Braised Beef for Tacos
Braised Beef for Tacos is a tender, slow-cooked meat filling, typically made from cuts like chuck roast, simmered in a flavorful broth with chiles, tomatoes, and spices until it easily shreds. This method, common in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, creates a deeply savory and versatile beef that serves as the hearty centerpiece for tacos.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate option, providing a substantial amount of iron and B vitamins from the beef. A typical 3-ounce serving of the braised beef (without tortillas or toppings) contains roughly 200-250 calories, with the majority coming from protein and fat.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Iron | 3.2 mg |
| Zinc | 6.5 mg |
| Potassium | 420 mg |
| Phosphorus | 210 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.8 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 7.5 mg |
| Selenium | 30 mcg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.5 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The slow braising process is a form of culinary alchemy, transforming tougher, more flavorful cuts of beef into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness through the breakdown of collagen into gelatin. This technique not only maximizes flavor but also makes the protein more digestible, a principle utilized in cuisines worldwide for centuries.
