Quesabirria tacos have taken the culinary world by storm. These tacos combine the richness of traditional Mexican birria stew with the crispy, cheesy goodness of a fried taco. If you’re wondering how to recreate this viral dish at home, you’re in the right place! In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through how to make your own quesabirria tacos that are juicy, flavorful, and crispy. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the tips, tricks, and techniques you need to master this sensational dish.
What Are Quesabirria Tacos?
Quesabirria tacos are a fusion of two beloved Mexican staples—birria and quesadillas. Birria, traditionally made with goat or lamb, is a savory stew that is slow-cooked to perfection. The modern version, however, commonly uses beef, especially in the United States, where beef birria is the go-to for tacos. The addition of melted cheese inside the taco turns it into a “quesa” taco, hence the name quesabirria.
What really sets quesabirria tacos apart is the combination of a crispy, cheesy taco shell stuffed with tender, juicy meat, and served with consommé, a rich broth made from the birria stew. The tacos are often dipped into the consommé, adding an extra burst of flavor. This consommé, made by slow-simmering the meat with spices and chilies, is not just tasty but also packed with nutrients. In fact, Listonic notes that beef broth is rich in essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium—important for maintaining healthy bones and connective tissues.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these mouthwatering quesabirria tacos, here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need:
For the Birria:
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast or short ribs (you can also use goat or lamb)
- 2 dried guajillo chilies, seeds removed
- 2 dried ancho chilies, seeds removed
- 1 chipotle chili in adobo sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 4 cups beef broth or water
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
For the Tacos:
- Corn tortillas (fresh ones work best for this recipe)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, or Mozzarella)
- Chopped cilantro and onions, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Quesabirria Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Birria
The foundation of any quesabirria taco is the flavorful birria meat, and while the process takes time, the end result is well worth the effort.
- Toast and Soak the Chilies: Start by toasting the dried guajillo and ancho chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast them for about 2 minutes, or until they become fragrant, but be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, transfer them to a bowl of hot water and let them soak for 15 minutes to soften.
- Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, chipotle chili, garlic, onion, canned tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, cumin, oregano, ground cloves, and paprika. Blend until you get a smooth sauce. This sauce will form the base of the rich birria stew.
- Brown the Meat: Season your beef generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the beef and brown it on all sides. This step helps lock in the flavor and ensures the meat stays juicy as it cooks.
- Simmer the Birria: After the beef is browned, pour the blended chili sauce over the meat. Add the beef broth (or water), cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shredded.
Birria isn’t just about flavor; it’s also about the health benefits that come with slow-cooked meats and broth. According to WebMD, beef broth contains important nutrients like collagen, which supports joint health, and amino acids, which promote gut health and reduce inflammation.
Step 2: Shred the Meat
Once the birria is done cooking, remove the meat from the pot and shred it using two forks. Be sure to save the rich consommé—the broth left in the pot—because you’ll use this flavorful liquid for dipping the tacos later. The consommé should be strained to remove any solid bits, leaving you with a smooth, flavorful broth.
Step 3: Assemble the Quesabirria Tacos
Now comes the fun part: assembling the quesabirria tacos! These tacos are cheesy, meaty, and crispy—everything you could want in a taco.
- Dip the Tortillas: Start by heating a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Dip each corn tortilla into the reserved consommé, making sure they are lightly coated with the flavorful broth. This step adds extra flavor and ensures the tortillas get crispy when cooked.
- Add Cheese and Meat: Place the dipped tortilla on the hot skillet. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on one side of the tortilla, then top it with a heaping spoonful of the shredded birria meat. Fold the tortilla in half and press down lightly with a spatula to seal.
- Fry Until Crispy: Cook the tacos for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are crispy and golden brown and the cheese has melted. The consommé coating gives the tortillas a beautiful golden color and adds even more flavor.
For added crunch, try frying the tortillas longer until they develop that crispy texture quesabirria is known for. According to Toronto Pho, beef consommé not only enhances the taste but also provides collagen and other nutrients that help improve your skin and joint health. So you can indulge while knowing you’re nourishing your body too!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Now that your tacos are cooked to crispy perfection, it’s time to garnish and serve. Sprinkle each taco with freshly chopped cilantro and onions. Serve with lime wedges on the side to add a bright, zesty flavor to balance the richness of the tacos.
But the most important part? Don’t forget to serve the warm consommé in small bowls alongside the tacos. The tacos are meant to be dipped into the consommé, allowing you to enjoy the full depth of flavor from the rich birria broth with every bite.
Why Are Quesabirria Tacos So Popular?
Quesabirria tacos have taken social media and food blogs by storm for several reasons. First, they offer a combination of flavors that’s hard to beat: the savory, slow-cooked meat paired with gooey, melted cheese and crispy tortillas. Every bite is a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.
Another reason for their popularity is the dipping element. The act of dunking the crispy taco into the rich consommé adds a new dimension to the taco-eating experience. This interactive way of eating makes the dish both fun and satisfying.
Lastly, quesabirria tacos are incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your preferences. Whether you want to add more spice to the meat, experiment with different cheeses, or try out various garnishes, the possibilities are endless.
Tips for Perfect Quesabirria Tacos
To ensure your quesabirria tacos come out perfect every time, here are a few helpful tips:
- Take Your Time with the Birria: Birria is all about slow cooking. Allow the meat to simmer for the full 2-3 hours. This will make sure it becomes tender and flavorful, giving you the best possible result.
- Use Fresh Corn Tortillas: Fresh tortillas are more pliable and have a better texture when fried. They hold up better when dipped in consommé and fried, giving you that perfect crispy yet chewy bite.
- Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: Cheese is what makes these quesabirria tacos extra special. Oaxaca cheese is the traditional choice, but if you can’t find it, Monterey Jack or Mozzarella are great alternatives. Just make sure to use plenty of cheese so you get that melty, gooey effect.
- Customize Your Consommé: If you like a bit of extra heat, feel free to spice up your consommé with more chipotle chilies or hot sauce. This will add an extra kick to your tacos and make the dipping experience even more flavorful.
Health Benefits of Beef Consommé
It’s not just the taste that makes quesabirria tacos so amazing—the consommé itself has many health benefits. Beef consommé is packed with nutrients like collagen, which supports
healthy joints, skin, and gut function. According to Dr. Robert Kiltz, beef consommé can also help reduce inflammation, improve immune function, and promote better sleep.
Making your own beef consommé at home ensures you’re getting all the nutritional benefits from the bone broth, without any additives or preservatives that come with store-bought versions. If you’re interested in more ways to incorporate beef broth into your cooking, check out our Beef Broth Cooking Guide.
Quesabirria Tacos: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Quesabirria Tacos Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the birria ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to make the tacos, simply reheat the meat and assemble the tacos as directed. You can also freeze the birria for longer storage.
What Other Meats Can I Use for Birria?
While beef is the most common meat used for birria in the U.S., you can also use traditional meats like goat or lamb. Chicken and pork are also delicious options for a lighter version of this dish.
Can I Freeze Leftover Birria?
Absolutely! Birria freezes well. Store the shredded meat in an airtight container along with some consommé. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in a saucepan with a bit of extra consommé to keep it moist.
Quesabirria tacos are the perfect combination of savory meat, melty cheese, and crispy tortillas. With this step-by-step guide, you now have everything you need to make these mouthwatering tacos at home. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving something comforting and delicious, quesabirria tacos are sure to impress.
If you’re looking for more taco inspiration, check out our Homemade Taco Recipe Collection for a variety of authentic taco recipes you can make at home.