Crispy, Cheesy Quesabirria Tacos

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate taco experience with Crispy, Cheesy Quesabirria Tacos—a savory, cheesy, and flavorful treat that’s guaranteed to make your taste buds dance with joy. If you’ve ever tried birria tacos, you know how delicious they are, but add gooey melted cheese and a crispy exterior, and you’ve got a taco that’s nothing short of magical. The tender, slow-cooked beef, rich in spices, combined with the crispy edges and cheesy inside, will make these tacos the star of your next meal. Trust me, once you bite into one of these, you won’t look back! It’s the perfect dish for taco lovers looking to try something new and exciting.

Why You’ll Love Crispy, Cheesy Quesabirria Tacos

1. Unbelievable Flavor:

The rich, savory taste of slow-cooked birria beef paired with melted cheese and crispy edges creates a flavor explosion in every bite. The perfect balance of spice, savory, and cheesy goodness is sure to win over everyone!

2. Crispy and Cheesy Perfection:

The crispy tortillas with that melted cheese make for a crunchy, gooey texture that’s nothing short of amazing. It’s the kind of dish that you’ll crave over and over again.

3. Comfort Food Elevated:

These tacos are the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. The tender birria beef and cheesy filling make each taco feel indulgent yet satisfying, perfect for a cozy night in or a fun gathering with friends.

4. Customizable:

You can easily adjust the heat level to your liking—want to turn up the spice? Add extra chili. Prefer it milder? Keep the seasoning just right. Plus, you can load them up with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, onions, or a squeeze of lime.

5. Perfect for Taco Tuesdays (or Any Day!):

These tacos are ideal for Taco Tuesdays, weekend gatherings, or any day you want to indulge in something seriously delicious. They’re so good, you’ll want to make them a regular on your meal rotation.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering tacos:

• 2 lb beef chuck roast or short ribs
• 3 dried guajillo chiles
• 2 dried ancho chiles
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 12 small corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese (or mozzarella as a substitute)
• Cooking oil (for frying)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)
• Chopped onions (for garnish)
• Salsa (for serving)

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on these crispy, cheesy quesabirria tacos that will have you coming back for more!

Step 1: Prepare the Birria Beef

Start by removing the stems and seeds from the dried guajillo and ancho chiles. Place them in a hot skillet or pan for a few seconds to toast them lightly. Then, transfer the chiles to a bowl of hot water and let them soak for about 15 minutes, or until they become soft.

While the chiles are soaking, season the beef with salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Brown the beef on all sides in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Birria Sauce

In a blender or food processor, add the soaked chiles, chipotle pepper, garlic, onion, bay leaves, and beef broth. Blend everything until smooth. Pour this mixture over the browned beef in the pot. Add the apple cider vinegar and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and easily shreddable.

Step 3: Shred the Beef

Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard any excess fat or bone if using short ribs. Save the cooking liquid as it’s perfect for dipping and drizzling over your tacos later.

Step 4: Prepare the Tacos

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with cooking oil. Take a corn tortilla and dip it briefly into the cooking liquid (this step adds incredible flavor!). Place the tortilla on the skillet and let it heat up for a few seconds.

Add a generous amount of shredded birria beef to the center of the tortilla and top with shredded Oaxaca cheese. Fold the tortilla in half and cook it until the outside is golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Serve the crispy quesabirria tacos with fresh cilantro, chopped onions, lime wedges, and salsa on the side. Don’t forget to serve the leftover dipping sauce from the beef for extra flavor!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450
Total Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 720mg
Total Carbohydrates: 29g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 34g
Vitamin A: 10% of the Daily Value
Vitamin C: 10% of the Daily Value
Calcium: 15% of the Daily Value
Iron: 25% of the Daily Value

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

How to Serve Crispy, Cheesy Quesabirria Tacos

These tacos are a full meal on their own, but if you want to make it a complete feast, here are some great serving suggestions:

1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote):

Serve these tacos with some buttery, cheesy elote. The smoky flavor of the corn pairs perfectly with the spicy, cheesy tacos.

2. Guacamole and Chips:

Fresh guacamole and crunchy tortilla chips make for a perfect side. The coolness of the guacamole balances the heat from the tacos.

3. Refried Beans:

Classic refried beans are a simple and satisfying side that pairs wonderfully with these quesabirria tacos.

4. Salsa and Pico de Gallo:

The fresh, zesty flavors of salsa or pico de gallo will add an extra layer of flavor to each bite of taco.

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: Add extra chipotle or a few dashes of hot sauce to the birria sauce if you like more heat.
• Customize the Cheese: If you can’t find Oaxaca cheese, mozzarella or a blend of shredded cheeses also works great!
• Store Leftovers: Leftover birria beef can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, and it tastes even better the next day! Just reheat and make more tacos.
• Make-ahead Tip: You can prepare the birria beef a day ahead of time to save on prep time. Just reheat it when you’re ready to make the tacos.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these tacos with chicken instead of beef?

A1: Yes! You can substitute the beef with shredded chicken for a lighter version. Just cook the chicken in the same spices and liquid until tender.

Q2: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

A2: Absolutely! While corn tortillas are traditional for birria tacos, flour tortillas can also be used if you prefer.

Q3: Can I freeze leftover birria beef?

A3: Yes, the birria beef freezes beautifully! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q4: Can I make these tacos with a different cut of meat?

A4: Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like brisket or round steak, but beef chuck roast is the most commonly used for its tender texture.

Q5: How do I keep the tacos crispy?

A5: Make sure to cook the tacos in a hot pan with enough oil. Also, don’t overload the tortilla with filling to avoid sogginess.

Q6: Can I add other toppings to these tacos?

A6: Yes, feel free to add toppings like sour cream, shredded lettuce, or avocado for extra flavor.

Q7: Can I use store-bought birria sauce?

A7: While homemade birria sauce offers the best flavor, you can use store-bought birria sauce if you’re short on time.

Q8: How do I make the tacos even crispier?

A8: For an extra crispy exterior, increase the heat slightly and cook the tacos longer until the outside is golden brown and crispy.

Q9: Can I make these tacos vegetarian?

A9: Yes, you can use a vegetable-based filling like roasted mushrooms or jackfruit to make these tacos vegetarian.

Q10: Can I make a large batch of birria beef for a crowd?

A10: Absolutely! The birria beef can be made in a slow cooker or pressure cooker to speed up the process. Just adjust the ingredients based on the number of servings you need.

Conclusion

Crispy, Cheesy Quesabirria Tacos are a taco lover’s dream come true! With a crispy, cheesy exterior and tender, flavorful birria beef inside, they’re the perfect combination of textures and tastes. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or simply craving something indulgent, these tacos will not disappoint. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate taco experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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