These Quesabirria Tacos are a vibrant and delicious way to enjoy authentic Mexican flavors. With tender, slow-braised beef birria combined with melty Oaxaca cheese, these tacos are an explosion of taste. Perfect for gatherings, casual dinners, or simply satisfying your taco cravings, they are sure to impress friends and family alike.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Tacos
- For Garnish
- How to Make Quesabirria Tacos
- Step 1: Prepare the Birria
- Step 2: Preheat the Skillet
- Step 3: Dip & Cook Tortillas
- Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Step 5: Finish Cooking
- Step 6: Serve
- How to Serve Quesabirria Tacos
- Traditional Accompaniments
- Fresh Additions
- Creative Twists
- How to Perfect Quesabirria Tacos
- Best Side Dishes for Quesabirria Tacos
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Quesabirria Tacos
- Reheating Quesabirria Tacos
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Quesabirria Tacos?
- How do I make birria for my Quesabirria Tacos?
- Can I use other types of cheese?
- How spicy are Quesabirria Tacos?
- Are there vegetarian options for Quesabirria Tacos?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: Each bite delivers rich, savory goodness from the beef and delightful creaminess from the cheese.
- Quick Assembly: With a little prep, you can whip up these tacos in no time, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or adjust spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
- Authentic Experience: Enjoy the true essence of Mexican street food right at home with this easy-to-follow recipe.
- Perfect for Sharing: Serve these tacos at parties or family gatherings, and watch everyone come back for seconds.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing Quesabirria Tacos requires a few essential tools that make the cooking process easier. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet or cast iron griddle
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil brush
- Tongs
- Serving bowls
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet or cast iron griddle: Ideal for evenly cooking multiple tacos at once, ensuring they get crispy without burning.
- Tongs: Useful for flipping tortillas easily without damaging them while keeping your hands safe from heat.
Ingredients
For the Tacos
- 4 cups shredded beef birria (prepared in advance)
- 2 cups birria broth (consomé), reserved from birria
- 16 thick corn tortillas
- 1 pound Oaxaca cheese or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
For Garnish
- ½ cup diced red onions
- ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro
- 2 limes, cut into wedges

How to Make Quesabirria Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Birria
Make the beef birria using your preferred recipe. Once cooked, separate the meat from the broth (consomé) and keep both warm.
Step 2: Preheat the Skillet
Heat a large skillet or cast iron griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly coat it with cooking spray or brush it with vegetable oil.
Step 3: Dip & Cook Tortillas
Dip each corn tortilla into the warm consomé, coating both sides thoroughly. Place the tortilla on the hot skillet and cook for about 30 seconds before flipping it over.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Add 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese to one half of each tortilla. Top it with about ¼ cup of shredded birria beef. Fold the tortilla over to form a taco.
Step 5: Finish Cooking
Cook for another 30–60 seconds until the cheese is fully melted and the tortilla is crisp and golden. Remove from skillet and repeat with remaining tortillas.
Step 6: Serve
Serve tacos hot, optionally topped with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges. Pour warm consomé into small bowls for dipping on the side.
By following these steps, you’ll have delicious Quesabirria Tacos ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Quesabirria Tacos
Quesabirria Tacos are a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your taco experience.
Traditional Accompaniments
- Consomé: Serve with a warm bowl of birria broth for dipping. The rich flavors complement the tacos perfectly.
- Salsas: Choose from mild to spicy salsa options for added zest. Fresh salsa verde is a popular choice.
- Pickled Vegetables: Offer pickled onions or jalapeños for a tangy crunch that balances the richness of the tacos.
Fresh Additions
- Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor and color.
- Diced Onions: Provide diced red onions as a crunchy topping that adds freshness.
- Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges to squeeze over the tacos, enhancing their flavor profile.
Creative Twists
- Cheese Drizzle: Melt extra cheese and drizzle it over the tacos before serving for an indulgent touch.
- Avocado Slices: Include creamy avocado slices as a delicious topping that enhances texture and taste.
How to Perfect Quesabirria Tacos
Creating the perfect Quesabirria Tacos requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your tacos turn out amazing every time.
- Use Fresh Tortillas: Fresh, thick corn tortillas hold up better and provide authentic flavor.
- Maintain Temperature: Keep both the birria and consomé warm throughout the cooking process for optimal melt and flavor.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling your tacos; too much filling can make them difficult to fold and eat.
- Crisp It Right: Ensure the skillet is hot enough before cooking; this helps achieve that perfect crispy texture on the tortillas.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy Quesabirria Tacos right after cooking to prevent sogginess from the fillings or consomé.

Best Side Dishes for Quesabirria Tacos
Complement your Quesabirria Tacos with tasty side dishes that enhance your meal. Here are some excellent choices:
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with spices pairs well with the rich flavors of birria.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans offer additional protein and texture alongside your tacos.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayo, cheese, and spices provides a sweet contrast.
- Guacamole: A creamy guacamole adds freshness and richness that complements each bite of taco.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for a great appetizer or snack.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasoned grilled veggies add color and flavor, making your meal more vibrant.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Quesabirria Tacos can be a delightful experience, but certain mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Using Thin Tortillas: Thin tortillas can tear easily during cooking. Opt for thick corn tortillas to hold the juicy fillings well.
- Skipping the Consomé Dip: Not dipping the tortillas in consomé before cooking will lead to less flavor and a soggy texture. Always dip both sides for a crispy finish.
- Overstuffing Tacos: Adding too much filling makes it hard to fold and eat the tacos. Stick to recommended amounts for the best experience.
- Not Preheating the Skillet: A cold skillet will not crisp your tortillas properly. Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the dipped tortillas.
- Serving Cold: Quesabirria Tacos taste best when served hot and fresh. Avoid letting them sit out for too long before serving.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Quesabirria Tacos in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Quesabirria Tacos
- Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Quesabirria Tacos
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in intervals of 30 seconds until warmed through but note they may become soggy.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Cook tacos for about 2-3 minutes on each side for a crispy result.

Frequently Asked Questions
What are Quesabirria Tacos?
Quesabirria Tacos are a delicious Mexican dish made with slow-braised beef birria, filled with cheese, and served with consomé for dipping.
How do I make birria for my Quesabirria Tacos?
To make birria, you need beef that is slow-cooked with spices until tender. Follow your favorite birria recipe, ensuring to save both the meat and broth.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! While Oaxaca cheese is traditional, you can also use Monterey Jack or even Cheddar if you prefer a different flavor profile.
How spicy are Quesabirria Tacos?
The spice level depends on your birria recipe. You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of chilies used in your preparation.
Are there vegetarian options for Quesabirria Tacos?
Absolutely! You can substitute beef with roasted vegetables or jackfruit seasoned with similar spices for a tasty vegetarian version.
Final Thoughts
Quesabirria Tacos offer an explosion of flavors that brings authentic Mexican cuisine right to your table. Their versatility allows you to customize fillings and toppings as you like, making them perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients; after all, every bite should be deliciously memorable!
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Quesabirria Tacos
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge your taste buds with these flavorful Quesabirria Tacos, a delightful fusion of tender, slow-braised beef birria and melty Oaxaca cheese. Each taco is a savory treat, dipped in rich consomé for an authentic Mexican street food experience. Perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners, this recipe promises to impress at any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded beef birria
- 2 cups birria broth (consomé)
- 16 thick corn tortillas
- 1 pound Oaxaca cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
- Diced red onions for garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the beef birria according to your preferred recipe and reserve both the meat and broth.
- Preheat a large skillet or cast iron griddle over medium-high heat with cooking spray or oil.
- Dip each tortilla into the warm consomé, coat both sides, and cook on the skillet for about 30 seconds per side.
- Assemble tacos by adding 2 tablespoons of cheese and ¼ cup of shredded birria to one half of each tortilla. Fold to form a taco.
- Cook for another 30-60 seconds until the cheese melts and the tortillas are crispy. Remove from heat and repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg