Quesabirria Tacos Recipe with Crispy Birria Meat and Melty Cheese

Name: Quesabirria Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: – 2 lbs beef chuck roast for slow cooking; – 4 dried guajillo chilies for smoky, tangy heat in broth; – 2 cloves garlic for aroma and depth of flavor; – 1 onion, chopped for sweetness and base flavor; – 1 tsp cumin for warm, earthy flavor; – 1 tsp oregano for herbal complexity; – 24 corn tortillas for assembling tacos; – 1 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese for melting; – 24 ounces shredded Oaxaca cheese for filling; – 3 cups strained or shredded beef from birria for filling; – 2 cups birria broth or beef consommé for dipping tortillas; – 1 tablespoon oil for combining with broth for dipping; – ½ minced onion for the onion topping; – 1 stemmed and seeded jalapeno, minced for spice in the onion topping; – 4 tablespoons cilantro for the onion topping; – 1 teaspoon salt for seasoning the onion topping; – 2 tablespoons chipotle chili paste from adobo sauce for chipotle crema; – ¼ cup crema (or sour cream mixed with heavy cream and lime juice) for creamy sauce; – Juice from 1 lime for chipotle crema and garnish; – 4 lime wedges for serving and dipping; – jackfruit for vegan substitute for beef; – vegan cheese for vegan substitute for Oaxaca cheese

By:

Ruby Bennett

Published:

January 16, 2026

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Why You’ll Love This Quesabirria Tacos

Quesabirria Tacos, a beloved Mexican favorite, combine crispy fried tortillas with tender shredded beef and melty cheese for a satisfying meal. This recipe stands out because it’s simple to prepare, letting you enjoy authentic flavors without complicated steps. Whether you’re a busy parent or a food enthusiast, these tacos bring big taste with little effort.

One reason to try this recipe is its ease of preparation, ideal for quick weeknight dinners. With just a few steps, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes total, including prep and cooking time. These tacos are perfect for anyone looking to add excitement to their routine meals without overwhelming their schedule.

The health benefits make these tacos a smart choice too. Packed with protein from birria meat and vitamins from fresh toppings, they offer a balanced option that supports wellness. For Birria Meat lovers, this recipe highlights its nutritional value while keeping things delicious and enjoyable.

Versatility is another highlight, allowing adaptations for various diets like gluten-free or vegan. You can tweak the ingredients to fit your needs, such as using plant-based alternatives for melty cheese. This flexibility ensures everyone, from students to seniors, can enjoy How to make quesabirria tacos with melty cheese at home.

The distinctive flavor of Quesabirria Tacos comes from the rich, savory broth-dipped tortillas filled with shredded beef and cheese. This creates a unique, mouthwatering experience that taco fans adore. Dive into the world of Quesabirria Tacos recipe with crispy birria meat and see why it’s a go-to for flavorful meals.

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Essential Ingredients for Quesabirria Tacos

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making delicious Quesabirria Tacos. Below is a comprehensive list that includes everything needed, based on the recipe details. I’ve pulled together all the items mentioned to ensure you have exact measurements for easy shopping and prep.

2 lbs beef chuck roast – Provides tender, flavorful meat perfect for slow cooking.
4 dried guajillo chilies – Adds smoky, tangy heat to the broth.
2 cloves garlic – Enhances aroma and depth of flavor.
1 onion, chopped – Adds sweetness and base flavor to the stew.
1 tsp cumin – Brings warm, earthy notes.
1 tsp oregano – Contributes herbal complexity.
24 corn tortillas – Traditional base for assembling tacos.
1 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese – Melts beautifully for gooey texture (note: the recipe also uses 24 ounces shredded Oaxaca cheese for filling).
3 cups strained or shredded beef from birria – Essential for the hearty filling.
2 cups of birria broth or beef consommé – Used for dipping tortillas, mixed with 1 tablespoon oil.
1 tablespoon oil – Combined with broth for dipping to achieve crispiness.
½ minced onion – For the onion topping.
1 stemmed and seeded jalapeno minced – Adds spice to the onion topping.
4 tablespoons cilantro – Fresh herb for the onion topping.
1 teaspoon salt – Seasons the onion topping.
2 tablespoons chipotle chili paste from adobo sauce – Key for the chipotle crema.
¼ cup crema (or sour cream mixed with heavy cream and lime juice) – Base for the creamy sauce.
Juice from 1 lime – Brightens the chipotle crema and used for garnishing.
4 lime wedges – For dipping and extra zest when serving.

For special dietary options, consider these tweaks: Vegan substitutes include using jackfruit for the beef and vegan cheese instead of Oaxaca cheese. For gluten-free versions, ensure the corn tortillas are certified gluten-free. If you’re watching calories, opt for leaner proteins and reduce cheese amounts to keep things light while enjoying How to make quesabirria tacos with melty cheese.

How to Prepare the Perfect Quesabirria Tacos: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating Quesabirria Tacos at home is a fun and straightforward process that results in crispy, flavorful tacos. Start by preparing your ingredients to make everything go smoothly. This guide incorporates the essential steps, including reheating the birria meat and broth separately for the best texture.

First, prepare the meat by trimming excess fat and cutting it into large chunks. Gather all spices and rehydrate the dried guajillo chilies by soaking them in hot water for 15 minutes.
Blend the soaked chilies with garlic, onion, cumin, and oregano to create a rich marinade. For more on adaptable recipes, check out our Birria Tacos Guide for additional tips.
Marinate the meat in this mixture for at least 1 hour or overnight to boost flavor.
Slowly cook the marinated meat in a pot with broth on low heat for 3-4 hours until it’s tender. Once done, shred the meat finely, as this step prepares the 3 cups of strained or shredded beef needed for filling.
Reheat the birria meat and broth separately. Dip the 24 corn tortillas in the warm 2 cups of birria broth mixed with 1 tablespoon oil, then fill each with the shredded beef and 24 ounces shredded Oaxaca cheese.
Fold the tortillas and fry them on a skillet until crispy and the cheese melts, which takes about 15 minutes to cook after a 10-minute prep. Let them rest for 5 minutes to make 8 tacos in total.

For dietary adaptations, use plant-based meat substitutes during marination. The whole process, from prep to serving, highlights the crispy fried tacos filled with tender shredded beef and melted cheese. Remember, serving with onion topping made from ½ minced onion, 1 stemmed and seeded jalapeno minced, 4 tablespoons cilantro, and 1 teaspoon salt adds a fresh crunch, while chipotle crema from 2 tablespoons chipotle chili paste, ¼ cup crema, and juice from 1 lime brings extra zest.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Quesabirria Tacos

Customizing Quesabirria Tacos lets you tailor the recipe to your preferences, especially for those seeking Birria Meat alternatives or lighter options. These changes keep the dish’s core flavors intact while making it accessible for everyone.

Protein alternatives: Jackfruit works great as a vegan substitute to mimic the shredded texture of beef.
Other options: Try soy curls or tempeh for high-protein plant-based choices, or use turkey or chicken breast for a lower-fat version.
For vegetables and sauces: Add roasted poblano or bell peppers for sweetness, and swap traditional cheese with vegan or lactose-free varieties to accommodate melty cheese needs.
Seasoning tweaks: Adjust with milder chilies like ancho or incorporate fresh herbs such as cilantro to enhance the onion topping’s flavor.

These substitutions ensure you can enjoy Quesabirria Tacos recipe with crispy birria meat without compromising taste. Whether you’re diet-conscious or exploring new flavors, this flexibility makes the recipe a hit for busy parents and food enthusiasts alike.

Mastering Quesabirria Tacos: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your Quesabirria Tacos to the next level involves some pro techniques and creative twists. Start with slow-cooking the meat in a sealed pot for deeper flavors, or use a pressure cooker to save time. This section builds on the basics to help you perfect your tacos.

For flavor variations, experiment with chipotle peppers for a smoky kick or add citrus zest to brighten the Birria Meat. Try swapping spices like smoked paprika for a unique spin on the traditional recipe. Explore Taco Variations on our site for more ideas that pair well with How to make quesabirria tacos with melty cheese.

Presentation matters too, so serve on warm plates with garnishes like fresh cilantro and lime wedges. For make-ahead options, prepare the meat and broth a day earlier to let flavors meld, then store them separately. These tips make the tacos even more appealing for gatherings with friends or family.

Quick Flavor Boosts

Enhance your tacos by finishing the broth with a bit of butter for richness. Don’t forget the chipotle crema for a creamy contrast to the crispy exterior of your Quesabirria Tacos.

How to Store Quesabirria Tacos: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your Quesabirria Tacos fresh and tasty for later. Refrigerate cooked meat and broth in airtight containers within two hours, and use them within 3-4 days. This helps maintain the quality of your melty cheese and crispy tortillas.

For freezing, portion the meat and broth into freezer-safe bags and thaw overnight in the fridge. When reheating, warm everything gently on the stove to avoid drying out the Birria Meat. Consider meal prep by keeping components separate so you can assemble fresh tacos each time.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Quesabirria Tacos

What exactly are quesabirria tacos and how are they made?

Quesabirria tacos are a type of Mexican taco filled with shredded birria meat and melted cheese, typically Oaxaca cheese. The tacos are made by dipping corn tortillas into warm birria broth, then filling them with the meat and cheese before frying on a griddle until crispy and gooey. They are often served with a side of the birria consommé for dipping, along with toppings like onion, cilantro, and lime wedges.

How do quesabirria tacos differ from traditional birria tacos?

While both use tender, slow-cooked birria meat, quesabirria tacos include melted cheese, which makes them richer and cheesier than traditional birria tacos. Traditional birria tacos are usually served simply with meat and garnishes, whereas quesabirria tacos are dipped in birria broth and fried with cheese inside, resulting in a crispy, flavorful exterior.

What ingredients do I need to prepare quesabirria tacos at home?

To make quesabirria tacos, you’ll need shredded birria meat cooked in flavorful beef broth, fresh corn tortillas, Oaxaca cheese (or a similar melting cheese), and birria consommé for dipping the tortillas. Common toppings include diced onion, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and optional adobo sauce or crema for added flavor.

Can I make quesabirria tacos using flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, you can substitute flour tortillas for corn tortillas if you prefer a softer texture or different flavor. However, corn tortillas are traditional and hold up well when dipped in birria broth and fried. Flour tortillas may become less crispy but still make a delicious quesabirria taco.

What is the best way to store and reheat leftover quesabirria components?

Store leftover shredded birria meat, cheese, consommé, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the meat and broth. Reheat the meat by warming it gently in the consommé on the stove, and reassemble tacos just before serving for the best texture. Avoid reheating fully assembled tacos to prevent sogginess.