Crispy Birria Tacos (Quesabirria Tacos, Rich, Saucy & Totally Irresistible!)

Crispy Birria Tacos — also known as Quesabirria — are the ultimate cozy comfort meal. Tender, slow-simmered beef is tucked into corn tortillas, loaded with melty cheese, and pan-fried until perfectly golden and crunchy. Each bite is rich, savory, and meant to be dunked into warm consommé for that signature flavor everyone loves. These tacos pair beautifully with a side of Mexican Rice and a scoop of Fresh Homemade Salsa for a complete meal.

If you love warm, cheesy dishes like this, try serving them alongside crowd-favorites such as Chicken Fajitas or crispy appetizer bites like Awesome Blossom Onion Bites for a fun family night spread. You can also brighten the plate with Classic Guacamole Dip or spoon some Jalapeño Cranberry Dip for a sweet-heat twist.

Whether you're making them for a weekend dinner or a holiday gathering, these Quesabirria tacos bring big flavor with simple, cozy ingredients — and they’re guaranteed to impress anyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love This

• Crispy, golden tacos filled with tender, flavorful birria

• Rich, slow-simmered meat with deep, savory flavor

• Perfect balance of crunchy tortillas and juicy filling

• Great for taco nights, casual gatherings, or special meals

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 3 hours Total Time: 3 hrs. 25 min Servings: 6–8 tacos

Ingredients

For the Birria Beef

• 3 lbs beef chuck roast (or a mix of chuck + short ribs)

• 1 large onion, quartered

• 6 garlic cloves

• 4 dried guajillo peppers, seeds removed

• 2 dried ancho peppers (optional but recommended)

• 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo

• 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 4 cups beef broth

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp Mexican oregano

• 1 tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp salt (more to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Tacos

• Corn tortillas

• 2 cups shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese

• Chopped onions & cilantro (optional)

• Lime wedges

• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the Birria Marinade

1. In a pot, simmer guajillo and ancho peppers in water for 5 minutes until softened.

2. Blend the softened peppers with:

   • onion

   • garlic

   • chipotle

   • crushed tomatoes

   • vinegar

   • spices

   • 1 cup beef broth

Blend until smooth.

2. Cook the Birria

Stovetop / Dutch Oven:

1. Add beef to a large pot.

2. Pour blended sauce on top.

3. Add remaining beef broth + bay leaves.

4. Cover and simmer 2.5–3 hours, until beef shreds easily.

Slow Cooker:

Cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4–5 hours.

When finished, remove the beef and shred. Reserve the cooking liquid → this is your consommé.

3. Assemble the Crispy Quesabirria Tacos

1. Heat a skillet over medium.

2. Dip a tortilla into the consommé to lightly coat.

3. Place onto the skillet and sprinkle generously with cheese.

4. Add shredded birria on one side.

5. Fold and press gently.

6. Fry until crispy and golden, flipping once.

4. Serve

Serve tacos with a bowl of hot consommé for dipping. Top with onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

FAQ

1. What meat is best for birria tacos?

Traditional birria is made with goat or beef, but for tacos, the most popular choice is beef chuck roast because it gets incredibly tender. A mix of chuck roast and short ribs adds extra richness.

2. Can I make birria tacos in a slow cooker?

Yes! Birria turns out beautifully in a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until the beef shreds easily. Use the cooking liquid as the consommé for dipping.

3. Are birria tacos spicy?

They’re more flavorful than spicy. Guajillo peppers provide color and depth, not heat. If you want a spicier taco, add extra chipotle in adobo or one arbol pepper.

4. What cheese should I use for Quesabirria tacos?

Traditional Oaxaca cheese melts beautifully. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a melty blend are great alternatives.

5. Why do you dip the tortillas in the consommé?

Dipping gives the tortillas that signature crisp, red-gold finish and infuses them with birria flavor. It also helps the cheese melt, and the tortillas crisp up in the skillet.

6. How do I reheat birria tacos so they stay crispy?

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side. Avoid microwaving — it makes them soggy.

7. Why is my consommé too thin?

Simmer it uncovered for 10–15 minutes to reduce, or blend a small amount of the cooked veggies and chiles into it to thicken.

8. What sides go well with birria tacos?

Great pairings include:

• Mexican Street Corn

• Fresh Homemade Salsa

• Mexican Enchiladas

• Mexican Tamales

• Mexican Street Corn

Conclusion

These Crispy Birria Tacos are everything comfort food should be—rich, saucy, cheesy, and unbelievably satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a weekend dinner or a cozy family night in, these tacos are guaranteed to become a new favorite. Dunk, crunch, and enjoy every flavorful bite!