What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? For me, it’s a homemade quesabirria tacos recipe with tender beef and rich consommé. This easy and quick Mexican dish is a family favorite, made with simple ingredients like tortillas and cheese. Save this idea for a delicious meal to try soon.

Quesabirria Tacos Recipe

Introduction

Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy, cheesy, and richly flavored taco that’s not just a meal, but an experience. Quesabirria tacos are a culinary masterpiece that combines the comforting warmth of a quesadilla with the deep, satisfying flavors of birria, a traditional Mexican stew. What makes this recipe truly special is its accessibility – using everyday ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both impressive and delicious, perfect for any day of the week. The beauty of quesabirria tacos lies in their ease of preparation, the balance of flavors, and the creativity they allow, making them a perfect choice for anyone looking to spice up their meal routine.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes a perfect balance between the richness of the cheese, the spiciness of the birria, and the freshness of the toppings, all made possible with ingredients that are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its complex flavors, quesabirria tacos are surprisingly easy to make. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are simple to prepare, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced cooks.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The combination of the crispy taco shell, the tender meat, and the flavorful broth makes for a dish that’s sure to impress, all achieved with relatively minimal effort and time.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include beef or goat meat (though beef is more commonly used in quesabirria), onions, garlic, dried arbol chilies, guajillo chilies, tomato, beef broth, lard or vegetable oil, corn tortillas, Oaxaca cheese (or mozzarella as a substitute), and fresh cilantro for garnish. For the consommé, you’ll need beef broth, onion, garlic, and dried chilies. These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s authentic, flavorful, and satisfying. Practical substitutions can be made for some ingredients, such as using chicken broth if beef broth is not available, or substituting the beef with pork for a different flavor profile.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the onions and garlic, and rehydrate the dried chilies by soaking them in hot water. This step is crucial as it sets the stage for the depth of flavor in your birria.
2. Step 2: In a large pot, heat some lard or oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they’re translucent, then add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the rehydrated chilies, tomato, and beef to the pot, stirring well to combine. Pour in the beef broth, bringing the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to let it simmer until the meat is tender.
3. Step 3: Once the meat is tender, shred it and strain the broth to make the consommé. To assemble the tacos, dip a tortilla in the consommé, then fill it with the shredded meat, and top with Oaxaca cheese. Fold the tortilla in half and cook it in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
4. Step 4: Serve the quesabirria tacos hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, onion, and a side of the consommé for dipping. This final step is where you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor, and the presentation and serving method can elevate the dish from simple to spectacular.

Handy Tips

• One of the most helpful tips for making quesabirria tacos is to not overfill the tortillas, as this can make them difficult to fold and can result in filling spilling out during cooking. Also, using high-quality ingredients, especially the cheese and the chilies, can make a significant difference in the flavor of the dish.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when cooking the meat and when crisping the tortillas. For the meat, a low and slow approach is best, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender. When crisping the tortillas, medium heat is ideal, as it allows for a nice crust to form without burning the cheese or the tortilla. Signs of doneness include the meat being easily shredded with a fork and the tortillas being golden brown and crispy.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in quesabirria tacos comes from the crispy tortilla and any additional toppings such as fresh onions or radishes. To achieve this crunch, it’s essential to not overcook the tortillas and to use fresh, crunchy toppings. The texture contrast between the crispy shell, the tender meat, and the fresh toppings is what makes quesabirria tacos so appealing.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• One expert tip is to use a thermometer to ensure that your broth is at the perfect temperature for shredding the meat and for serving. Another trick is to prepare components of the dish ahead of time, such as the consommé and the shredded meat, which can be refrigerated or frozen for later use, making the assembly of the tacos quicker and more efficient.

Storage Tips

• For storing leftovers, it’s best to keep the components of the dish separate – the consommé, the shredded meat, and the tortillas. The consommé and the meat can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Tortillas are best stored at room temperature or frozen. Reheating can be done by simmering the consommé and meat together until hot, and then assembling the tacos as desired.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting quesabirria tacos, a thoughtful way to package them could be in a basket filled with all the components – tortillas, shredded meat, consommé, cheese, and toppings – along with instructions on how to assemble and enjoy. Another idea could be to package the consommé and the meat in jars, along with a pack of tortillas and some toppings, making for a unique and delicious gift.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Adding a pinch of cumin or a sprinkle of paprika can give the dish a unique twist. For those who like a bit of heat, adding some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers can elevate the flavor.
• Creative toppings: In addition to the traditional onion and cilantro, toppings like diced radishes, sour cream, or sliced avocado can add freshness and creaminess to the dish.
• Ingredient swaps: Using different types of meat, such as pork or chicken, can change the flavor profile of the dish. Similarly, substituting the Oaxaca cheese with another melting cheese can offer a different texture and taste.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the meat is not tender, it may need more cooking time. If the tortillas are not crispy, the heat may be too low or the cooking time too short.
• Ingredient replacements: If a specific ingredient is not available, looking for substitutes that offer similar flavor and texture can help. For example, if guajillo chilies are not found, another mild to medium dried chili can be used.
• Over/undercooking signs: The meat should be easy to shred, and the tortillas should be golden brown. If the consommé is too thick, a bit of water can be added to thin it out.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, the consommé and the shredded meat can be frozen for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze them separately for easier reheating and assembly.
• Is it gluten-free? Traditionally, quesabirria tacos are gluten-free, but it depends on the ingredients used in the broth and the type of tortillas. Always check the ingredients of the broth and the tortillas to ensure they are gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, the recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd. Just ensure that you have enough pots and skillets to accommodate the increased quantity.

Conclusion

Quesabirria tacos are a true delight, offering a complex interplay of flavors and textures that can elevate any meal. With their rich history, ease of preparation, and the joy of customization, they’re a dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, don’t be afraid to experiment, to try new things, and to make this recipe your own. And most importantly, enjoy the process, the flavors, and the love that goes into making each and every quesabirria taco.