Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

These High Protein Crispy Dipping Tacos are changing my life.

Recipe by Cook Well w/ Ethan Chlebowski

A quick 15‑minute Mexican‑inspired taco that packs 20 g of protein per taco. Seasoned 93/7 lean ground beef is smashed, mashed to a pebbly texture, and combined with a spicy, aromatic dipping broth. Crispy corn tortillas are folded over melted Jack cheese and the beef, then served with the fresh broth, diced onion and cilantro for a satisfying high‑protein meal.

MediumMexicanServes 3

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
16m
Prep
4m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
30m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$37.78
Total cost
$12.59
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Smash the beef into a hot pan and let it sear without moving for 3‑4 minutes.
  • Use a mini potato masher to break the beef into fine, pebbly bits.
  • Add broth and seasoning gradually to control moisture and salt levels.
  • Crisp the cheese‑filled tortilla until the cheese spills over the edges for texture.

Safety Warnings

  • The pan will be extremely hot (450°F); use oven mitts.
  • Steam from the broth can cause burns; handle with care.
  • Sharp knife when dicing onion and cilantro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Quesabiria‑style tacos in Mexican cuisine?

A

Quesabiria tacos blend the street‑food tradition of quesadillas with the rich, broth‑laden birria from Jalisco. Historically, birria was a slow‑cooked goat stew, and the dipping broth version became popular as a quick, flavorful snack in modern Mexican street markets.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of birria‑style dipping broth in Mexican cuisine?

A

In Jalisco, birria broth is made with goat or beef and lots of rendered fat, while in other regions like Michoacán it may include pork and a different blend of chilies. The spicy dipping broth in this recipe uses lean beef broth and smoked paprika for a lighter, high‑protein twist.

cultural
Q

How is Quesabiria traditionally served in Mexico?

A

Traditionally, the crispy cheese‑filled tortilla is served on a plate with a small bowl of steaming birria broth, topped with chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Diners dip each bite into the broth for a burst of flavor.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations feature Quesabiria tacos in Mexican culture?

A

Quesabiria tacos are popular as a late‑night snack after festivals, at fairs, and during weekend street‑food gatherings. They’re also a favorite comfort food for family movie nights because they’re quick to make and satisfying.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Quesabiria tacos versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic versions use goat or beef birria broth, corn tortillas, and Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese. Acceptable substitutes include lean beef broth for a healthier version, Jack cheese for easy melting, and store‑bought taco seasoning when time is limited.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making high‑protein crispy dipping tacos?

A

Common errors include adding the beef to a cold pan (no crust), over‑mixing the meat (loss of pebbly texture), dumping all the broth at once (over‑saucing), and not letting the cheese spill over the edges before flipping, which reduces crunch.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a mini potato masher to break up the beef instead of a fork?

A

The mini potato masher efficiently creates uniformly small, pebble‑like pieces, increasing surface area for seasoning and moisture retention. A fork can leave larger clumps and uneven texture.

technical
Q

Can I make the seasoned beef ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the seasoned beef can be cooked up to a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore juiciness before assembling the tacos.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the beef is properly seasoned and broken up?

A

The beef should have a deep brown crust on the bottom, be broken into fine, pebble‑size bits, and appear glossy from the added broth. It should feel moist but not soggy.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cook Well w/ Ethan Chlebowski specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cook Well w/ Ethan Chlebowski focuses on high‑protein, quick‑prep meals that balance flavor with nutrition, often featuring lean meats, smart seasoning techniques, and practical kitchen hacks for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cook Well w/ Ethan Chlebowski's approach to Mexican‑inspired cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?

A

Ethan emphasizes protein density and time efficiency, using lean cuts and streamlined four‑step methods, whereas many Mexican cooking channels focus on traditional, slower‑cooked preparations. His style blends classic flavors with modern fitness‑friendly goals.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Authentic Birria

Authentic Birria

A rich, slow‑cooked Mexican beef birria made with chuck roast, dried guajillo, ancho, and arbol chilies, simmered in a fragrant broth of tomatoes, onion, cinnamon, and spices. The meat becomes fall‑apart tender and is served with fresh diced white onion and cilantro.

5 hrs
Serves 6
$17
5 views
MexicanMedium
Creamy Ham & Cheese Baked Potatoes

Creamy Ham & Cheese Baked Potatoes

A rich Mexican‑style potato gratin layered with a silky cream‑cheese sauce, thin ham strips, crispy bacon and plenty of melty cheese. Perfect as a festive side for turkey, pork or any holiday feast.

2 hrs 22 min
Serves 6
$14
6 views
MexicanMedium
Could THIS be the BEST WAY to make TACOS?!

Could THIS be the BEST WAY to make TACOS?!

A quick and easy Mexican‑inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef, a double layer of smoked gouda and cheddar, and crunchy taco shells baked until golden and melty. Perfect for a low‑effort dinner or a crowd‑pleasing snack.

54 min
Serves 4
$23
4 views
MexicanEasy
Making CHURROS at Home is so EASY and simply so DELICIOUS!

Making CHURROS at Home is so EASY and simply so DELICIOUS!

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, these homemade Mexican-style churros are tossed in cinnamon sugar and ready in under an hour. Follow Cooking Con Claudia's step‑by‑step guide to pipe, fry, and coat perfect churros that can be enjoyed plain or stuffed with your favorite fillings.

42 min
Serves 4
$8
10 views
MexicanEasy
High Protein & Low Calorie Creamy Beef & Cheese Burritos🌯

High Protein & Low Calorie Creamy Beef & Cheese Burritos🌯

These high‑protein, low‑calorie creamy beef and cheese burritos are perfect for meal‑prep. Lean beef, light cream cheese, and low‑fat cheese create a satisfying, creamy filling wrapped in low‑calorie tortillas. Make six burritos in under an hour for a tasty, nutritious lunch or dinner.

45 min
Serves 6
$17
4 views
MexicanEasy
Patates douces façon Tex-Mex

Patates douces façon Tex-Mex

Des patates douces rôties au four, farcies d’un mélange épicé de haricots noirs, maïs, avocat et sauce yaourt citronnée, le tout relevé de coriandre fraîche. Une recette réconfortante, rapide et idéale pour un dîner d’automne en famille.

1 hr 15 min
Serves 4
$11
15 views
MexicanEasyFrench