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; 16 thick corn tortillas; 1 pound Oaxaca cheese (or Monterey Jack), shredded; 2 cups birria broth (consomé); Diced red onions and chopped cilantro for garnish

Published: April 24, 2025

by Jessica

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These Quesabirria Tacos are a delicious treat perfect for any occasion. With tender, slow-braised beef birria and melty Oaxaca cheese wrapped in crispy tortillas, each bite is bursting with authentic Mexican flavor. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these tacos will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Their unique combination of textures and flavors makes them a standout dish you’ll want to make time and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Experience: These tacos deliver a rich, cheesy explosion of taste that’s hard to resist.
Versatile Dish: Perfect for parties, family dinners, or even casual weeknight meals.
Easy Preparation: While there’s some prep involved for the birria, the taco assembly is quick and simple.
Dipping Delight: The savory consomé on the side enhances every bite, making it an interactive meal.
Authentic Taste: Experience true Mexican street food right in your kitchen with this recipe.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Quesabirria Tacos efficiently, gather the right tools. Having essential equipment will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet or cast iron griddle
Cooking spray or vegetable oil brush
Tongs or spatula
Soup ladle

Importance of Each Tool

Large skillet or cast iron griddle: Ideal for evenly cooking multiple tacos at once, saving time.
Tongs or spatula: Essential for flipping tortillas without tearing them during cooking.

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

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 for assembly.

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 so both sides are coated. Place one tortilla on the hot skillet and cook for about 30 seconds before flipping it over.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Add 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese to one half of the 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 melts completely and the tortilla becomes crisp and golden. Remove from skillet and repeat with remaining tortillas.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your Quesabirria Tacos hot with optional toppings like diced onions and cilantro. Pour warm consomé into small bowls on the side for dipping.

Enjoy these delightful tacos fresh off the skillet!

How to Serve Quesabirria Tacos

Serving Quesabirria Tacos is all about enhancing their rich flavors and textures. These tacos are not just a meal; they’re an experience that can be complemented with various toppings and sides.

Fresh Toppings

Diced Red Onions: Adds a crisp, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the beef.
Chopped Cilantro: Provides a fresh, herbal note that brightens each bite.
Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice enhances the flavors and adds acidity.

Salsas and Sauces

Spicy Salsa Verde: Offers a kick with tomatillos and jalapeños for those who love heat.
Creamy Avocado Sauce: Adds richness and a smooth texture that pairs well with the crispy tacos.

Birria Broth

Warm Consomé: Serve it in small bowls for dipping. The savory broth complements the tacos perfectly.

How to Perfect Quesabirria Tacos

Creating the ultimate Quesabirria Tacos requires attention to detail. Here are some tips for perfecting this delicious dish.

Use Fresh Tortillas: Fresh corn tortillas will hold up better and have more flavor than stale ones.
Don’t Rush Cooking: Allow enough time for the cheese to melt completely for that gooey texture.
Dip Thoroughly: Make sure to dip each tortilla well in the warm consomé for extra flavor.
Griddle Temperature: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the tortillas to achieve crispiness.
Layer Wisely: Place cheese first, then meat, so that the cheese melts onto the meat, creating a delicious bond.

Best Side Dishes for Quesabirria Tacos

Pairing side dishes with your Quesabirria Tacos can elevate your meal. Here are some delightful options to consider.

Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices complements the tacos nicely.
Refried Beans: Creamy beans offer a hearty side that pairs well with the flavors of birria.
Corn Elote: Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayonnaise, cheese, and chili powder adds a fun twist.
Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip provides a refreshing contrast to the rich tacos.
Pickled Vegetables: A tangy mix of pickled onions and carrots adds brightness to your plate.
Chips & Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for a great appetizer or snack before tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Quesabirria Tacos can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here’s how to avoid them:

Using thin tortillas: Thin tortillas can tear easily, leading to messy tacos. Opt for fresh, thick corn tortillas for better sturdiness.
Skipping the dipping step: Not dipping your tortillas in consomé before cooking can result in bland tacos. Always dip both sides for flavor and texture.
Overfilling the tacos: Adding too much filling makes it hard to fold and cook properly. Stick to the recommended amounts for perfect folding.
Neglecting to preheat the skillet: If your skillet isn’t hot enough, the tortillas may not crisp up. Ensure it’s preheated for optimal results.
Storing assembled tacos: Storing or reheating assembled tacos can lead to sogginess. Store ingredients separately and assemble fresh before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover beef birria in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Keep birria broth in a separate container; it also lasts 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Quesabirria Tacos

Freeze shredded birria and broth separately for up to 3 months.
Use freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Quesabirria Tacos

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
Microwave: Microwave on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until heated through, but be cautious as this may make them soggy.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add tacos one at a time and cook until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Quesabirria Tacos?

Quesabirria Tacos are a delicious Mexican dish featuring slow-braised beef birria, melted cheese, and crispy tortillas, often served with consomé for dipping.

Can you make Quesabirria Tacos spicy?

Yes! You can add spices like chili powder or jalapeños during the birria preparation for extra heat.

How do I reheat Quesabirria Tacos without making them soggy?

Reheat them on the stovetop or in the oven instead of the microwave. This helps keep them crispy while warming through.

What can I serve with Quesabirria Tacos?

Pair them with sides like rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You could also offer salsa or guacamole on the side.

Final Thoughts

These Quesabirria Tacos are not only full of rich flavors but also versatile. You can customize toppings and adjust spice levels to suit your taste. They are perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home—give them a try!

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