Quesabirria tacos are a delightful fusion of birria, a traditional Mexican stew, and crispy, cheesy quesadillas. This dish has taken the culinary world by storm, becoming a favorite among food enthusiasts for its rich flavors and satisfying textures. The magic of quesabirria lies in the slow-cooked, tender beef that’s bursting with aromatic spices, paired with the crispy exterior of the tortilla and the gooey, melted cheese inside. When dipped in the flavorful beef broth, each bite delivers a symphony of taste that is simply unforgettable.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast or brisket, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 white onion, roughly chopped
- 5 garlic cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Beef broth or water to cover the meat
- Corn or flour tortillas
Instructions
- Season the Beef: Start by placing the beef cubes in a large pot. Season generously with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Add the roughly chopped onion, garlic cloves, bay leaves, and the cinnamon stick. Pour in enough beef broth or water to just cover the meat.
- Cook the Beef: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 2-3 hours. The long, slow cooking process allows the beef to become incredibly tender and absorb the flavors of the spices and aromatics.
- Shred the Meat: Once the beef is tender, use a slotted spoon to remove the meat from the pot, reserving the cooking liquid. Shred the beef with two forks, pulling apart the fibers to create a fine, juicy mixture.
- Prepare the Tortillas: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Dip each tortilla into the hot beef liquid to soften it. This step not only makes the tortillas pliable but also infuses them with the rich flavor of the broth.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place a portion of the shredded beef onto one half of each tortilla. If desired, add other toppings like shredded cheese, chopped onions, or cilantro. Fold the tortilla over to create a taco.
- Cook the Tacos: For extra flavor, you can dip the assembled tacos back into the beef liquid before placing them in the skillet. Cook each taco until the tortilla is crispy and golden brown, and the cheese (if using) is melted.
- Serve with Broth: Serve the tacos hot, with a side of the reserved beef broth for dipping. The broth enhances the flavor and adds a delicious, moist element to each bite.
10 Reasons Why You’ll Love It
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and slow-cooked beef creates a depth of flavor that is irresistible.
- Tender Meat: The slow-cooking process ensures the beef is incredibly tender and juicy, falling apart with ease.
- Versatile: These tacos can be made with corn or flour tortillas, and you can customize the toppings to your liking.
- Comfort Food: The warm, savory broth and hearty beef make this a perfect comfort food for any occasion.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These tacos are sure to be a hit at any gathering or dinner party, appealing to a wide range of tastes.
- Authentic Taste: The recipe captures the authentic flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine, bringing a taste of Mexico to your table.
- Easy to Make: Despite the long cooking time, the recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, even for novice cooks.
- Great Leftovers: The beef and broth can be stored and used for delicious leftovers, making meal prep a breeze.
- Dipping Sauce: The reserved beef liquid serves as a flavorful dipping sauce, enhancing each bite and adding a unique element to the dish.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like cheese, cilantro, lime, and onions to make the tacos your own, catering to your personal taste preferences.
Tips for Making
- Quality Meat: Use a good quality chuck roast or brisket for the best results. The quality of the meat greatly affects the final taste and texture of the tacos.
- Spice Control: Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your heat preference. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or even some chopped jalapeños.
- Broth Enhancement: If using water instead of beef broth, add a bouillon cube or two for extra flavor. This ensures the cooking liquid is rich and savory.
- Tortilla Type: Experiment with both corn and flour tortillas to see which you prefer. Corn tortillas offer a more traditional taste, while flour tortillas provide a softer, more pliable texture.
- Extra Flavor: Toast the tortillas lightly before dipping them in the beef liquid for an added layer of texture and flavor. This step adds a nice crispness to the final taco.
How to Store
- Refrigeration: Store the shredded beef and reserved liquid in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it easy to reheat and assemble fresh tacos whenever you want.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the shredded beef and broth in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the beef and broth gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. To retain the best texture, warm the tortillas in a hot skillet before assembling the tacos.
Enjoy your quesabirria tacos with friends and family, and savor the incredible flavors of this delicious dish. With its tender beef, flavorful broth, and crispy tortillas, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
