Beef Birria Queso Tacos with Consommé Recipe

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Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe yields 4 servings.

Consomm

• 2 cups reserved sauce from beef birria recipe
• 1 cup chicken broth
• cup diced carrots
• cup diced celery
• cup diced cabbage

Tacos

• 3 tablespoons reserved beef fat from beef birria recipe, or more as needed
• 8 (5-inch) corn tortillas
• 2 cups freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 cups shredded Beef Birria
• 4 tablespoons chopped white onion, or to taste, divided
• 4 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, or to taste, divided
• 1 medium lime, cut into 4 wedges

Directions

Step 1:

Gather all the ingredients.

Step 2:

To make the consomm, combine the beef birria sauce, chicken broth, diced carrots, celery, and cabbage in a saucepan over high heat. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer while occasionally brushing the caramelized bits (fond) off the side of the pan with the hot liquid. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender and the consomm has reached the desired consistency, about 20 minutes. Keep it warm on low heat while preparing the tacos.

Step 3:

To make the tacos, heat the reserved beef fat in a large skillet over medium heat until melted. Add two tortillas at a time and flip them with a spatula, ensuring both sides are generously coated in the fat. Toast briefly until the tortillas are golden brown, then top them with a generous layer of Monterey Jack cheese and shredded beef.

Step 4:

Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of consomm liquid over each taco, then sprinkle with chopped white onion and cilantro. Fold the tortillas in half and gently press them. Continue cooking, flipping the tacos back and forth, until they are crispy and browned, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and repeat the process for the remaining tacos, adding more fat to the skillet as needed.

Step 5:

Ladle the consomm into bowls and garnish with any remaining chopped white onion and cilantro. Squeeze lime wedges into the consomm and serve the tacos alongside. Enjoy!

Chef's Notes

If you'd like, you can substitute beef broth for chicken broth when making the consomm. For the best texture, shred the beef finely, as it will absorb the liquid more easily and create a juicier taco.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories	337
Fat	19g
Saturated Fat	11g
Cholesterol	52mg
Sodium	631mg
Carbohydrates	27g
Dietary Fiber	4g
Total Sugars	3g
Protein	17g
Vitamin C	11mg
Calcium	479mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	238mg

History and Origin

Birria, originally from the state of Jalisco, Mexico, is a rich, flavorful stew typically made from goat, beef, or lamb, slow-cooked with an array of spices and herbs. The dish has been a part of Mexican cuisine for centuries, with its roots dating back to the early colonial period. Traditionally, birria was made for special occasions and large gatherings. In recent years, the beef variant has become popular, particularly in the form of birria tacos, which are often served with consomm for dipping. The fusion of cheesy birria tacosreferred to as Birria Queso Tacosis a more modern twist, blending the savory richness of birria with the creamy gooeyness of melted cheese.

Regional Variations

While Jalisco is the birthplace of birria, different regions of Mexico have their own versions of the dish. In northern Mexico, for example, birria is often made with beef rather than goat, and it is sometimes cooked with a more concentrated red chili base. In coastal areas, seafood variations of birria can be found. As birria spreads across the world, it has been adapted to local tastes, with cities like Los Angeles popularizing the birria taco craze in the United States. The queso taco variation, which incorporates melted cheese, was likely inspired by the rising trend of cheese-filled tacos and quesadillas.

What Sets Birria Queso Tacos Apart

Birria tacos are a unique blend of tender, slow-cooked meat and bold flavors, but the addition of cheese makes this version stand out. Unlike traditional tacos, which use simple fillings such as grilled meats or vegetables, the Birria Queso Taco combines two beloved Mexican foodstacos and cheesealong with the rich, flavorful birria. The use of consomm for dipping adds an extra layer of depth and moisture to the dish, setting it apart from other taco styles. Moreover, the crispy texture of the tortillas, toasted in beef fat, elevates the entire experience, making every bite a balanced contrast of crispy, juicy, and cheesy.

Where Are Birria Queso Tacos Typically Served?

Birria Queso Tacos can be found in many Mexican restaurants, food trucks, and pop-up shops, especially in areas with large Mexican communities. They are often served as a late-night street food snack or at family gatherings, festivals, and celebrations. In Mexico, birria is traditionally a dish served at weddings, birthdays, and other major life events. In the U.S., birria tacos have become a popular item on menus, with many Mexican restaurants and taco trucks incorporating it into their offerings due to its growing popularity. The consumption of birria tacos is not limited to a specific season but is especially common during cold weather when the warm, hearty stew and cheese-filled tacos are particularly comforting.

Fun Facts

• In Mexico, birria was originally made with goat meat, but the beef version has become the most popular over time, especially in the U.S.
• Birria tacos, particularly the queso variant, went viral on social media, quickly gaining attention from food enthusiasts across the globe.
• Traditionally, birria is cooked for several hours to allow the flavors to meld, making it a time-consuming dish that is well worth the effort.
• The consomm that accompanies birria tacos is a flavorful broth that is often sipped on its own or used as a dip for the tacos, intensifying the taste with each bite.
• The technique of frying tortillas in beef fat, a crucial step in making birria tacos, adds a distinct, savory flavor to the dish.

FAQ about Beef Birria Queso Tacos with Consommé Recipe

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