How to Make Authentic Beef Birria Tacos (Quesabirria)

June 17, 2025 Odiraa

How to Make Authentic Beef Birria Tacos (Quesabirria)

A Juicy Mistake

I forgot to roll my sleeves high enough before biting into one of these incredibly juicy beef Birria tacos — and it cost me my shirt!

Few taco dishes grab my attention the way Quesabirria does. It’s pure beefy delight, and I can honestly eat it anytime: breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Today, let’s walk through creating these flavorful, mouthwatering tacos from scratch.

What Are Birria Tacos?

Originally from Jalisco, Mexico, Birria is a rich, flavorful stew typically made with goat or lamb. Traditionally reserved for festive events like weddings and Mexican holidays, it has now become a street food sensation across the world.

When tender, slow-cooked meat from this stew is shredded and placed into tortillas with cheese, folded, toasted, and dunked into the flavorful broth (consomé), you get Birria Tacos — a crispy, cheesy, and juicy masterpiece.

Ingredients for Beef Birria Tacos

Before diving into the method, let’s get familiar with the essential ingredients:

Main Ingredients

Beef (Chuck Roast): Today, I use chuck roast for its balance of meat and fat. You can also substitute with oxtail, pork, or chicken.
Chiles: The recipe requires dry guajillo, ancho, and chile de arbol peppers. These add layers of heat and flavor.
Spices: I wrap cloves, peppercorns, coriander seeds, bay leaves, and a cinnamon stick in cheesecloth to avoid graininess in the sauce.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is best. It forms the base of the consomé and enhances the richness of the dish.
Vinegar: Adds acidity and balance to the sauce.
Aromatics: Onions and garlic create the dish’s aromatic depth.

Toppings & Garnish

Oaxaca Cheese: This traditional Mexican cheese melts beautifully. Mozzarella is a great alternative.
Fresh Coriander & Oregano: Use oregano in the sauce, and coriander as garnish.
Tortillas: I use corn tortillas for authenticity, but flour works too.
Optional Condiments: Fresh lime juice, salsa, or guacamole make excellent toppings.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Birria Tacos

Prep the Ingredients

Deseed and rinse the dry chiles.
Rinse the beef, pat it dry, and lightly season with salt.

Sear the Meat

Heat oil in a deep pot.
Sear the beef chunks on high heat for 1–2 minutes per side until brown and shiny. Remove and set aside.

🔥 Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pot or the meat will steam instead of sear.

Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, sauté chopped onions and garlic for 2 minutes until aromatic.
Add tomato paste and fry for 2–3 minutes until it turns deep red.

Add Broth and Spices

Wrap spices in cheesecloth (or any clean, breathable fabric) and tie securely.
Pour in the beef broth, stir, and return the seared beef to the pot.
Add the dried chiles, knotted spice pack, and salt.
Let it simmer for 2 hours on low heat.

Blend the Chiles

Remove the softened chiles and blend them with oregano and a ladle of broth.
Pour the blended sauce back into the pot, mix well, and continue cooking for another 1–2 hours.

Shred the Beef

At this point, the beef should fall apart easily.
Transfer to a bowl and shred with a fork or clean hands.
Taste and adjust the consomé seasoning as needed.

Prepare the Consomé Dip

Scoop some consomé into a small bowl.
Stir in chopped onions and coriander.
Add a splash of lime juice for extra zing.

Assemble and Fry the Tacos

Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
Dip each tortilla into the consomé, then place it directly onto the skillet.
Add cheese and a generous scoop of shredded beef.
Let the cheese melt, fold the tortilla in half, and toast both sides until crispy.

Time to Serve

Serve hot with the prepared consomé dip.
Dunk, bite, and repeat!

Helpful Tips

Using a pressure cooker can cut your cooking time significantly.
Always sear meat in batches to get that perfect browning.
If you can’t find Oaxaca cheese, mozzarella is a suitable alternative.

Conclusion: A Bite of Mexico at Home

Whether you’re hosting a Mexican-themed dinner or just want to explore new flavors, this Beef Birria Tacos recipe is worth every minute of effort. Each taco is rich, cheesy, crispy, and deeply flavorful — a harmony of textures and tastes.

So, roll up your sleeves (all the way this time!), gather your ingredients, and indulge in the magic of authentic Birria Tacos. One bite, and you’re hooked.