Birria Quesadilla

Savor the bold and delicious flavors of Birria Quesadilla, a mouthwatering Mexican dish that combines tender and flavorful birria meat with melted cheese in a crispy tortilla. This fusion of rich, savory meat and gooey cheese is perfect for indulging in a delightful meal or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (for birria meat) Total Time: Approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Birria Meat:

  • 2 pounds beef (such as chuck roast or beef shank)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar (such as apple cider or white vinegar)
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Quesadillas:

  • Flour tortillas
  • Shredded cheese of your choice (such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Oaxaca cheese)
  • Diced onions and chopped cilantro (for garnish)
  • Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream (for serving, optional)

Preparation:

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Add the beef to the pot and brown it on all sides, ensuring each piece is seared evenly.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth, tomato paste, vinegar, dried oregano, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the broth mixture over the beef in the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily falls apart.
  5. Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
  6. Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place a tortilla on the heated surface.
  7. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese onto one half of the tortilla. Top with a portion of the shredded birria meat.
  8. Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling and press it down gently with a spatula.
  9. Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  10. Remove the quesadilla from the heat and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, cheese, and birria meat.
  11. Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve them warm. Garnish with diced onions and chopped cilantro.
  12. Serve the Birria Quesadillas with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream on the side, if desired.