Quesabirrias
This dish is based on the famous chile-rich, boldly spiced birria stew credited to the Mexican state of Jalisco. For quesabirrias, a specialty of Tijuana, the tender meat is folded with cheese into corn tortillas and pan-seared until golden for an irresistible treat. Although birria itself is traditionally made with goat, this recipe, like many popular variations, uses beef. I selected chuck roast because it’s flavorful, moderately lean and an excellent budget-friendly choice for the dish. One thing I love about birria is how versatile it is. You can eat it by itself, or use it as a filling for tacos, taquitos or enchiladas, or serve it in nontraditional ways like as a brunch dish with eggs or a topping for noodles. Birria is typically made in large quantities because it needs to slow-cook for several hours and is often served at celebrations and get-togethers. You can make the birria several days ahead if you like, and leftovers freeze well, so a generous pot of it is a good choice for both feeding a crowd and cooking ahead.

Total
Servings
16Difficulty
HardEst. Cost
$40–$66






