It was a chilly autumn evening when I first discovered the magic of Quesabirria Burrito with Consomé. I had been craving something hearty and comforting, something that would warm me up from the inside out. As I stepped into my favorite local Mexican restaurant, the aroma of simmering spices and tender beef immediately captured my senses.

The server approached with a steaming bowl of consomé, its rich broth glistening with a layer of fat. Alongside it, a platter of perfectly crisp quesabirria tacos, their tortillas crisped to golden perfection and oozing with melted cheese. I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. From the first bite, I was hooked – the complex flavors, the tender beef, the irresistible cheese – it was a culinary experience I couldn’t wait to recreate at home.

Why This Quesabirria Burrito with Consomé Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Quesabirria Burrito with Consomé

As an experienced home cook, I’ve spent countless hours perfecting this recipe for Quesabirria Burrito with Consomé. The secret lies in the slow-cooked beef, which is seasoned to perfection with a blend of spices that create a depth of flavor you simply can’t find in a typical taco or burrito. The addition of Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese gives the dish a creamy, melty texture that perfectly complements the richness of the beef.

But the real star of the show is the consomé – a flavorful broth that’s made by simmering the beef trimmings and bones, infusing it with the essence of the meat and spices. This broth is the perfect accompaniment to the burrito, providing a delicious dipping sauce that brings the whole dish together.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Quesabirria Burrito with Consomé recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes – This cut of meat is perfect for slow-cooking, ensuring the beef becomes tender and flavorful.
  • 1 onion, diced – The onion adds depth and sweetness to the filling, balancing out the spices.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is a must-have in any Mexican dish, providing an aromatic base for the other flavors.
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder – This spice blend lends a delicious smoky-spicy note to the beef.
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin – Cumin is an essential component of Mexican cuisine, adding an earthy, warm flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Oregano complements the other spices, bringing a slightly woodsy, herbal note.
  • 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – These simple seasonings help to balance and enhance the overall flavors.
  • 8 ounces Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded – The melty cheese is the perfect foil to the richness of the beef.
  • 8 large tortillas – Sturdy, pliable tortillas are a must for wrapping up this hearty burrito.
  • 4 cups beef broth – The broth is the foundation for the consomé, providing a flavorful dipping sauce.
  • 2 bay leaves – These fragrant leaves infuse the broth with a subtle, savory essence.

Step-by-Step Quesabirria Burrito with Consomé Instructions

Preparing Your Quesabirria Burrito with Consomé

With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 90 minutes, this Quesabirria Burrito with Consomé recipe is the perfect weeknight meal or weekend indulgence. You’ll need a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, as well as a skillet for crisping the burritos.

1- Begin by seasoning the beef cubes with the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub the spices into the meat, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
2- In the Dutch oven, sauté the diced onion over medium-high heat until translucent and lightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
3- Add the seasoned beef cubes to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Tuck the bay leaves into the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 90 minutes, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4- Once the beef is cooked, use two forks to shred the meat right in the pot. The meat should be incredibly tender and infused with the flavors of the broth and spices.
5- To assemble the burritos, spoon the shredded beef onto the center of each tortilla, then top with a generous helping of the shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese.
6- In a skillet over medium-high heat, crisp the burritos on both sides until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown. Serve the Quesabirria Burritos immediately, with the rich, flavorful consomé on the side for dipping.

Pro Tips for Success

1- For the most tender and flavorful beef, be sure to use a well-marbled chuck roast. This cut of meat becomes incredibly tender and juicy when slow-cooked.
2- Don’t be tempted to skip the simmering step – the long, slow cook time is essential for developing the rich, complex flavors in the beef and broth.
3- Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less chili powder, depending on your preference.
4- For an extra crispy burrito, brush the tortillas with a bit of oil or melted butter before crisping them in the skillet.

Serving and Storing Your Quesabirria Burrito with Consomé

Perfect Pairings for Quesabirria Burrito with Consomé

This Quesabirria Burrito with Consomé recipe serves 8 hearty portions, making it a great option for family gatherings, game days, or casual dinner parties. To round out the meal, consider serving it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or Mexican rice. For drinks, a crisp Mexican lager or a refreshing margarita would be the perfect accompaniment.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Quesabirria Burrito with Consomé is the perfect make-ahead meal. The beef filling can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble, simply reheat the beef in a skillet or the microwave before assembling the burritos.

The consomé can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much.

For longer-term storage, the beef filling and consomé can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and assembling the burritos.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Quesabirria Burrito with Consomé

Creative Quesabirria Burrito with Consomé Variations

While the classic Quesabirria Burrito with Consomé is a delicious standby, there are plenty of ways to mix things up. Try swapping the beef for shredded chicken or pork for a different protein. You could also experiment with different cheese varieties, such as Manchego or Oaxaca. For a vegetarian version, use roasted mushrooms or sautéed veggies in place of the meat.

Making Quesabirria Burrito with Consomé Diet-Friendly

To make this dish more diet-friendly, consider using low-fat or reduced-fat cheese, and serving the shredded beef in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low-carb option. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tortillas or skip the tortillas altogether and serve the beef and consomé as a standalone dish. Vegans can substitute the beef with a plant-based protein, such as sautéed tofu or jackfruit, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of beef instead of chuck roast?
A: While chuck roast is the ideal cut for this recipe, you can also use other slow-cooking beef cuts, such as brisket or short ribs. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: How long does it take to make the Quesabirria Burrito with Consomé?
A: The total time for this recipe is 105 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 90 minutes of cook time. The long simmering is essential for developing the rich, complex flavors in the beef and broth.

Q: Can I make the Quesabirria Burrito with Consomé in advance?
A: Absolutely! The beef filling and consomé can both be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the components and assemble the burritos.

Q: How many servings does this Quesabirria Burrito with Consomé recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 8 generous servings, making it a great option for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

Q: What should I do if the beef isn’t as tender as I’d like?
A: If the beef isn’t as tender as you’d prefer, simply simmer it for a bit longer. The key is to cook the beef until it’s easily shredded with a fork, which may take up to 2 hours depending on the cut and your slow cooker.

Conclusion

Quesabirria Burrito with Consomé is a true Mexican culinary masterpiece, blending tender, flavorful beef, melty cheese, and a rich, aromatic broth into one mouthwatering dish. With its complex layers of spices and the slow-cooked perfection of the beef, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. So gather your ingredients, fire up your Dutch oven, and get ready to savor the delicious magic of Quesabirria Burrito with Consomé. Don’t forget to share your creations and experiences in the comments below – I can’t wait to hear how you and your loved ones enjoy this incredible dish!