American-Style Taco

An American-style taco is a Tex-Mex adaptation of the traditional Mexican taco, typically featuring a crispy or soft flour tortilla filled with seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sour cream. It originated in the Southwestern United States, particularly Texas and California, as a popularized and convenient version of the dish.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is generally high in fat and protein due to the ground beef and cheese, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates from the tortilla. A typical serving with one or two tacos provides roughly 400-600 calories and offers nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamin C.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	350 kcal
Protein	18 g
Carbs	30 g
Fat	18 g
Fiber	5 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	680 mg
Calcium	150 mg
Iron	3.5 mg
Potassium	400 mg
Vitamin A	120 µg RAE
Vitamin C	15 mg
Vitamin B12	1.8 µg
Zinc	3.2 mg
Phosphorus	200 mg

Per 2 tacos (approx. 200 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it represents a successful fusion and adaptation, becoming a staple of American fast food and casual dining. Nutritionally, it can be easily customized with leaner proteins or more vegetables to create a more balanced meal.