These Quesabirria Tacos are a delightful fusion of flavors, perfect for any gathering or casual weeknight dinner. The combination of slow-braised beef birria and gooey Oaxaca cheese, all encased in crispy tortillas, makes for an irresistible dish. Served with warm consomé for dipping, these tacos are not just a meal but an experience you’ll want to savor time and again.

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
- With Fresh Toppings
- Accompanied by Consomé
- As Part of a Taco Bar
- Pairing with Drinks
- 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 other cheeses?
- How do I make my own birria?
- Are Quesabirria Tacos spicy?
- Can I customize my toppings?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: Each bite is packed with the rich taste of tender beef and melted cheese, delivering a mouthwatering experience.
- Easy to Make: With prepared beef birria, assembly becomes quick and simple—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Dish: Customize your tacos with various toppings to suit your preferences, making them suitable for everyone.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a festive celebration, these tacos are sure to impress.
- Authentic Experience: Enjoy the true essence of Mexican street food right at home with this recipe.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need to prepare Quesabirria Tacos.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet or cast iron griddle
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil brush
- Tongs or spatula
- Small bowls for consomé
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet or cast iron griddle: Essential for achieving that perfect crispy texture on the tortillas while allowing multiple tacos to cook at once.
- Tongs or spatula: These help you flip your tortillas easily without tearing them, ensuring your tacos stay intact during cooking.
Ingredients
These Quesabirria Tacos are filled with tender, slow-braised beef birria and loads of melty Oaxaca cheese, all griddled in consomé-dipped tortillas until crispy and golden. Served with a rich, flavorful birria broth on the side for dipping, every bite is a juicy, cheesy explosion of authentic Mexican flavor you’ll want to make again and again.
For the Tacos
- 4 cups shredded beef birria (prepared in advance, separate recipe)
- 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, then separate the meat from the broth (consomé). 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.
Step 3: Dip & Cook Tortillas
Dip each corn tortilla into the warm consomé, coating both sides. Place the tortilla on the hot skillet and cook for about 30 seconds; then flip.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Add 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese to one half of the tortilla. Top 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 and serve on the side for dipping.
How to Serve Quesabirria Tacos
Serving Quesabirria Tacos can elevate your meal experience. These tacos are not just a dish; they are an event. Here are some thoughtful serving suggestions to enhance their authentic flavor.
With Fresh Toppings
- Diced Red Onions: Add a sprinkle of fresh red onions for a crunchy texture and sharp flavor.
- Chopped Cilantro: A handful of cilantro brings a fresh, herbal note that complements the rich beef.
- Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over your tacos for a zesty kick that brightens every bite.
Accompanied by Consomé
- Birria Broth on the Side: Serve warm consomé in small bowls for dipping. This broth is packed with flavor and enhances the taco experience.
As Part of a Taco Bar
- DIY Taco Station: Set up a taco bar with all toppings and fillings laid out. Let guests customize their own Quesabirria Tacos, making it interactive and fun!
Pairing with Drinks
- Refreshing Beverages: Serve these tacos with classic Mexican drinks like agua fresca or horchata to balance the richness of the dish.
How to Perfect Quesabirria Tacos
Crafting the perfect Quesabirria Tacos requires attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to ensure your tacos shine.
- Bold Choice of Cheese: Use Oaxaca cheese for its meltability and authentic flavor. Monterey Jack is a good alternative if you can’t find it.
- Fresh Tortillas: Opt for thick, fresh corn tortillas to prevent tearing during cooking. They hold up better against juicy fillings.
- Proper Cooking Temperature: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding tortillas. This guarantees crispy edges while keeping the inside warm and cheesy.
- Layer Your Fillings: Start with cheese, then add birria beef. This layering helps keep the cheese melty and prevents the tortillas from becoming soggy.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve your tacos right after cooking. They taste best when hot and crispy.

Best Side Dishes for Quesabirria Tacos
To complement your delicious Quesabirria Tacos, consider serving them with some tasty side dishes. These accompaniments will enhance your meal without overpowering the flavors of the tacos.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices pairs perfectly with birria tacos.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and make a satisfying side dish.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime is a crowd favorite.
- Guacamole: Freshly made guacamole adds creaminess and freshness that contrasts well with savory tacos.
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños offers a refreshing crunch.
- Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with salsa are great for snacking while waiting for your tacos!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Quesabirria Tacos is simple, but some common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Using Thin Tortillas: Thin tortillas may tear and won’t hold up well. Always choose thick corn tortillas for the best texture.
- Skipping the Broth: The consomé adds flavor and moisture. Don’t skip it; dip your tortillas in warm broth for a delicious finish.
- Overfilling Tacos: Adding too much filling can make tacos hard to close and eat. Stick to recommended amounts for the perfect bite.
- Not Cooking Until Crispy: Undercooking the tacos means you miss out on that crispy texture. Cook them until golden brown for the best experience.
- Assembling in Advance: Assembled tacos can become soggy. Serve them immediately after cooking for maximum crispiness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Quesabirria Tacos in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Keep the birria broth separate to maintain texture.
Freezing Quesabirria Tacos
- You can freeze assembled tacos for up to 2 months.
- Wrap each taco tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Quesabirria Tacos
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
- Microwave: Heat tacos on a microwave-safe plate for about 30-60 seconds, but this may make them soft.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until warm and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions
What are Quesabirria Tacos?
Quesabirria Tacos are delicious Mexican street food filled with slow-braised beef birria and melted cheese, served with rich consomé for dipping.
Can I use other cheeses?
Yes, while Oaxaca cheese is traditional, you can substitute Monterey Jack or even cheddar if preferred.
How do I make my own birria?
To make birria, slow-cook beef with spices, tomatoes, and chilies until tender. Then shred and serve with broth.
Are Quesabirria Tacos spicy?
The level of spiciness depends on the type of chilies used in the birria recipe. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
Can I customize my toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to add toppings like avocado, radishes, or hot sauce to personalize your Quesabirria Tacos.
Final Thoughts
These Quesabirria Tacos are not only packed with flavor but also offer versatility for customization. Whether you prefer extra toppings or different cheeses, you’ll find joy in creating this beloved dish. Try it today and indulge in an authentic taste of Mexico!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Quesabirria Tacos
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 (16 tacos total) 1x
Description
Indulge in the mouthwatering experience of Quesabirria Tacos, a delightful fusion of flavors that brings the essence of Mexican street food right to your table. These tacos feature tender, slow-braised beef birria and gooey Oaxaca cheese, all encased in crispy corn tortillas dipped in rich consomé. Perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive gatherings, these tacos are more than just a meal; they’re a culinary adventure that you and your guests will want to savor time and again.
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded beef birria
- 2 cups birria broth (consomé)
- 16 thick corn tortillas
- 1 pound Oaxaca cheese or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- Optional garnishes: diced red onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the beef birria according to your preferred recipe and keep both the meat and broth warm.
- Preheat a large skillet or cast iron griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly coat with cooking spray or vegetable oil.
- Dip each tortilla into the warm consomé on both sides and place it on the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds before flipping.
- On one half of each tortilla, add 2 tablespoons of cheese followed by about ¼ cup of shredded beef. Fold the tortilla over to form a taco.
- Cook for another 30-60 seconds until the cheese melts and the tortilla is crispy and golden brown.
- Serve hot with optional toppings and small bowls of warm consomé for dipping.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg