Oh, my goodness, have you heard about the buzz around Birria Tacos (Quesabirria)? It seems like they just exploded onto the food scene! Everywhere I looked, people were raving about these incredible, cheesy, dippable tacos. Honestly, I was a little skeptical at first. Could they really be as amazing as everyone said?
Then, one chilly evening, I finally tried them at a local food truck. One bite, and I was absolutely hooked! The rich, savory meat, the crispy, cheese-laden tortilla, and that amazing broth for dipping—it was pure magic. My mind immediately went to, “How can I make these at home?”
I dove deep into perfecting my own recipe, and let me tell you, this one is it! This recipe brings that authentic, restaurant-quality experience right into your kitchen. You’ll get tender, flavorful meat and that irresistible consommé for dipping. Trust me, making your own Birria Tacos (Quesabirria) is not just cooking; it’s a culinary adventure!

Why You’ll Love These Birria Tacos (Quesabirria)
Making these Birria Tacos (Quesabirria) at home is a game-changer. You get that incredible authentic flavor right in your kitchen. The meat is so tender, just falling apart. And that rich consommé? It’s perfect for dipping. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about making this viral dish yourself. It’s truly a rewarding experience!
- Authentic, deep flavor
- Fork-tender, juicy meat
- Rich, dippable consommé
- Satisfying homemade experience
The Allure of Birria Tacos (Quesabirria)
These tacos are special because they hit all the right notes. You get crispy tortillas, gooey cheese, and savory meat. That warm, spicy broth adds another layer of amazing flavor. It’s a taste and texture explosion! This unique combo is exactly why everyone loves them so much.
Essential Equipment for Perfect Birria Tacos (Quesabirria)
Having the right tools makes all the difference when you’re making Birria Tacos (Quesabirria). You don’t need fancy gadgets, just a few key items. These pieces of equipment help you get that perfectly tender meat and those deliciously crispy tacos. Trust me, it makes the whole process so much smoother and more enjoyable for your home kitchen adventures.
Tools for Crafting Birria Tacos (Quesabirria)
First, a large Dutch oven is a must for slow-cooking the birria. A good blender is essential for that smooth chile sauce. And a large non-stick skillet gives me perfect results for crispy, cheesy tacos. Each tool plays a big part in creating these amazing Birria Tacos (Quesabirria).
Gathering Your Ingredients for Birria Tacos (Quesabirria)
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! This is where the magic really begins for our Birria Tacos (Quesabirria). I’ve found that using good quality ingredients makes a huge difference in the final taste. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled
- 4 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed
- 3 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed
- 2 dried arbol chiles, stems and seeds removed (optional, for heat)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12-16 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese (or Monterey Jack)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Diced white onion, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Key Components for Authentic Birria Tacos (Quesabirria)
The beef chuck roast is essential; it gets so tender and flavorful. For the chiles, don’t skip the guajillo and ancho; they build that deep, authentic flavor. The arbol chiles give a nice kick if you like heat. And for the cheese, Oaxaca is traditional, but Monterey Jack melts beautifully too. These choices really make your Birria Tacos (Quesabirria) sing!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prepare Birria Tacos (Quesabirria)
Now, let’s get to the fun part: making these amazing Birria Tacos (Quesabirria)! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through each step. It might seem like a lot, but it’s really straightforward. Just follow along, and you’ll have delicious, crispy, cheesy Birria Tacos (Quesabirria) ready to devour. Patience is key for that tender meat, but the payoff is huge!
Preparing the Flavorful Birria
First, pat your beef chuck roast dry. Season it well with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chunks on all sides. This adds so much flavor! Remove the beef and set it aside. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté them until soft, about five minutes.
While that cooks, rehydrate your dried chiles. Place guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles in a bowl. Cover them with hot water. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes until they’re nice and soft. Drain the chiles. Transfer them to a blender. Add the sautéed onion and garlic, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, and ground cloves. Blend until it’s super smooth.
Pour this beautiful chile mixture back into the Dutch oven. Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir everything together. Bring it to a simmer. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 3-4 hours. The beef should be fork-tender. Or, you can use a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours. Once tender, remove the beef and shred it with two forks. Skim any extra fat from the broth, saving it for later. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaves!
Assembling and Cooking Your Birria Tacos (Quesabirria)
Now for the best part: assembling your Birria Tacos (Quesabirria)! Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Dip one side of a corn tortilla into that reserved fat from the consommé. Place the fat-dipped side down on the hot skillet. Sprinkle plenty of shredded cheese over half of the tortilla. Add a spoonful of the shredded birria meat on top of the cheese.
Once the cheese starts to melt and the tortilla gets crispy, fold the other half of the tortilla over. This creates your taco shape. Gently press down with a spatula. Cook until both sides are golden brown and perfectly crispy. Repeat this process with all your tortillas, cheese, and meat. Serve these hot, with small bowls of the consommé for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro and diced white onion. Don’t forget the lime wedges for a fresh squeeze!
Tips for Success with Your Birria Tacos (Quesabirria)
I’ve made these Birria Tacos (Quesabirria) countless times now. I’ve learned a few tricks that really make them sing. These tips will help you get the best flavor and texture. They’ll also make your cooking experience smoother. Remember, cooking should be fun and rewarding!
Enhancing Your Birria Tacos (Quesabirria) Experience
For extra flavor, try toasting your dried chiles in a dry skillet for a minute. Do this before rehydrating them. This really deepens their taste. You can also make the birria meat and consommé ahead of time. They keep well in the fridge for up to three days. This makes taco night super easy! Adjust the arbol chiles to your spice preference. Savana always says, “Make it easy but make it taste like you spent all day!”
Serving and Storing Your Birria Tacos (Quesabirria)
Once your Birria Tacos (Quesabirria) are ready, the feast begins! Serving them beautifully adds to the experience. Knowing how to store any leftovers is also key. This ensures you can enjoy that amazing flavor later too. It’s all about maximizing your homemade taco joy!
Enjoying and Preserving Your Birria Tacos (Quesabirria)
Serve your hot Birria Tacos (Quesabirria) with small bowls of that rich consommé for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced white onion, and lime wedges. For leftovers, store meat and consommé separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Common Questions About Birria Tacos (Quesabirria)
I get a lot of questions about making Birria Tacos (Quesabirria). It’s totally normal to have them! I’ve been there, wondering the same things. Here are some of the common questions I hear. I hope these answers help you feel more confident in making your own delicious Birria Tacos (Quesabirria) at home. You’ve got this!
Your Birria Tacos (Quesabirria) FAQs Answered
Can I make birria in a slow cooker? Absolutely! After browning the beef and blending the sauce, just transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef will be perfectly tender for your Birria Tacos (Quesabirria).
What kind of cheese is best for quesabirria? Oaxaca cheese is traditional and melts beautifully. If you can’t find it, Monterey Jack is an excellent substitute. It melts well and has a mild flavor that complements the birria perfectly. Both will give you that lovely cheesy pull for your Birria Tacos (Quesabirria).
How do I get my tortillas crispy? The key is using that reserved fat from the consommé. Dip one side of your corn tortilla in it. Then, place that side down on a hot skillet. Make sure the skillet is hot enough. Cook until golden brown and slightly crisp before folding. This delivers that amazing crunch in your Birria Tacos (Quesabirria).
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please remember that all nutritional information provided is an estimate. The actual values for your Birria Tacos (Quesabirria) can vary. This depends on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods. It’s not a precise calculation, just a general guide.
Understanding Your Birria Tacos (Quesabirria) Nutrition
The nutritional data for your Birria Tacos (Quesabirria) is an estimate. It can change based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. Think of it as a helpful guideline.
Join Our Culinary Journey
I hope you loved making these Birria Tacos (Quesabirria)! I’d love to hear how yours turned out. Please share your cooking experiences in the comments below. You can also rate this recipe! Connect with us on social media too. Let’s keep sharing the joy of delicious homemade food together!
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Birria Tacos (Quesabirria): 1 Amazing Recipe! So Good It Hurts
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 12-16 tacos
- Diet: None
Description
Make authentic birria tacos, also known as quesabirria, with this recipe. These tacos feature tender, flavorful meat and are served with a rich consommé for dipping.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled
- 4 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed
- 3 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed
- 2 dried arbol chiles, stems and seeds removed (optional, for heat)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12-16 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese (or Monterey Jack)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Diced white onion, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chunks on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- While the onion and garlic cook, rehydrate the dried chiles. Place the guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes until softened.
- Drain the rehydrated chiles and transfer them to a blender. Add the sautéed onion and garlic, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, and ground cloves. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the blended chile mixture back into the Dutch oven. Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. Alternatively, transfer to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Skim any excess fat from the surface of the consommé (broth) and reserve it for cooking the tortillas. Remove the bay leaves.
- To assemble the tacos, heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Dip one side of a corn tortilla into the reserved fat from the consommé. Place the fat-dipped side down on the hot skillet.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over half of the tortilla. Add a spoonful of the shredded birria meat on top of the cheese.
- Once the cheese begins to melt and the tortilla is slightly crispy, fold the other half of the tortilla over to create a taco. Press down gently with a spatula. Cook until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas, cheese, and meat.
- Serve the birria tacos hot with small bowls of the consommé for dipping, garnished with fresh cilantro and diced white onion. Offer lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast the dried chiles in a dry skillet for a minute or two before rehydrating them.
- The birria meat and consommé can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Adjust the amount of arbol chiles to your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Braising, Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos with consommé
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
