Here’s a flavorful recipe for Quesabirria Tacos—a delicious twist on traditional birria tacos that incorporates cheese for an extra cheesy delight!
Quesabirria Tacos
Ingredients:
For the Birria:
- 2 pounds beef chuck or brisket, cut into large pieces
- 3 dried guajillo chilies, stems removed and seeded
- 2 dried ancho chilies, stems removed and seeded
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 cups beef broth (or enough to cover the meat)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 bay leaves
For the Tacos:
- Corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Chopped onions and cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
- Salsa (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Birria:
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the guajillo and ancho chilies for a few minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a blender, combine the toasted chilies, onion, garlic, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Blend until smooth.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, place the beef and pour the blended sauce over it. Add the bay leaves and enough beef broth to cover the meat.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and shreds easily.
- Shred the Meat:
- Remove the beef from the pot and shred it using two forks. Strain the broth and reserve for dipping.
- Make the Tacos:
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Dip each corn tortilla into the reserved broth to soften, then place it in the skillet.
- Sprinkle cheese on one half of the tortilla, add a portion of the shredded beef, and then fold the tortilla over to create a taco.
- Cook until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Serve:
- Serve the tacos with chopped onions, cilantro, lime wedges, and a side of the reserved broth for dipping. Add salsa if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Quesabirria Tacos! They’re a perfect blend of flavors and textures that are sure to impress!
