These homemade Quesabirria Tacos offer a delightful and healthier twist on the beloved Mexican street food. The recipe combines lean beef stew meat with a flavorful blend of spices, slow-cooked to perfection in a savory broth. The addition of cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and a hint of cinnamon creates a rich and aromatic birria, infusing the meat with layers of deliciousness. The slow-cooking process ensures the beef becomes tender and easily shreddable, ready to be transformed into the star filling for these tacos.
The consommé, a flavorful broth infused with cilantro and lime juice, serves as the perfect accompaniment for dipping the Quesabirria Tacos. This element adds an extra depth of flavor and a zesty kick that complements the richness of the shredded beef and melted cheese.
The assembly of these tacos is a straightforward process, making it accessible for home cooks. The use of small corn tortillas, reduced-fat shredded cheese, and a modest amount of toppings keeps the dish light while still delivering on taste. The Quesabirria Tacos are then cooked in a skillet until the tortilla becomes crispy and the cheese is irresistibly melted, creating a satisfying texture and a mouthwatering combination of flavors.
The final touch comes with garnishes of finely chopped onion and fresh cilantro, enhancing the visual appeal and adding a burst of freshness. Lime wedges on the side provide a citrusy finish, balancing the richness of the birria.
For those following the Weight Watchers (W/W) plan, the Smart Points value can be tailored based on individual ingredient choices. This lighter version of Quesabirria Tacos allows you to indulge in the iconic flavors of the dish without compromising on your dietary goals. Whether enjoyed as a weeknight dinner or served at gatherings, these W/W Quesabirria Tacos are sure to be a hit, offering a satisfying and guilt-free culinary experience.
Home Made Quesabirria Tacos
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
For the Birria:
- 1 pound lean beef stew meat, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups beef broth, low-sodium
For the Consommé:
- 2 cups beef broth, low-sodium
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheese
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Birria:
- In a slow cooker, combine beef stew meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Pour in 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender and can be easily shredded.
- Make the Consommé:
- In a saucepan, heat 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Bring to a simmer.
- Shred the Meat:
- Remove the beef from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Heat the corn tortillas. On each tortilla, place a portion of shredded beef and a sprinkle of reduced-fat shredded cheese.
- Fold into Quesadillas:
- Fold the tortillas in half, creating quesadilla-style tacos.
- Cook the Tacos:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook each taco until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Serve with Consommé:
- Serve the Quesabirria Tacos with a side of the consommé for dipping.
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Top the tacos with finely chopped onion, fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Smart Points Information:
- The Smart Points value will depend on the specific ingredients and brands used. Be sure to calculate the points based on your W/W plan and the ingredients you choose.
Enjoy your W/W Quesabirria Tacos, a lighter take on this popular dish!