keep both warm to maintain optimal flavor.
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 with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Dip & Cook Tortillas
Dip each corn tortilla into the warm consomé, ensuring both sides are well-coated.
1. Place the tortilla on the hot skillet.
2. Cook for about 30 seconds until slightly golden.
3. Flip and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
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 melted and the tortilla is crisp and golden. Remove from skillet and repeat with remaining tortillas.
Step 6: Serve
Serve tacos hot alongside optional toppings like diced onions, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges. Pour warm consomé into small bowls for dipping alongside your delicious Quesabirria Tacos.
Enjoy these flavorful tacos immediately for the best experience!
How to Serve Quesabirria Tacos
These Quesabirria Tacos are a delightful explosion of flavors, making them perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a casual dinner, serving them right can elevate your meal experience.
Classic Serving Suggestions
- Fresh Lime Wedges: Squeeze lime over the tacos for a zesty kick that enhances the flavors.
- Chopped Cilantro: Add freshness with cilantro; it complements the rich taste of the birria beautifully.
- Diced Red Onions: Sprinkle diced onions for an added crunch and a slight tang.
Accompanying Sauces
- Salsa Verde: A tangy green sauce that pairs perfectly with the rich birria.
- Chipotle Sauce: For those who enjoy spice, drizzle some chipotle sauce on top for extra heat.
Beverage Pairings
- Mexican Beer: A light lager or cerveza works well to balance the richness of the tacos.
- Horchata: This sweet rice drink is refreshing and complements the savory flavors.
How to Perfect Quesabirria Tacos
Making perfect Quesabirria Tacos takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve taco perfection.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality beef and fresh tortillas to enhance flavor and texture.
- Warm Your Tortillas: Always warm your tortillas before filling them; this prevents tearing and improves flavor.
- Don’t Skimp on Cheese: Generously add cheese inside your tacos for that melty, gooey experience everyone loves.
- Grill Until Golden: Ensure your tacos are crispy by cooking them until they are golden brown on both sides.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your tacos fresh off the skillet for the best texture—they don’t hold up well once assembled.
Best Side Dishes for Quesabirria Tacos
Quesabirria Tacos shine as a main dish, but pairing them with sides can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic side dishes that complement this delicious recipe.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices adds a hearty base to your meal.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a protein-packed side that pairs wonderfully with tacos.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn coated in mayo, cheese, and chili powder offers a sweet and savory contrast.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip adds richness and freshness, perfect for dipping or spreading on tacos.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa adds brightness—its acidity cuts through the richness of the beef birria.
- Tortilla Chips with Salsa: Crunchy chips served with salsa make for an excellent appetizer while waiting for your tacos.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Quesabirria Tacos, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to avoid for the best results.
- Using thin tortillas: Thin tortillas can tear easily when dipped in consomé. Always choose thick corn tortillas for durability.
- Not warming the broth: Serving cold consomé can diminish the taco experience. Ensure the birria broth is warm before serving for optimal flavor.
- Overfilling tacos: Stuffing too much filling into each taco can make them hard to fold and eat. Stick to the recommended amounts for easy handling.
- Skipping fresh toppings: Fresh toppings like onions and cilantro add texture and flavor. Don’t skip these; they elevate your tacos significantly.
- Cooking at too high a temperature: Cooking on high heat may burn the tortillas before the cheese melts. Medium-high heat is best for achieving that perfect golden crisp.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Quesabirria Tacos in an airtight container.
- Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For best results, separate the tacos from any broth or toppings.
Freezing Quesabirria Tacos
- Wrap tacos tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Frozen tacos can last up to 2 months.
Reheating Quesabirria Tacos
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1–2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring they stay crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Quesabirria Tacos?
Quesabirria Tacos are delicious Mexican street food featuring slow-braised beef birria and melted cheese, served with warm consomé for dipping.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! While Oaxaca cheese is traditional, you can also use Monterey Jack or even cheddar if you prefer a different flavor profile.
How do I ensure my tortillas don’t tear?
Using thick corn tortillas and warming them gently in consomé will help prevent tearing while cooking and assembling your tacos.
Can I make Quesabirria Tacos spicy?
Absolutely! You can add chopped jalapeños or spicy salsa as toppings to give your tacos an extra kick.
How long does it take to prepare Quesabirria Tacos?
The preparation time varies but expect about 10 hours total due to the slow-braising of beef birria, plus an additional 10 minutes for assembling and cooking the tacos.
Final Thoughts
Quesabirria Tacos offer an incredible combination of flavors and textures that are sure to delight any taco lover. They’re versatile too—feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or variations. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every cheesy, juicy bite!
Quesabirria Tacos
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8 tacos 1x
Description
Quesabirria Tacos are a sensational fusion of flavors that bring the authentic taste of Mexican street food right to your kitchen. These tacos feature tender, slow-braised beef birria, gooey Oaxaca cheese, and crispy tortillas, making them an irresistible choice for any gathering or cozy dinner at home. Each bite is a delightful explosion of juicy meat and melted cheese, especially when dipped in the rich consomé that elevates this dish to new heights. With customizable toppings like fresh cilantro and zesty lime, you can personalize your tacos to suit your taste. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering recipe!
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded beef birria
- 2 cups birria broth (consomé)
- 16 thick corn tortillas
- 1 pound Oaxaca cheese, shredded
- Garnishes: diced red onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the beef birria using your favorite recipe and keep warm.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease it.
- Dip each tortilla in warm consomé, then place on the skillet for about 30 seconds until golden; flip and repeat.
- Add cheese and shredded beef to one half of each tortilla; fold to form a taco.
- Cook until the cheese melts and the tortillas are crispy.
- Serve hot with garnishes and warm consomé for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco (120g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
