Birria Quesadilla Recipe – Crispy, Cheesy & Flavorful

If you’re a fan of Mexican street food, quesadilla with birria recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine crispy, golden tortillas filled with melted, gooey cheese and slow-cooked, tender birria meat, all dipped into a rich, flavorful consommé. Sounds delicious, right?

This guide will take you through everything you need to know about making the perfect birria quesadilla at home.

Introduction to Birria Quesadillas

What is a Birria Quesadilla?

A birria quesadilla is a mouthwatering fusion of two Mexican classics: quesadilla and birria tacos. Traditionally, birria is a slow-cooked stew made with beef, goat, or lamb, simmered in a rich broth infused with chilies and aromatic spices. When shredded and paired with cheese inside a crispy tortilla, it transforms into a quesabirria—a dish that has taken the food world by storm.

Unlike your regular quesadilla, this version has an extra crispy exterior because the tortillas are dipped in birria broth before frying. The result? A flavor explosion in every bite!

Origins of Birria and Its Traditional Uses

Birria originated in Jalisco, Mexico, where it was primarily made with goat meat and served as a stew for special occasions. Over time, different regions adapted the dish, using beef and lamb while keeping the rich, slow-cooked flavors intact.

With the rise of Mexican street food culture, birria tacos became wildly popular, leading to creative variations like birria ramen, birria pizza, and of course, quesadilla with birria recipe.

Why This Recipe Stands Out?

There are countless ways to make quesadillas, but quesabirria takes it up a notch. Here’s why:

• Crispy & Crunchy – Dipping the tortillas in birria broth before frying adds a deep, rich flavor.
• Extra Cheesy – The cheese melts perfectly into the shredded birria, creating a gooey, satisfying bite.
• Slow-Cooked Perfection – The beef is braised in a spicy, smoky broth until fall-apart tender.
• Perfect for Dipping – Serve it with the birria consommé for an unforgettable experience.

Craving one already? In the next part, we’ll go over everything you need to make this delicious dish at home! Stay tuned.

Ingredients for Birria Quesadillas

Main Components

To make the ultimate quesadilla with birria recipe, you need four essential ingredients:

• Tortillas – Flour tortillas give a soft and chewy texture, while corn tortillas provide a more authentic, rustic taste.
• Cheese – The best choices are Oaxaca cheese, Monterey Jack, or Mozzarella, as they melt beautifully.
• Birria Meat – Slow-cooked beef (or goat) infused with a rich chili-based sauce.
• Birria Broth (Consommé) – This adds moisture to the tortillas and serves as the perfect dipping sauce.

The Essential Birria Consommé

The birria consommé is what sets this dish apart. It’s made by simmering the birria meat with:

• Guajillo & ancho chilies – For a deep, smoky flavor.
• Cinnamon, bay leaves, and cumin – Adds warmth and complexity.
• Tomato paste & vinegar – Balances acidity and richness.

Optional Toppings & Fillings

Want to customize your birria quesadilla? Try these add-ons:

• Sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
• Caramelized onions for sweetness.
• Pickled radish for tanginess.
• Chopped cilantro for freshness.

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s move on to making the perfect birria meat!

How to Make the Perfect Birria Meat

Selecting the Right Cut of Meat

For the most tender and flavorful birria, choose beef chuck roast, short ribs, or goat meat. These cuts have enough fat to keep the meat juicy and rich during the slow-cooking process.

The Best Spice Blend for Birria

The secret to authentic birria lies in its complex spice blend. You’ll need:

• Guajillo, ancho, and chile de árbol for smoky heat.
• Cumin, oregano, and bay leaves for depth.
• Tomato paste and apple cider vinegar for tang.

Cooking Methods: Stovetop, Slow Cooker, or Instant Pot

There are three ways to cook birria:

Stovetop Method (Traditional)

• Brown the meat in a pot for extra flavor.
• Simmer it with chilies, garlic, and spices for 3-4 hours until fork-tender.

Slow Cooker Method (Hands-off Approach)

• Add all ingredients to a slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 8 hours for fall-apart tenderness.

Instant Pot Method (Quick & Easy)

• Pressure cook for 50 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally.
• Shred the meat and reserve the broth for dipping.

Now that our juicy birria is ready, let’s move on to assembling the perfectly crispy quesadilla!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Birria Quesadillas

For an in-depth guide, check out The Ultimate Guide to Birria Quesadilla on Temporecipes.

Preparing the Tortilla

For maximum flavor and crispiness:

• Dip the tortilla in birria broth before frying.
• Use a non-stick or cast-iron skillet for even cooking.
• Cook over medium-high heat for a golden, crispy finish.

Assembling the Quesadilla

• Place the dipped tortilla in the hot pan.
• Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese over half of the tortilla.
• Add shredded birria meat evenly.
• Fold the tortilla in half and press down gently with a spatula.

Cooking Techniques for Crispy Perfection

• Pan-Frying – The best method for maximum crispiness.
• Air Frying – A healthier alternative that still gives a crispy finish.

Serving with Consommé for Dipping

To elevate your experience, serve the birria quesadilla with:

• A bowl of warm birria consommé for dipping.
• Fresh cilantro & lime wedges for extra zing.
• Spicy salsa or pickled onions for added heat.

Tips & Variations for the Best Quesadilla with Birria Recipe

How to Make It Extra Crispy?

Achieving the perfect crunch is all about technique. Here’s how:

• Dip tortillas in birria broth before frying to add extra flavor and color.
• Use a hot pan to ensure the tortilla crisps up quickly without getting soggy.
• Press the quesadilla down while cooking to create even contact with the skillet.
• Cook in butter or oil for a golden, crispy exterior.

Best Cheese Blends for Melting

While Oaxaca cheese is the most traditional, you can experiment with different cheese blends. Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, and Cheddar work well together for a balanced, creamy texture. For a bit of spice, try adding Pepper Jack!

Adding Extra Ingredients – Mushrooms, Jalapeños, Corn

Want to customize your quesadilla with birria recipe? Here are some fun add-ons:

• Jalapeños – Adds a spicy kick.
• Caramelized onions – Sweet and savory balance.
• Roasted corn – Brings a smoky, slightly sweet taste.
• Avocado slices – Adds a creamy texture.

Now that we’ve mastered customization, let’s tackle common questions about birria quesadillas!

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

What is a birria quesadilla?

A birria quesadilla is a crispy, cheese-filled tortilla stuffed with slow-cooked birria meat. Unlike regular quesadillas, this version is dipped in birria broth before being fried, making it extra flavorful and crispy.

What are the 4 components of an authentic quesadilla?

A true Mexican quesadilla consists of:

• Tortilla – Typically corn, but flour works too.
• Cheese – Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, or Mozzarella.
• Filling – In this case, juicy birria meat.
• Cooking Method – Fried or grilled until crispy.

What tortillas are best for birria?

While corn tortillas are the traditional choice, flour tortillas can hold more filling and provide a softer bite. If you love a chewy, crispy texture, try using a hybrid mix of corn and flour tortillas.

What goes well inside a quesadilla?

Besides cheese and birria, you can add:

• Chopped onions & cilantro for freshness.
• Sour cream & guacamole for creaminess.
• Hot sauce or salsa for extra spice.

Now, let’s discuss storing and reheating for the best leftovers experience!

Storing & Reheating Birria Quesadillas

How to Store Leftovers

Birria quesadillas can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Here’s how:

• Let them cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
• Place in an airtight container or wrap in foil.
• Keep the consommé separate to avoid making the tortillas mushy.

Best Ways to Reheat Without Losing Crispiness

Reheating the right way makes all the difference! Avoid microwaving, as it softens the tortilla too much. Instead:
Pan-Fry – Place on a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
Air Fryer – Heat at 350°F for 5 minutes.
Oven – Reheat at 375°F for 10 minutes.

Freezing for Later – Does It Work?

Yes! Birria quesadillas freeze well for up to 2 months. Just wrap each quesadilla individually in parchment paper, place in a ziplock bag, and freeze.

Now, let’s take a look at the nutritional content of this flavorful dish.

Nutritional Information (Per 100g)

Here’s a breakdown of the quesadilla with birria recipe per 100g serving:

Now that you’ve mastered the perfect birria quesadilla, why not explore other delicious Mexican recipes? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Birria Quesadilla for even more variations and serving ideas!