Experience the Magic of Quesabirria Tacos

The air is thick with anticipation, and it’s almost Cinco de Mayo, dear friends! And what better way to dive into the festivities than with a generous spread of the most delectable tacos? We’re talking about quesabirria tacos – a culinary sensation that has swept across the globe, captivating taste buds with its unique blend of savory, spicy, and incredibly cheesy goodness.

These aren’t just any tacos; they are a masterpiece. Imagine warm, soft corn tortillas, lovingly dipped in a rich, flavorful birria consomé, then griddled to a perfect crisp. Inside, they’re bursting with tender, slow-cooked birria beef and a generous blanket of molten, gooey cheese. Garnished with a sprinkle of finely diced onions and fresh chopped cilantro, each taco is a symphony of textures and tastes.

Seriously, just picturing it has my mouth watering!

The beauty of quesabirria lies in its perfect marriage of tradition and innovation. Originating from Jalisco, Mexico, birria de chivo (goat birria) has been a beloved stew for generations. The genius twist of turning it into a cheesy, dippable taco has elevated it to a global phenomenon. Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor and the satisfying crunch of these exquisite tacos.

The Heart of the Taco: Birria Beef and Consomé

At the core of every magnificent quesabirria taco is, of course, the birria itself. This isn’t just any shredded beef; it’s a labor of love, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, aromatic chile-infused broth. The deep red color and complex flavors come from a blend of dried chiles, spices, and often tomatoes or tomatillos, creating a deeply savory and slightly spicy stew.

The braising process renders the meat incredibly tender, allowing it to shred effortlessly, practically melting in your mouth. But it’s the accompanying consomé – the rich, savory broth that the birria meat cooks in – that truly sets these tacos apart. This luscious liquid is essential for dipping, adding an extra layer of moisture, flavor, and that iconic red hue to the tortillas.

Gather Your Ingredients for Cheesy Birria Tacos:

Crafting these sensational birria tacos requires a few key components. Here’s a visual overview of the main ingredients you’ll need to create these culinary delights. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the incredible flavor profile and satisfying texture of quesabirria.

(For precise measurements and detailed instructions, please make sure to scroll down to the comprehensive printable recipe card conveniently located at the bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes, Smart Substitutions & Pro Tips:

Here are some additional insights and flexible options to help you tailor these cheesy birria tacos to your preference and ensure a perfect outcome every time:

• Tortillas: The foundation of any great taco! I typically opt for yellow corn tortillas because of their robust flavor and texture, but white corn tortillas work beautifully as well. For an extra touch of authenticity and freshness, why not try making your own homemade gluten-free corn tortillas? They truly make a difference in taste and texture!
• Birria Beef & Sauce: The soul of this recipe. While this recipe focuses on assembling the tacos, the quality of your birria beef and its accompanying sauce (consomé) is paramount. If you haven’t prepared it yet, follow my detailed guide on how to make the Mexican shredded beef (birria) and its rich sauce. You’ll want to have both the shredded meat and the flavorful consomé ready.
• Cheese: The ‘cheesy’ in cheesy birria tacos! I love using shredded mozzarella cheese for its fantastic melt and mild flavor that complements the birria without overpowering it. However, feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses like Oaxaca cheese, Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican blend. If you have dietary restrictions or are lactose-intolerant, a good quality dairy-free mozzarella cheese will work wonderfully, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delicious tacos.
• Toppings: These are the fresh accents that elevate the taco experience. My top recommendations are finely diced white onions and fresh chopped cilantro for their sharp, fresh contrast to the rich birria. If cilantro isn’t your favorite, don’t worry! You can easily swap it out for fresh parsley, finely chopped spring onions, or even chives for a similar herbaceous note. A squeeze of fresh lime juice is also highly recommended to brighten all the flavors!

How to Craft Perfect Cheesy Birria Tacos (Step by Step):

The assembly of quesabirria tacos is where the magic truly comes alive. Follow these steps for crispy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful results:

1. Prepare Your Tortillas: Brush with Birria Consomé

Begin by taking a corn tortilla and generously brushing both sides with the flavorful birria consomé (the red, oily broth from your birria beef). This crucial step infuses the tortilla with deep flavor and helps it achieve that signature vibrant red color and incredible crispness when griddled. Don’t be shy – really coat them!

2. Griddle and Fill: Heat Tortilla and Add Ingredients

Heat a small amount of oil in a non-stick skillet or on a comal over medium heat. Once hot, carefully lay out one of your sauced corn tortillas. If desired, you can drizzle a tiny bit more birria sauce directly onto the tortilla in the pan for extra flavor and color. Immediately place approximately half a cup (or slightly less, depending on your tortilla size) of the tender birria beef onto one half of the tortilla. On the other half, generously sprinkle about 4 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese. Finally, add a touch of freshness by sprinkling some chopped cilantro and diced onion over the beef.

3. Create the Quesabirria: Fold and Cook

As the cheese begins to melt and the tortilla starts to crisp, carefully use a spatula to fold the cheese-laden half of the tortilla over the beef half, creating a crescent shape. Gently press down with your spatula to help the cheese melt and fuse the two sides. Cook for about another minute on this side, allowing the tortilla to crisp up and the cheese to become perfectly gooey and melted.

4. Perfect the Crisp: Flip and Finish Cooking

With care, flip the quesabirria taco to the other side. Cook for an additional minute, or until both sides are beautifully golden-brown and crispy, and the cheese is thoroughly melted and slightly caramelized at the edges. This golden crisp exterior is what makes these tacos so irresistible.

5. Plate and Indulge: Serve and Savor

Once perfectly cooked, transfer your cheesy birria tacos to a plate. The traditional way to enjoy these is with a side of extra birria consomé for dipping – it’s a non-negotiable step that truly elevates the experience! Garnish with additional diced onions and fresh cilantro, and a wedge of lime for a burst of citrus. Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews!

Pro Tips for the Best Quesabirria Experience

To truly master these cheesy birria tacos, consider these expert tips:

• **Make Birria Ahead:** The birria beef and consomé can be prepared a day or two in advance. In fact, the flavors often deepen overnight, making for an even more delicious taco. Simply reheat gently before assembling the tacos.
• **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** Cook the tacos in batches to ensure they crisp up properly. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and lead to soggy tortillas instead of delightfully crispy ones.
• **Adjust Heat:** Start with medium heat and adjust as needed. You want the tortillas to brown and crisp without burning, and the cheese to melt fully.
• **Fresh Lime is Key:** A squeeze of fresh lime juice over your finished tacos just before eating brightens all the rich flavors and adds a welcome tang.
• **Serve Hot:** Quesabirria tacos are best enjoyed immediately after cooking, when the cheese is perfectly melted and the tortillas are at their crispiest.

Frequently Asked Questions About Birria Tacos

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying these popular tacos:

Q: What exactly is Birria?
A: Birria is a traditional Mexican stew, typically made with goat (birria de chivo) or beef, slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful broth infused with dried chiles, spices, and aromatics until incredibly tender. The broth, or consomé, is just as important as the meat.

Q: What kind of cheese is best for Birria Tacos?
A: Any good melting cheese works well! Mozzarella, Oaxaca cheese, Monterey Jack, or even a good Mexican blend are excellent choices. The key is a cheese that melts smoothly and becomes deliciously gooey.

Q: Can I prepare the birria ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Preparing the birria beef and consomé a day or two in advance is highly recommended. The flavors often become more intense and complex after sitting, making for an even better taco experience. Store them separately in the refrigerator.

Q: Is the consomé for dipping essential?
A: Yes! The consomé is a critical component of the quesabirria experience. It’s used to dip the tortillas before cooking, adding flavor and color, and then served on the side for dipping the finished tacos. It adds moisture, deep flavor, and that authentic touch.

Explore More Mexican-Inspired Recipes You’ll Love:

If you’ve fallen in love with these cheesy birria tacos, you’ll surely enjoy exploring other delicious Mexican recipes that are perfect for any meal or celebration. Dive into these flavorful options to complete your feast:

• Homemade Corn Tortillas (Gluten-Free, Vegan): Perfect the foundation of your tacos with fresh, homemade tortillas.
• Mexican Shredded Beef (Beef Birria): The essential recipe for making the mouthwatering birria meat and consomé.
• Carnitas Street Tacos (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free): Another classic street taco with incredibly tender, slow-cooked pork.
• Mexican Rice (Gluten-Free, Vegan): A flavorful and vibrant side dish that complements any Mexican meal.
• Pico de Gallo (Gluten-Free, Vegan): A fresh and zesty salsa that adds a burst of flavor to your tacos.

More Delicious Gluten-Free Dinner Ideas to Love:

If you’re always on the lookout for flavorful and satisfying gluten-free meals, here are some other incredible dinner ideas from our kitchen to yours. These recipes prove that eating gluten-free can be incredibly delicious and exciting!

P.S. If you try this incredible cheesy birria tacos recipe, I’d absolutely love for you to leave a star rating below! Your feedback means a lot to me, so please consider sharing your thoughts and a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your valuable input. Be sure to explore my entire Recipe Index for all the diverse recipes featured on the blog. You can also connect with me and find more culinary inspiration by following me on Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram! And for a weekly dose of fresh and exciting recipes delivered straight to your inbox, don’t forget to sign up for my Email List!

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Cheesy Birria Tacos (Quesabirria Tacos)

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  Author: Felicia Lim
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  Total Time: 25 minutes
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  Yield: 4 servings
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  Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in these incredibly flavorful, tender, and cheesy birria tacos (quesabirria tacos) that are so good, you’ll crave them for every meal! Perfect for any celebration, these tacos are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and will have everyone asking for more!

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Ingredients

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• 4 corn tortillas (yellow or white)
• 3 tablespoons oil, for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
• 1 cup birria sauce (consomé)
• 2 cups birria beef, shredded
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or Oaxaca, Monterey Jack)
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
• 4 tablespoons diced white onions, plus more for garnish

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Instructions

1. Brush Tortillas with Sauce: Take one corn tortilla and generously brush both sides with the rich birria consomé (red sauce). Ensure it’s well coated for maximum flavor and color.
2. Heat Tortilla and Top with Fillings: Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the sauced corn tortilla in the skillet. If desired, you can add a tiny drizzle of extra birria sauce onto the tortilla. Immediately place about ½ cup of the shredded birria beef onto one half of the tortilla. On the other half, sprinkle approximately 4 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese. Finish by sprinkling some chopped cilantro and diced onion over the beef.
3. Fold Tortilla: As the cheese starts to melt and the tortilla begins to crisp, gently fold the cheese-covered half of the tortilla over the beef half using a spatula. Press down lightly to help the cheese melt and secure the taco. Cook for about 1 minute on this side.
4. Flip Tacos: Carefully flip the quesabirria taco to the other side. Cook for another minute, or until both sides are golden-brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted and slightly caramelized. Repeat with remaining tortillas and fillings.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve these incredible cheesy birria tacos immediately with a side of extra birria consomé for dipping. Garnish with additional diced onions and fresh cilantro, and don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lime juice for that perfect finish.

Notes

Tortillas: While I prefer yellow corn tortillas for their hearty texture and flavor, white corn tortillas are also a fantastic choice. For a truly authentic and fresh experience, consider making your own homemade gluten-free corn tortillas. Their freshness makes a noticeable difference!

Birria Beef & Sauce: The foundation of these tacos is the rich, slow-cooked birria. If you’re starting from scratch, be sure to prepare your birria beef and its flavorful consomé using my dedicated recipe: Mexican Shredded Beef (Beef Birria). Having both ready is key to the best tacos.

Cheese: The melty, gooey cheese is what gives these tacos their irresistible “queso” factor! Shredded mozzarella is my go-to for its mild flavor and excellent melting properties, but feel free to substitute with other good melting cheeses like authentic Oaxaca cheese, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend. For those with dairy sensitivities, a high-quality dairy-free mozzarella alternative works perfectly.

Toppings: Fresh toppings add a crucial counterpoint to the rich birria. Diced white onions and fresh chopped cilantro are traditional and highly recommended. If cilantro isn’t to your taste, fresh parsley, finely chopped spring onions, or chives are great alternatives that still provide that essential fresh bite. A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end is also a game-changer for brightening all the flavors!

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Category: Main Dish, Mexican
• Method: Stovetop, Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex