Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: The slow-cooked beef is infused with a blend of chilies and spices, delivering a depth of flavor that’s both complex and satisfying.
- Textural Delight: Crispy tortillas contrast beautifully with the tender beef and melted cheese, creating a harmonious blend of textures.
- Interactive Dining: Dipping the tacos into the rich consomé adds an engaging and flavorful element to your meal.
- Versatile Preparation: While traditionally slow-cooked, this recipe can be adapted for stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot methods to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 cups reserved sauce from beef birria
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup diced carrots
- ¼ cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced cabbage
- 3 tablespoons reserved beef fat from beef birria
- 8 (5-inch) corn tortillas
- 2 cups freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups shredded beef birria
- Chopped white onion and fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Consomé: In a saucepan, combine the reserved birria sauce, chicken broth, diced carrots, celery, and cabbage. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
- Heat the Tortillas: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the reserved beef fat. Dip each tortilla into the consomé to lightly coat, then place in the skillet.
- Assemble the Tacos: Sprinkle cheese onto each tortilla, add shredded beef birria, and top with chopped onion and cilantro. Fold the tortillas in half to enclose the filling.
- Cook the Tacos: Cook each taco until the cheese melts and the tortilla is crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Serve: Ladle the consomé into bowls, garnish with onion and cilantro, and serve alongside the tacos with lime wedges.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 tacos, serving 4 people.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Cheese Options: Substitute Monterey Jack with Oaxaca or Asadero cheese for a more authentic taste.
- Protein Alternatives: Use goat or lamb in place of beef to explore traditional variations.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Incorporate additional chilies or hot sauce to increase the heat according to your preference.
- Tortilla Choices: Flour tortillas can be used as an alternative to corn tortillas for a different texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover tacos and consomé separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the shredded birria meat and consomé in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat tacos in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Warm the consomé in a saucepan until heated through before serving.
FAQs
Can I make birria in an Instant Pot?
Yes, the birria can be prepared in an Instant Pot to reduce cooking time. Sear the meat using the sauté function, add the sauce and seasonings, then cook on high pressure for about 45 minutes, followed by a natural release.
What type of chilies are used in birria?
Common chilies used in birria include dried guajillo, ancho, and pasilla peppers. These provide a rich, smoky flavor without overwhelming heat.
How do I prevent the tortillas from tearing?
Warming the tortillas before assembling the tacos makes them more pliable and less likely to tear. Dipping them briefly in the warm consomé also adds moisture, aiding in flexibility.
Is it necessary to dip the tacos in consomé?
Dipping the tacos in consomé enhances their flavor and provides a moist, rich experience. While traditional, it’s optional and based on personal preference.
Can I prepare the birria ahead of time?
Yes, the birria can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. This can enhance the flavors as they meld over time.
What sides pair well with birria tacos?
Traditional sides include Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad. Fresh salsas, pickled vegetables, and lime wedges also complement the rich flavors of birria tacos.
Can I use store-bought tortillas?
Absolutely, store-bought tortillas work well. Opt for good-quality corn tortillas, and warm them before
Beef Birria Quesa Tacos with Consomé
These Beef Birria Quesa Tacos are packed with slow-cooked, tender beef, stuffed into cheese-filled, crispy corn tortillas, and served with rich, flavorful consomé for dipping. A Mexican classic, these tacos are perfect for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether made in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stovetop, these tacos will impress every time!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
For the Consomé:
- 2 cups reserved sauce from beef birria
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup diced carrots
- ¼ cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced cabbage
For the Tacos:
- 3 tablespoons reserved beef fat (from beef birria)
- 8 (5-inch) corn tortillas
- 2 cups freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups shredded beef birria
- Chopped white onion and fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Consomé:
- In a saucepan, combine reserved birria sauce, chicken broth, carrots, celery, and cabbage.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until vegetables are tender (about 20 minutes).
Heat the Tortillas:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt reserved beef fat.
- Lightly dip each tortilla into the consomé to coat, then place in the skillet.
Assemble the Tacos:
- Sprinkle cheese on each tortilla, followed by shredded beef birria.
- Top with chopped onion and cilantro, then fold tortillas in half.
Cook the Tacos:
- Cook each taco until cheese melts and tortillas are golden and crispy (about 2-3 minutes per side).
Serve:
- Ladle warm consomé into bowls, garnish with onion and cilantro, and serve alongside the tacos.
- Serve hot with lime wedges for extra zest!
Notes
- Cheese Substitutes: Use Oaxaca or Asadero cheese for a more authentic flavor.
- Protein Swap: Replace beef with goat or lamb for traditional variations.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra chilies or hot sauce to the consomé.
- Tortilla Tip: Use flour tortillas for a different texture.
