Quesabirria tacos are one of the hottest food trends in recent years, and once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why. These tacos, originating from Jalisco, Mexico, combine tender, slow-braised beef with melty cheese and crisped tortillas to create a satisfying, savory dish that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or making something special for Taco Tuesday, quesabirria tacos recipe elevate the humble taco to a whole new level.
I first tried quesabirria tacos during a visit to a small taco stand in Los Angeles, and I was immediately hooked. The combination of the rich, flavorful beef and the gooey cheese, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla and dipped in the savory consommé, was like nothing I had ever tasted before. The beauty of this dish lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors, tender and juicy beef, crunchy tortillas, and that deeply comforting broth that ties everything together.
What makes quesabirria tacos so special is their versatility. They can be served as a snack, a main dish, or even for special occasions. The hearty beef and rich consommé make it a perfect winter comfort food, but it’s delicious any time of year. Pair these tacos with a cold beer or a refreshing margarita, and you’ve got yourself the perfect meal to enjoy with friends or family.
Table of contents
Why this Quesabirria Tacos Recipe Works
There’s a reason why quesabirria tacos have become a favorite among taco enthusiasts, they offer the perfect combination of tender beef, melted cheese, and a crispy, golden tortilla. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Flavorful Braised Beef: The beef for these tacos is braised in a flavorful mix of spices, chiles, and tomatoes. This slow cooking process infuses the meat with incredible depth of flavor, making it so tender that it practically falls apart when you bite into it.
- Cheese for Extra Richness: The addition of cheese inside the taco adds another layer of richness and melty goodness. When the cheese meets the hot beef, it melts into the beef, creating a gooey, satisfying texture that makes each bite irresistible.
- Crispy Tortillas: One of the best parts of quesabirria tacos is the crispy, golden tortilla. You’ll dip the tortilla into the rich consommé before crisping it on the griddle, creating a flavorful, crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender beef inside.
- Dipping Consommé: This is where the magic happens. The broth made from the beef cooking liquid, seasoned with herbs and spices, is used as a dipping sauce that adds a savory, umami punch to each taco. It enhances the flavor of the beef and gives the taco an irresistible richness.
- Customization: While the traditional recipe is delicious, quesabirria tacos are incredibly adaptable. You can swap out beef for goat or lamb, adjust the level of spiciness, or add your favorite toppings, such as cilantro, onion, or salsa. Whether you prefer a mild version or a spicy kick, this recipe is fully customizable to suit your taste preferences.
Recipe Card
Quesabirria Tacos Recipe
Cuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Medium4-6
servings15
minutes3
hours400
kcalQuesabirria tacos are the perfect combination of tender braised beef, melted cheese, and a crispy tortilla. Paired with a rich dipping consommé, they’re sure to become your new favorite taco recipe.
Ingredients
- For the Beef:
2 lbs beef chuck or short ribs, bone-in or boneless
4 dried guajillo chiles
2 dried ancho chiles
2 dried pasilla chiles (optional for added flavor)
1 medium onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, smashed
2 tomatoes, halved
2 bay leaves
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp chili powder
6 cups water or beef broth
Salt to taste
- For the Tacos:
12 corn tortillas (thick, sturdy tortillas are best)
2 cups Oaxaca cheese or mozzarella, shredded
1 small bunch cilantro, chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 lime, cut into wedges
Salsa (optional)
- For Dipping Consommé:
1 cup of the braising liquid (consommé) from the beef
Salt, to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the beef chuck or short ribs. Fill with water or beef broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, skimming off any foam or impurities that rise to the top.
- Toast the Chiles: While the beef is simmering, toast the dried chiles in a hot, dry pan for about 1-2 minutes until they’re fragrant but not burnt. Afterward, remove the stems and seeds from the chiles, and place them in a blender.
- Blend the Sauce: Add the garlic, onion, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, paprika, chili powder, and 1 cup of the beef broth to the blender with the chiles. Blend until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pot with the beef, add bay leaves, and simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds.
- Shred the Beef: Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, shred the beef using two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat or bones. Strain the broth, and reserve about 1 cup of the consommé for dipping.
- Prepare the Tacos: Heat a griddle or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Dip each tortilla into the reserved consommé and place it on the griddle. Cook for about 30 seconds, flip, and add the shredded beef and cheese to one half of the tortilla. Fold the tortilla over and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the tortilla is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Place the tacos on a platter and garnish with chopped onions, cilantro, and lime wedges. Serve with a small bowl of the reserved consommé for dipping.
Notes
- The braising time may vary depending on the size of your beef cuts, so check the meat’s tenderness after 2 hours.
- Feel free to use a slow cooker for braising the beef to save time.
- If you prefer spicier tacos, increase the amount of dried chiles or add some jalapeños to the consommé.
- Leftover beef can be used for burritos, tacos, or even a delicious beef stew the next day.
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving the perfect quesabirria tacos requires attention to detail, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with these pro tips to ensure your tacos turn out just like you envision.
- Choose the Right Cut of Meat: For the best results, opt for a cut of beef that has plenty of marbling, such as beef chuck or short ribs. These cuts become tender when braised and absorb all the flavor from the cooking liquid. Avoid leaner cuts, as they won’t have the same rich flavor or texture.
- Toast Your Chiles for Extra Flavor: To bring out the full depth of flavor in the dried chiles, toast them in a dry pan before blending. This step enhances their smokiness and makes your consommé even more flavorful.
- Use Homemade Consommé: While store-bought broth can work in a pinch, nothing beats the flavor of homemade consommé made from the braising liquid. It’s richer, more flavorful, and ties everything together perfectly.
- Crisp the Tortillas Carefully: Don’t rush the process of crisping the tortillas. Be patient, and make sure the tortilla is golden brown and crispy before you remove it from the griddle. This ensures a satisfying crunch when you bite into the taco.
- Let the Beef Rest: After braising, let the beef rest for a few minutes before shredding it. This helps the juices redistribute, making the beef even more tender and flavorful.
- Use a High-Quality Cheese: The cheese is a key component of quesabirria tacos, so be sure to use a good melting cheese like Oaxaca or mozzarella. The cheese should melt easily and add that perfect gooey texture inside the taco.
Variants of the Quesabirria Tacos Recipe
While the classic quesabirria taco is a favorite, there are many ways to customize this recipe based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few delicious variants:
1. Goat Meat Quesabirria Tacos
If you’re looking to elevate the flavor profile, goat meat is a fantastic substitute for beef. It’s commonly used in traditional Mexican birria recipes and has a unique, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices in the consommé. Just like beef, goat meat becomes incredibly tender when braised, and it adds a new layer of richness to your tacos.
2. Vegan Quesabirria Tacos
For a plant-based version, swap the beef for jackfruit or cauliflower, both of which have a texture that mimics shredded meat when cooked. You can prepare a rich, spicy broth using vegetable stock, and top your tacos with vegan cheese or avocado for that creamy texture. These vegan quesabirria tacos still provide the savory, satisfying experience of the original recipe, but in a more inclusive form.
3. Spicy Quesabirria Tacos
If you love heat, elevate your quesabirria tacos by adding extra spicy chiles to the broth. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce work great for adding smoky heat, while fresh jalapeños or serranos will kick up the spice level. You can also drizzle your tacos with a spicy salsa or top them with hot sauce for an extra layer of fiery flavor.
4. Cheese-Only Quesabirria Tacos (Quesa Tacos)
If you’re not in the mood for meat, you can create a cheesy, vegetarian version by focusing on the cheese filling. Simply melt cheese inside the tortillas before crisping them, creating a gooey, satisfying taco experience. Pair with a rich dipping sauce or even some guacamole to complement the cheese.
FAQs about Quesabirria Tacos Recipe
Yes, you can substitute beef chuck with brisket, short ribs, or flank steak. However, beef chuck is the most common and ideal cut due to its marbling and tenderness when braised.
You can substitute dried chiles with chili powder or chili paste, but keep in mind that the flavor won’t be as authentic. You may need to adjust the seasoning to get the right balance of heat and smokiness.
To add more heat to your quesabirria tacos, incorporate more spicy chiles like chipotle or serrano peppers into the consommé. Alternatively, drizzle the tacos with a spicy salsa or hot sauce when serving.
Final Thoughts
Quesabirria tacos are more than just a delicious meal, they’re an experience. From the slow-braised beef to the crispy, cheesy tortillas, every bite is packed with flavor and texture that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a taco party, or just to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to impress.
So, next time you’re in the mood for something flavorful and comforting, give this quesabirria tacos recipe a try. It’s the perfect way to bring a taste of authentic Mexican street food into your home. And if you’re craving more taco inspiration, check out some of my other favorite taco recipes, such as the spicy shrimp tacos or carne asada tacos.
If you like the recipe, i suggest you also try the Authentic Birria Tacos Recipe. For now, embrace the magic of quesabirria tacos and get ready for a flavor explosion you won’t forget!
Leave a Reply