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Birria taco is ready to be dipped into consommé, showing the plled beef and glossy red broth.

Instant Pot Birria Tacos (Quesabirria)

Crispy, cheesy birria tacos made in a fraction of the time using the Instant Pot. Tender beef, rich consommé, and that iconic dip‑worthy finish — perfect for cravings, weekends, or meal‑prep nights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Assemble 10 minutes
Servings: 16 birria tacos
Course: Dinner, Main dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 325

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast large chunks
  • oil for searing
  • salt to taste
  • 2 dried ancho chiles
  • 3 dried Guajillo chiles
  • 1 dried arbol chili to increase spice-level
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp paprika powder
  • 1 large tomato cut in chunks
  • 1 large white onion cut in chunks
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 3 cup beef/veggie broth or water
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 6 peppercorns
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/2 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 16 corn tortillas
  • 2 cup mozzarella, tex-mex, or oaxaca cheese shredded and as need
  • chopped onion to garnish
  • chopped cilantro to garnish
  • lime wedges to garnish

Method
 

  1. Sear the Beef: Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add oil, then sear the salted beef chunks on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
  2. Soften the Chiles: Remove stems and seeds from all chilies. Add them to the Instant Pot along with tomato, onion, garlic, and 1/2 cup water. Simmer until the chiles soften.
  3. Blend the Sauce: Transfer the softened chiles, tomato, onion, garlic, and their cooking liquid to a blender. Add cloves and peppercorns. Blend into a smooth paste.
  4. Pressure Cook the Birria: Return the seared beef to the Instant Pot. Add the blended chile paste, beef broth, bay leaf, oregano, cumin, paprika, cinnamon stick, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine. Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 45 minutes. Allow natural release. Remove the cooked beef and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
  5. Make the Birria Tacos: Strain the consommé if you prefer a smoother dipping broth. Dip each corn tortilla into the top layer of the consommé (the red oily part). Place it on a hot pan, add cheese, then add shredded beef. Fold into a half‑moon and crisp both sides until golden.
  6. Garnish with chopped onion, cilantro, and lime. Serve with a bowl of consommé for dipping.