These Quesabirria Tacos are a delightful fusion of rich flavors and textures, making them perfect for any gathering. Imagine biting into a crispy tortilla bursting with tender, slow-braised beef birria and gooey Oaxaca cheese. This dish not only satisfies cravings but also brings the essence of authentic Mexican street food right to your kitchen. Whether it’s a weekend feast or a casual dinner, quesabirria tacos are sure to impress your family and friends.

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
- Pair with Fresh Salsas
- Add Crunch with Pickled Vegetables
- Serve with Creamy Dips
- Include Zesty Lime Wedges
- 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?
- How do I make beef birria?
- Can I use different cheeses?
- Are Quesabirria Tacos spicy?
- How do I ensure my tortillas don’t break?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of beef birria and melty cheese creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can prepare these tacos without any fuss.
- Versatile Serving Options: Customize your tacos with various toppings for everyone’s preference.
- Perfect for Gatherings: These tacos are great for parties, game days, or family dinners.
- Dipping Delight: The accompanying birria broth enhances the flavor experience with every dip.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, ensure you have the right tools on hand.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet or cast iron griddle
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil brush
- Tongs
- Small bowls for serving
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet or cast iron griddle: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly cooked tacos.
- Tongs: Essential for flipping tortillas easily without burning your fingers.
- Small bowls for serving: Perfectly portioned for dipping the warm consomé alongside your tacos.
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 with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Dip & Cook Tortillas
Dip each corn tortilla into the warm consomé, ensuring both sides are coated. Place the tortilla on the hot skillet and cook for about 30 seconds before flipping it over.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
On one half of each tortilla, add about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese. Top it with roughly ¼ cup of shredded birria beef. Fold the tortilla over to create a taco shape.
Step 5: Finish Cooking
Continue cooking for another 30–60 seconds until the cheese fully melts and the tortilla turns crisp and golden. Remove from the skillet and repeat with remaining tortillas.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the tacos hot, optionally topped with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges. Pour warm consomé into small bowls for dipping on the side.
Enjoy your homemade quesabirria tacos!
How to Serve Quesabirria Tacos
Serving Quesabirria Tacos is all about enhancing their delicious flavors and textures. These tacos are perfect for gatherings, family meals, or a cozy night in. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your taco experience.
Pair with Fresh Salsas
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh mix of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds brightness.
- Salsa Verde: This tangy green salsa made with tomatillos complements the rich flavors of the tacos.
Add Crunch with Pickled Vegetables
- Pickled Red Onions: Their tangy flavor and crunch add a delightful contrast to the soft tacos.
- Carrot and Jalapeño Relish: A zesty relish will bring an extra kick and texture to each bite.
Serve with Creamy Dips
- Guacamole: Creamy, avocado-based dip that adds richness and balances the spices in the tacos.
- Mexican Crema: Drizzle this tangy cream over the tacos for added flavor and moisture.
Include Zesty Lime Wedges
- Lime Wedges: Always serve lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos, enhancing their taste.
How to Perfect Quesabirria Tacos
Perfecting your Quesabirria Tacos can take them from great to unforgettable. Follow these tips for an amazing taco experience.
- Bold Flavors: Use well-seasoned beef birria. The more flavorful your meat, the tastier your tacos will be.
- Quality Tortillas: Choose thick corn tortillas. They hold up better when filled with meat and cheese.
- Proper Cheese Melt: Ensure you melt the cheese thoroughly before folding the taco—this keeps everything together.
- Hot Skillet: Use a preheated skillet for crispy edges. A good sear makes a huge difference in texture.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy these tacos hot off the skillet. They taste best fresh and crispy.
- Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings like avocado slices or spicy sauces to customize your dish.

Best Side Dishes for Quesabirria Tacos
Serving side dishes alongside Quesabirria Tacos can create a complete meal experience. Here are some tasty options that pair well with your tacos.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices offers a perfect complement to your meal.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a hearty side that balances out the richness of the tacos.
- Corn Elote Salad: A refreshing salad made with grilled corn, lime, cheese, and spices adds a sweet crunch.
- Chips & Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for a great appetizer or side dish.
- Cilantro Lime Quinoa: This nutritious option adds a zesty flair while keeping things light.
- Grilled Veggies: Seasonal veggies grilled with olive oil and spices bring color and health benefits to your plate.
- Black Bean Soup: A warm bowl of black bean soup is comforting and pairs well with any taco meal.
- Potato Taquitos: These crispy potato-filled taquitos offer another layer of deliciousness alongside your main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Quesabirria Tacos, even minor errors can impact the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Using thin tortillas: Thin corn tortillas can tear easily. Always opt for thick, fresh tortillas to hold the filling without breaking.
- Skipping the broth: Failing to dip your tortillas in warm consomé will result in dry tacos. Ensure you coat both sides of each tortilla before cooking.
- Overcooking the cheese: Leaving the tacos on the skillet too long can burn the cheese. Monitor closely and remove when it’s perfectly melted.
- Assembling too far in advance: Assembled tacos can become soggy if left too long. Assemble right before serving for the best texture.
- Neglecting toppings: Skipping fresh toppings like onions and cilantro misses out on added flavor. Always include these for a balanced taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Quesabirria Tacos in an airtight container.
- Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Quesabirria Tacos
- Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Quesabirria Tacos
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and rewarm tacos for about 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions
What are Quesabirria Tacos?
Quesabirria Tacos are delicious Mexican tacos filled with slow-braised beef birria and melted cheese, served with a flavorful consomé for dipping.
How do I make beef birria?
To make beef birria, cook beef with spices, herbs, and chilies until tender, then shred it and reserve the broth as consomé.
Can I use different cheeses?
Yes! While Oaxaca cheese is traditional, Monterey Jack or even cheddar can work well in Quesabirria Tacos.
Are Quesabirria Tacos spicy?
They can be made spicy or mild depending on your choice of chilies used during preparation. Adjust the spices according to your preference.
How do I ensure my tortillas don’t break?
Using fresh, thick corn tortillas and warming them in consomé before cooking helps prevent tearing while assembling your tacos.
Final Thoughts
Quesabirria Tacos are not just a meal; they are an experience bursting with rich flavors and textures. Their versatility allows you to customize toppings according to your taste, making them perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try!
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Quesabirria Tacos
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 tacos 1x
Description
Quesabirria Tacos are a mouthwatering blend of tender, slow-braised beef birria and melty Oaxaca cheese, all encased in crispy corn tortillas. This dish captures the essence of authentic Mexican street food and is perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy family dinner or a lively gathering with friends. Each bite is an explosion of flavor, enhanced by dipping into savory birria broth. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, you’ll have a satisfying meal that impresses everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded beef birria
- 2 cups birria broth (consomé)
- 16 thick corn tortillas
- 1 pound Oaxaca cheese or Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup diced red onions
- ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the beef birria according to your favorite recipe and keep warm with the broth.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat; lightly coat with cooking spray or oil.
- Dip each tortilla in the warm consomé on both sides, then place on the skillet for 30 seconds before flipping.
- Add shredded cheese and shredded birria on one half of each tortilla; fold to form tacos.
- Cook until cheese melts and tortillas are crisp, about 30–60 seconds more.
- Serve hot with garnishes and extra consomé for dipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 55mg