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:
- 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.
- Add the beef to the pot and brown it on all sides, ensuring each piece is seared evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the beef broth, tomato paste, vinegar, dried oregano, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 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.
- Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
- Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place a tortilla on the heated surface.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese onto one half of the tortilla. Top with a portion of the shredded birria meat.
- Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling and press it down gently with a spatula.
- Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove the quesadilla from the heat and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, cheese, and birria meat.
- Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve them warm. Garnish with diced onions and chopped cilantro.
- Serve the Birria Quesadillas with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream on the side, if desired.
