These Quesabirria Tacos are a delightful twist on traditional tacos, featuring succulent, slow-braised beef birria and melty Oaxaca cheese. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home, these tacos come with a rich consomé for dipping, offering an explosion of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. Their crispy tortillas and savory filling make them an unforgettable dish for any occasion.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Beef Filling
- For the Tacos
- Optional Toppings
- 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 Mexican Style
- Creative Combos
- Dipping Options
- How to Perfect Quesabirria Tacos
- Best Side Dishes for Quesabirria Tacos
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Quesabirria Tacos
- Reheating Quesabirria Tacos
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Quesabirria Tacos?
- Can I use different types of cheese?
- How do I make birria for my tacos?
- Can I customize my Quesabirria Tacos?
- How do I prevent soggy tacos?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: Each bite combines juicy beef and gooey cheese, ensuring a rich and satisfying taste experience.
- Easy to Prepare: With the birria made in advance, assembling these tacos is straightforward and quick.
- Versatile Options: Customize your tacos with various toppings like onions and cilantro to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for parties or family dinners, these tacos are sure to impress guests.
- Authentic Experience: Enjoy the taste of Mexican street food right in your own kitchen.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making Quesabirria Tacos, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet or cast iron griddle
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil
- Tongs
- Small bowls (for serving consomé)
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet or Cast Iron Griddle: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly cooked tortillas.
- Tongs: Makes flipping the tortillas easy while keeping your hands safe from heat.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling
- 4 cups shredded beef birria (prepared in advance, separate recipe)
- 2 cups birria broth (consomé), reserved from birria
For the Tacos
- 16 thick corn tortillas
- 1 pound Oaxaca cheese or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Optional Toppings
- 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 done, 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. Coat lightly with cooking spray or brush with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Dip & Cook Tortillas
Dip each corn tortilla into the warm consomé, coating both sides thoroughly. Place it on the hot skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until it starts to become soft. Flip the tortilla over and cook for another 30 seconds.
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 melts completely and the tortilla turns 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 on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your delicious Quesabirria Tacos!
How to Serve Quesabirria Tacos
Quesabirria Tacos are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in several ways. Whether you prefer them with traditional toppings or unique twists, there are countless serving options to elevate your experience.
Traditional Mexican Style
- Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant flavor and complements the richness of the tacos.
- Diced Onions: Sweet diced onions provide a crunchy texture and enhance the overall taste.
- Lime Wedges: Squeezing lime adds brightness to each bite and balances the savory aspects of the dish.
Creative Combos
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices make each taco richer and provide a smooth contrast to the crispy tortilla.
- Pickled Jalapeños: For a spicy kick, add pickled jalapeños which bring heat and tanginess.
- Sour Cream Drizzle: A light drizzle of sour cream can cool down the flavors while adding creaminess.
Dipping Options
- Birria Broth: Serve warm consomé on the side for dipping, enhancing every bite with additional flavor.
- Salsa Verde: A zesty salsa verde can add an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with birria tacos.

How to Perfect Quesabirria Tacos
To achieve the ultimate Quesabirria Tacos, attention to detail is key. Here are some essential tips for perfecting your tacos.
- Use Fresh Tortillas: Fresh corn tortillas are more resilient and prevent tearing during cooking.
- Keep Consomé Warm: Warm broth ensures better dipping and helps melt cheese when assembling.
- Cook on High Heat: A hot skillet gives you crispy tortillas while keeping the filling juicy.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing tacos; too much filling can lead to soggy tortillas and broken shells.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your tacos right after cooking for the best texture and flavor experience.
Best Side Dishes for Quesabirria Tacos
Pairing side dishes with your Quesabirria Tacos can enhance your meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement their flavors perfectly.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice brings a sweet and savory twist.
- Refried Beans: Smooth refried beans offer a creamy complement that pairs well with crispy tacos.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and lime adds freshness to your plate.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole provides a rich texture, balancing out spicy flavors from the tacos.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for an excellent appetizer or snack before diving into tacos.
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh tomato salsa brightens up your meal with its zesty flavor profile.
These side dishes not only pair well but also create a complete dining experience centered around delicious Quesabirria Tacos!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Quesabirria Tacos, a few common pitfalls can affect the final outcome. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
-
Using thin tortillas: Thin tortillas tear easily and won’t hold up well. Opt for thick corn tortillas for sturdiness.
-
Not warming the consomé: If you skip warming the consomé, the tortillas won’t absorb flavor properly. Always warm it before dipping.
-
Overfilling tacos: Adding too much filling can lead to messy tacos. Stick to ¼ cup of shredded birria and 2 tablespoons of cheese for best results.
-
Skipping fresh toppings: Neglecting toppings like onions and cilantro can make your tacos less vibrant. These add freshness and enhance flavor.
-
Cooking at too high a temperature: A scorching skillet can burn tortillas before the cheese melts. Keep heat at medium-high for even cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Quesabirria Tacos in an airtight container.
- They can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Separate the filling from the tortillas to maintain texture.
Freezing Quesabirria Tacos
- Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Frozen tacos can last up to 3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Quesabirria Tacos
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individually on a microwave-safe plate for about 30-45 seconds. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep moisture.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes per side, until heated and crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Quesabirria Tacos:
What are Quesabirria Tacos?
Quesabirria Tacos are traditional Mexican tacos filled with slow-cooked beef birria and melted cheese, served with flavorful broth for dipping.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! While Oaxaca cheese is traditional, you can also use Monterey Jack or even cheddar if you prefer a different taste.
How do I make birria for my tacos?
You can prepare birria using various recipes that involve slow-braising beef with spices until tender. Ensure you save the broth as it enhances the taco experience!
Can I customize my Quesabirria Tacos?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or even pickled vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
How do I prevent soggy tacos?
To avoid soggy tacos, don’t assemble them until ready to eat, and keep filling and tortillas separate until serving time.
Final Thoughts
Quesabirria Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to mix and match ingredients to suit your taste. With their cheesy goodness and rich flavors, these tacos are sure to delight anyone who tries them. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings or fillings—enjoy creating your perfect version!
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📖 Recipe Card
PrintQuesabirria Tacos
Quesabirria Tacos are a mouthwatering fusion of traditional Mexican street food and cheesy goodness, perfect for any occasion. These tacos showcase slow-cooked beef birria enveloped in thick corn tortillas, all complemented by melted Oaxaca cheese. Served with a savory consomé for dipping, each bite delivers an explosion of flavor that will leave your taste buds craving more. Whether enjoyed at a casual gathering or as a cozy dinner at home, Quesabirria Tacos are sure to impress family and friends alike.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8 (16 tacos) 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded beef birria
- 16 thick corn tortillas
- 1 pound Oaxaca cheese (or Monterey Jack), shredded
- 2 cups birria broth (consomé)
- Optional toppings: diced red onions, fresh cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the beef birria using your favorite recipe and keep warm.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease it.
- Dip each tortilla into the warm consomé, then cook on the skillet for about 30 seconds per side until softened.
- Add cheese and shredded birria to one half of each tortilla, fold them over, and cook until the cheese melts and the tortillas crisp up.
- Serve hot with optional toppings and warm consomé for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (approx. 160g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg