Quesabirria Tacos: The Ultimate Mexican Comfort Food

Name: Quesabirria Tacos
Prep time: 500 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 530 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 pound beef chuck; 3 stemmed and seeded dried guajillo chilies; 2 stemmed and seeded dried ancho chilies; 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese or Monterey Jack cheese; For garnish, fresh cilantro, red onions, lime wedges; 4 cups of beef broth; 1 medium chopped onion; 4 cloves of minced garlic; 2 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon of cumin; 1 teaspoon of oregano; 1/2 teaspoon of salt; 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper; 12 corn tortilla

Dive into the flavors of Mexico with our Quesabirria Tacos recipe. This traditional Mexican dish combines tender, slow-cooked meat with melty cheese in a crispy tortilla.

Mexican Cuisine

July 17, 2023

Difficulty Easy

Servings 6 people

Preparation 500 mins

Cooking 30 mins

Total 530 mins

Recipe Contents

Ingredients Directions Nutrition Equipments Tips

Ingredients

4 cups of beef broth
1 medium chopped onion
4 cloves of minced garlic
2 bay leaf
1 teaspoon of cumin
1 teaspoon of oregano
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
12 corn tortilla
2 pound beef chuck
3 stemmed and seeded dried guajillo chilies
2 stemmed and seeded dried ancho chilies
2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
For garnish, fresh cilantro, red onions, lime wedges

Directions

Start by rehydrating the dried chiles in hot water for about 15 minutes. Once soft, remove the stems and seeds.
In a blender, combine the rehydrated chiles, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Blend until smooth.
Season the beef chuck or short ribs with salt and pepper. Place the beef chuck roast in a slow cooker and pour the chile mixture over it. Add the bay leaves. Cook on low for about 8 hours, or until the meat is tender and can easily be shredded.
Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks.
In a separate shallow dish, combine the remaining reserved chili soaking water with some beef broth. Dip each corn tortilla into the liquid to moisten it.
To assemble the quesabirrias, place a tortilla on a hot griddle, add some shredded cheese and the shredded meat, and fold the tortilla in half to form a taco and press it down with a spatula to seal the edges. Cook until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted, flipping halfway through.
Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Serve the Quesabirria Tacos with chopped cilantro, pickled onions, and lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 Quesabirria Tacos

Serves 6

Amount Per Serving

Calories500

% Daily Value*

Protein 30 g60%

Total Fat 30 g38.5%

Sodium 800 mg34.8%

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Tips

Choose the right meat. Traditionally, Quesabirria Tacos are made with beef, such as beef chuck or short ribs. Opt for well-marbled cuts that will become tender and flavorful when cooked slowly.
Marinate the meat. Prepare a flavorful marinade using dried chilies, spices, garlic, and other seasonings. Allow the meat to marinate for several hours or overnight to enhance its taste and tenderness.
Use a slow cooker for the beef to achieve a tender, pull-apart texture.
Once the meat is fully cooked, shred it into smaller pieces using two forks. This ensures that the filling is evenly distributed in the tacos and makes them easier to eat.
Use Oaxaca cheese or Monterey Jack cheese. Both of these cheeses are known for their melting properties and mild flavors.
Don't skip the step of dipping the tortilla in the cooking liquid before grilling. This step gives the tortilla a beautiful color and extra flavor.
Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese based on your preference. More cheese will result in a richer, creamier Quesabirria.

Rate This Recipe

Quesabirria, a tantalizing blend of succulent meat, melty cheese, and crispy tortilla, has taken the street food scene by storm. Originating from the Mexican state of Jalisco, this dish has quickly gained popularity worldwide for its rich flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious beginner, our Quesabirria recipe will guide you through creating this Mexican delicacy at home.

Equipment for this recipe

Measuring Cup

Mixing Bowls

Cutting Board

Chef Knife

What Is Quesabirria Made Of?

Quesabirria is a Mexican dish that consists of birria-style cooked beef folded into a tortilla with melted cheese. It's typically served with a side of broth for dipping.

What Is The Difference Between Quesabirria and Birria Tacos?

The main difference between Quesabirria and birria tacos is the addition of cheese in the latter. While both dishes feature birria-style cooked meat and are served in tortillas, Quesabirria also includes melted cheese, giving it a richer flavor.

Quesabirria and Birria Tacos are both delicious Mexican dishes, but they have some key differences:

Quesabirria Tacos:

Quesabirria is a variation of birria that gained popularity in recent years, particularly in the United States and Mexico.
The main difference lies in the preparation of the tortilla. In quesabirria, the tortilla is dipped in the flavorful birria broth and then pan-fried until it becomes crispy and golden. This process infuses the tortilla with the rich flavors of the birria.
Quesabirria is usually served as a taco, with the crispy tortilla filled with the birria meat, melted cheese, and sometimes caramelized onions and cilantro.
The dish is often served with a side of the birria broth for dipping, allowing you to enjoy a perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors.

Birria Tacos:

Birria is a traditional Mexican dish made with tender and flavorful meat, usually beef, goat, or lamb.
The meat is marinated in a combination of dried chilies, spices, and other seasonings, giving it a rich and complex flavor profile.
Birria is typically cooked slowly and low-and-slow, often stewed or braised until the meat becomes incredibly tender and infused with the marinade's flavors.
It is commonly served as a main dish, either in a bowl with the meat and its savory broth, or as a filling for tacos or burritos.

What Is The Description Of Quesabirria?

Quesabirria is a delicious Mexican dish that combines tender, slow-cooked beef with melted cheese in a crispy tortilla. It's typically served with a side of broth for dipping, adding another layer of flavor to the dish.

How Do You Say Quesabirria In English?

The word "Quesabirria" is pronounced the same in English as it is in Spanish. It's a combination of the words "queso" (cheese) and "birria" (a type of Mexican stew), reflecting the dish's main ingredients.

What To Serve with Quesabirria Tacos?

Quesabirria Tacos can be served with side dishes to make a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some suggestions for what to serve with Quesabirria Tacos:

Pickled Onions: The tangy and slightly sweet flavor of pickled onions complements the rich and savory taste of the Quesabirria Tacos. They add a refreshing contrast and a bit of crunch to the tacos.

Salsa or Hot Sauce: Provide a selection of salsas or hot sauces with varying heat levels. The spiciness of the sauce can be adjusted to individual preferences and adds an extra kick to the tacos.

Guacamole: A creamy and flavorful guacamole pairs well with Quesabirria Tacos, providing a cool and creamy contrast to the warm and savory fillings.

Mexican Rice: Serve Mexican-style rice on the side to complete the meal. The fluffy rice is an excellent accompaniment that helps balance the flavors of the tacos.

Refried Beans: A side of creamy and seasoned refried beans complements the Quesabirria Tacos and adds additional protein and heartiness to the meal.

More on Quesabirria

Quesabirria is a dish that truly represents the spirit of Mexican cuisine. It combines the country's love for hearty meats, cheese, and the unique flavors of its native chiles. The dish is a testament to the ingenuity of Mexican cooks, who have managed to turn simple ingredients into a meal that's bursting with flavor and texture.

The origins of Quesabirria can be traced back to the Mexican state of Jalisco, known for its contributions to Mexican culture, including mariachi music and tequila. Jalisco is also famous for birria, a traditional meat stew from which Quesabirria gets its name. Over time, this dish has evolved and traveled, gaining popularity not just in other parts of Mexico, but also in the United States and beyond.

Making Quesabirria at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. It's a chance to explore the flavors of Mexican cuisine and to create something that's truly delicious. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, Quesabirria is sure to be a hit.

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Recipe byPetite Gourmets