Hard-Shell Taco

A hard-shell taco is a crispy, U-shaped corn tortilla typically filled with seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream. It's a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine, representing a popularized and convenient adaptation of traditional Mexican tacos.

🍳 View the full Hard-Shell Taco recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is generally high in fat and carbohydrates, with a moderate amount of protein from the meat and dairy. A single taco can range from 200 to 300 calories, depending heavily on the fillings and toppings.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	210 kcal
Protein	9 g
Carbs	18 g
Fat	12 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	380 mg
Calcium	100 mg
Iron	1.8 mg
Potassium	210 mg
Vitamin A	150 mcg RAE
Vitamin C	4 mg
Vitamin B12	1.2 mcg
Phosphorus	120 mg
Zinc	2.1 mg

Per 1 taco (approximately 113 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The hard-shell taco as we know it is largely an American invention, popularized in the mid-20th century, showcasing how immigrant cuisines adapt and evolve in new cultural contexts.