Get ready to spice up your mealtime routine with these 18 mouth-watering quesabirria recipes that will transport you straight to the heart of Mexico. For those who love a good taco, this type of Mexican stew is a game-changer – rich, flavorful, and utterly addictive. With its tender chunks of beef or pork, velvety consommé, and perfectly balanced spices, it’s no wonder quesabirria has gained popularity worldwide. But don’t just stick to the traditional tacos – we’ve gathered an incredible array of recipes that will push your taste buds to new heights. From classic beef and cheesy variations to innovative combinations like birria ramen and grilled cheese sandwiches, there’s something for every taco lover on this list. So grab a fork, dig in, and get ready to experience the bold flavors of Mexico in a whole new way!
Classic Beef Quesabirria Tacos
Classic Beef Quesabirria Tacos: A Flavorful Twist on Traditional Mexican Fare
Quesabirria tacos are a popular dish that originated in the city of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. This recipe brings together tender beef, crispy tortillas, and rich consommé for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef brisket or flank steak
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 onions, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups beef consommé
– 2 cups water
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Queso fresco or Oaxaca cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized.
2. Add garlic and brown the beef on all sides. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Combine consommé and water in the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours or until the beef is tender.
4. Shred the beef with two forks and season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos by placing shredded beef onto a tortilla, topping with consommé, and finishing with cheese (if using). Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Cheesy Quesabirria with Consomé
Elevate your taco game with this unique and delicious recipe that combines the comfort of cheesy quesadillas with the rich flavors of birria consommé.
Ingredients:
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
– 1 pound beef short ribs or brisket, cooked in birria consommé (see below for recipe)
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Consomé:
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle with cheese, and top with cooked beef and onion.
3. Fold the tortilla in half and cook for 2-3 minutes or until crispy and golden.
4. Serve with consommé spooned over the top and garnished with cilantro.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Birria Ramen Quesabirria
A fusion of spicy birria, rich ramen noodles, and crispy quesadillas, this recipe is a game-changer for adventurous foodies.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of ramen noodles
– 1 pound beef or pork birria meat (or store-bought birria mix)
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 4-6 corn tortillas
– Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– Sliced radishes, lime wedges, and pickled onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a separate pot, combine birria meat, chicken broth, cumin, smoked paprika, and cilantro. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the meat is tender.
3. Meanwhile, preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Place a corn tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle shredded cheese on half of the tortilla.
5. Spoon birria meat mixture onto the cheese, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Quesabirria Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Get ready to elevate your grilled cheese game with this creative take on the classic sandwich, featuring the bold flavors of quesabirria. This Mexican-inspired delight combines tender beef, melted cheese, and crispy tortilla chips for a satisfying snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread
– 1/4 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese (or Monterey Jack)
– 1/4 cup cooked carne asada (grilled steak), sliced
– 1/4 cup crushed tortilla chips
– 1 tablespoon butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Butter one side of each bread slice.
2. Place one slice, butter-side down, in a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Top with sliced carne asada, Oaxaca cheese, and crushed tortilla chips.
4. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes
Chicken Quesabirria Tacos
Savor the flavors of Mexico with these tender chicken quesadillas wrapped in a rich, spicy birria broth and served with fresh cilantro, onion, and lime.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into small pieces
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup beef consommé
– 1/4 cup dried oregano
– 1/4 cup lard or vegetable oil
– 6 corn tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: chopped onion, cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine chicken broth, beef consommé, and dried oregano. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Add chicken pieces to the pot and cook until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20 seconds.
4. Assemble tacos by placing cooked chicken onto a warmed tortilla, followed by a spoonful of birria broth and any desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Quesabirria Pizza with Oaxaca Cheese
Elevate your pizza game with this unique and delicious recipe, combining the best of Mexican and Italian cuisines.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 1 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese (or other stringy cheese)
– 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup caramelized onions (see note)
– 1/4 cup cooked chorizo sausage, crumbled
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for brushing
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough to desired thickness.
3. Brush the dough with olive oil.
4. Sprinkle Oaxaca cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Top with Monterey Jack cheese, caramelized onions, and chorizo sausage.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vegan Quesabirria with Jackfruit
Transform traditional Mexican quesadillas into a flavorful and meaty vegan dish using jackfruit. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of jackfruit in brine (drained and chopped)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 vegan tortillas (corn or flour)
– Vegan cheese shreds (optional)
– Salsa and sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add jackfruit, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes or until the jackfruit is tender.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble quesadillas by spooning jackfruit mixture onto one half of each tortilla, then top with vegan cheese shreds (if using).
6. Fold tortillas in half and cook in the skillet for 2-3 minutes or until crispy and melted.
7. Serve hot with salsa and sour cream (if desired).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Quesabirria Empanadas
These Quesabirria Empanadas combine the comfort of quesadillas with the flaky, buttery goodness of empanadas. Perfect for a snack or meal, these individual pastries are packed with tender beef and cheese, then drizzled with a rich birria-inspired sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup warm water
– Filling ingredients:
+ 1 pound beef short ribs or brisket, cooked and shredded
+ 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
+ 1/4 cup chopped onion
+ 1 minced garlic clove
+ 1 tablespoon birria-inspired sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into crumbs.
3. Gradually add warm water, stirring with a fork until dough forms.
4. Divide dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten slightly into disk shape.
5. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each disk. Fold and press edges to seal.
6. Fry empanadas for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Drain excess oil.
7. Serve warm with additional birria-inspired sauce, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Quesabirria Nachos with Guacamole
Elevate your snack game with this mouthwatering combination of tender birria beef, crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese, and creamy guacamole. This recipe is perfect for a crowd-pleasing gathering or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef brisket or shank, cooked in birria broth
– 1 bag tortilla chips
– 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese (or Monterey Jack)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 ripe avocado, halved and pitted
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Spoon birria beef over the chips, leaving a small border around edges.
4. Sprinkle Oaxaca cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Meanwhile, mash avocado with lime juice and salt to taste.
7. Serve nachos hot with guacamole on the side.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Quesabirria Stuffed Peppers
A twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the flavors of quesadillas and birria (a Mexican stew) to create a unique and delicious dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
– 1 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 large flour tortillas
– Optional toppings: diced onions, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place in a baking dish.
3. Cook ground beef or turkey in a skillet until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add chopped onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stuff each pepper with the meat mixture, followed by shredded cheese, crumbled queso fresco or feta, and a few tortilla strips.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Quesabirria Quesadilla with Salsa Verde
Experience the bold flavors of Mexico with this mouthwatering quesadilla, filled with tender birria beef and melted cheese, served with a tangy salsa verde. This recipe combines the best of both worlds: the rich flavors of a slow-cooked stew and the comfort of a crispy quesadilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb birria beef (or substitute with braised beef or pork), shredded
– 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
– 4 large tortillas
– 1/4 cup Salsa Verde (store-bought or homemade, recipe below)
– Vegetable oil for brushing
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Brush both sides of the tortillas with vegetable oil.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half with shredded cheese and half with birria beef.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes.
7. Serve immediately with Salsa Verde for dipping.
Salsa Verde Recipe:
(Not included in this recipe, but can be found online or in a Mexican cookbook)
Lamb Quesabirria Tacos
Experience the bold flavors of Mexico and the Middle East with these tender lamb quesabirrias, served in a crispy taco shell.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless lamb shoulder, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 8 corn tortillas
– Vegetable shortening or lard for frying
– Queso fresco or crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add lamb and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Wrap tortillas in plastic wrap and fry in hot oil until crispy, about 30 seconds per side.
4. Assemble tacos by placing lamb mixture onto a fried tortilla, followed by a sprinkle of cheese (if using).
5. Garnish with chopped cilantro (if desired).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Quesabirria Burger with Spicy Mayo
Experience the bold flavors of Mexico and the United States combined in this mouth-watering burger. The quesabirria-inspired beef patty is topped with melted cheese, crispy tortilla strips, and creamy spicy mayo.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 packet quesabirria seasoning (or substitute with a mix of chili powder, cumin, and paprika)
– 4 hamburger buns
– 4 slices American cheese
– 1 cup crispy tortilla strips
– Spicy mayo ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp sriracha sauce, 1 tsp lime juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, garlic, and quesabirria seasoning. Form into 4 patties.
3. Grill burgers for 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked through.
4. Assemble burgers with melted cheese, crispy tortilla strips, and spicy mayo.
Cooking Time: Approximately 12-15 minutes
Tips:
– Use leftover quesabirria seasoning to add flavor to tacos or grilled meats.
– Substitute beef patty with ground turkey or chicken for a different twist.
Quesabirria Loaded Fries
Get ready to elevate your snack game with this mouth-watering recipe that combines the best of Mexican and American cuisines. Quesabirria Loaded Fries are a twist on traditional loaded fries, featuring crispy fries smothered in a rich quesabirria sauce, melted cheese, and savory birria-inspired toppings.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of French fries
– 1/2 cup quesabirria sauce (see note)
– 1 cup shredded cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby)
– 1/4 cup diced onions
– 1/4 cup diced cilantro
– 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake French fries according to package instructions until crispy.
3. In a saucepan, heat quesabirria sauce over medium heat until warmed through.
4. Combine shredded cheese, diced onions, cilantro, and queso fresco in a bowl.
5. Load warm fries with the cheese mixture, then drizzle with quesabirria sauce.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Quesabirria Torta (Mexican Sandwich)
Experience the ultimate Mexican fusion with this decadent Quesabirria Torta, a mouthwatering sandwich that combines tender birria (braised goat meat), crispy tortillas, and creamy cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound braised goat meat (birria)
– 4 corn tortillas
– 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
– 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a comal or griddle over medium heat.
2. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
3. Assemble the sandwiches by spreading a layer of birria on each tortilla, followed by a sprinkle of Oaxaca cheese, onion, and cilantro.
4. Drizzle with lard or vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Quesabirria Mac and Cheese
This recipe combines the comforting warmth of macaroni and cheese with the bold flavors of quesabirria, a popular Mexican dish. The result is a rich, creamy pasta bake that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup queso fresco or feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and jalapeño; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in queso fresco or feta cheese until melted.
5. Combine cooked macaroni, cheese mixture, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and cilantro in a large bowl.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish; bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Quesabirria Egg Rolls
Get ready to elevate your snack game with this innovative fusion of Mexican and Asian flavors! Quesabirria egg rolls combine the comfort of quesadillas with the crunch of egg rolls, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of round wonton wrappers
– 1 cup shredded cheese blend (Monterey Jack and Cheddar)
– 1/2 cup cooked and shredded birria meat (beef or goat)
– 1/4 cup diced onion
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together shredded cheese, birria meat, onion, and cilantro.
3. Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the filling mixture in the center.
4. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point.
5. Fry the egg rolls for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, turning occasionally.
6. Drain excess oil and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Quesabirria Tostadas with Refried Beans
A twist on traditional tacos, these crispy tostadas topped with refried beans, melted cheese, and savory quesabirria sauce will become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 1 cup refried beans
– 2 cups quesabirria sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese (or Monterey Jack)
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Optional toppings: diced onions, cilantro, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Fry tortillas in hot oil until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
3. Spread refried beans evenly over toasted tostadas.
4. Pour quesabirria sauce over beans, leaving a small border around edges.
5. Top with shredded cheese and bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from oven and top with optional toppings if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with these 18 spicy quesabirria recipes! From classic beef tacos to vegan jackfruit versions, and even quesabirria pizza and loaded fries, this article has got you covered. Discover creative twists on traditional Mexican dishes like birria ramen quesabirria and quesabirria empanadas, or try your hand at unique fusion recipes like quesabirria grilled cheese sandwiches and quesabirria mac and cheese. Whether you’re a taco lover or just looking for new culinary inspiration, these spicy quesabirria recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
