Quesabirria tacos have taken the world by storm, and for good reason. These tacos are an irresistible combination of spiced beef, savory broth, and cheese, making them a perfect choice for anyone craving a comforting yet flavorful meal. This Mexican dish, which is a variation of the beloved Birria tacos, has gained immense popularity due to its delicious layers of taste and texture. Let’s explore what makes Quesabirria tacos so special, the ingredients that go into making them, and a step-by-step guide on how to prepare them at home.
What Are Quesabirria Tacos?
Quesabirria tacos are a delicious fusion of two iconic Mexican dishes: Birria tacos and quesadillas. The term “quesabirria” comes from the combination of “queso” (cheese) and “birria” (a traditional Mexican stew). Birria, which is typically made with beef or goat, is slow-braised in a rich, spiced broth. When paired with crispy tortillas and melted cheese, the result is a flavorful taco that’s both satisfying and indulgent.
Birria tacos are traditionally served with a consommé (broth) for dipping, but Quesabirria tacos take it to the next level by incorporating cheese into the filling. The cheese melts and blends with the spiced beef, creating a gooey, savory taco that is incredibly satisfying.
The Origin of Birria
Birria is a traditional Mexican dish that originated in the state of Jalisco, known for its deep, complex flavors. Originally made with goat meat, it has become common to use beef chuck or other cuts of beef for a more accessible version. The dish is a rich, braised meat stew that is slowly cooked in a mixture of dried chilies, spices, and aromatics. The braised meat is incredibly tender and flavorful, making it the perfect filling for tacos.
While Birria tacos have been around for generations, the more recent adaptation of Quesabirria tacos—tacos with cheese added—has become a viral sensation, especially in the U.S. The blend of the rich beef, cheese, and crispy tortilla has won over the hearts of food lovers everywhere.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Quesabirria tacos at home, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering dish. The main components are beef chuck, spices, Roma tomatoes, de caldo de carney queso. Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need for this dish:
For the Birria (Braised Beef):
- Beef Chuck: This cut of meat is ideal for braising because it is marbled with fat and becomes tender and juicy when cooked low and slow.
- Dried Chilies: Guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chilies are typically used for the rich, smoky flavor.
- Garlic and Onion: These aromatics provide a strong base flavor for the broth.
- Roma Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes, typically Roma tomatoes, are blended into the broth to add acidity and balance the richness of the meat.
- Beef Broth: The braising liquid is made with beef broth, which infuses the beef with a savory, meaty flavor.
- Especias: Cumin, oregano, cinnamon, and cloves are commonly used in the seasoning mix to give the dish depth and warmth.
For the Quesabirria Tacos:
- Corn Tortillas: Traditional corn tortillas are used for the tacos.
- Queso: Melty cheese like Oaxaca cheese, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend is the key to making these tacos irresistible.
- Fresh Cilantro and Onion: These fresh ingredients are often used as a garnish to add crunch and brightness to the tacos.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime enhances the flavors and adds a tangy kick.
How to Make Quesabirria Tacos: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Birria
The first step in making Quesabirria tacos is to prepare the braised beef (Birria). Start by roasting the dried chilies. Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chilies in the pan, pressing them down slightly to release their oils. Roast the chilies for about 2-3 minutes until they become aromatic, but be careful not to burn them.
Next, remove the stems and seeds from the chilies and place them in a blender. Add the Roma tomatoes, el ajo, cebollay spices (cumin, oregano, cinnamon, and cloves) to the blender. Pour in about 2 cups of de caldo de carne to help blend everything into a smooth paste.
In a large pot, heat some oil and brown the beef chuck on all sides. Once the beef is browned, pour the chili paste over the meat, followed by the remaining beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and cook the beef low and slow for about 3-4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
Step 2: Assemble the Quesabirria Tacos
Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it into small pieces using two forks. Set aside the braised beef and strain the broth (consommé) into a bowl.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly dip each corn tortilla into the consommé, ensuring both sides are coated. Then, place the tortilla in the skillet and allow it to crisp up slightly.
Add a generous amount of shredded beef to the center of the tortilla, followed by a handful of queso. Let the cheese melt as the tortilla becomes crispy. Once the cheese has melted and the tortilla is golden and crispy, fold the tortilla in half, creating a taco.
Step 3: Serve the Quesabirria Tacos
Serve the Quesabirria tacos immediately with a side of de caldo de carne for dipping. Top the tacos with fresh cilantro, cebolla, and a squeeze of lime to brighten the flavors. You can also serve additional consommé on the side for extra richness.
Tips for Making the Best Quesabirria Tacos
- Low and Slow: The key to a tender, flavorful braise is cooking the beef low and slow. If you’re in a rush, you can use a pressure cooker or slow cooker to speed up the process.
- Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of dried chilies to suit your spice preferences. You can add more or less depending on how much heat you want.
- Tortilla Texture: For an extra crispy texture, consider double frying the tortillas after adding the beef and cheese. This ensures that every bite is crunchy and satisfying.
- Leftover Birria: The leftover birria and consommé can be used for another batch of tacos or as a delicious soup. Don’t let any of it go to waste!
Why Quesabirria Tacos Are So Popular
Quesabirria tacos have exploded in popularity due to their perfect blend of textures and flavors. The spiced beef offers a rich and smoky base, while the melty cheese adds a creamy element that balances the richness of the meat. The crispy tortilla provides the ideal contrast, and the consommé adds an extra layer of flavor when used for dipping.
These tacos have become a popular choice at food trucks, restaurants, and home kitchens alike. They represent the best of Mexican comfort food with a modern twist, making them a favorite among both traditional and new taco lovers.
Conclusión
Quesabirria tacos are the perfect example of how traditional Mexican dishes can be elevated to new heights with simple yet flavorful ingredients. The braised beef, combined with melted cheese and a crispy tortilla, creates a taco experience unlike any other. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack or as a full meal, Quesabirria tacos are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and introduce you to the rich flavors of Mexican dishes. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and indulge in one of the most delicious taco creations to date!
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