
Shredded Beef Tacos are a beloved Mexican and Tex-Mex dish featuring slow-cooked, seasoned beef shredded and served in a warm corn or flour tortilla. The beef is typically braised with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices like cumin and chili powder, then topped with fresh ingredients like cilantro, onions, salsa, and lime. This dish originated in Mexico and has become a global favorite, especially in the United States.
This dish is high in protein from the beef and provides a good balance of carbs from the tortillas, though it can be high in fat depending on the cut of beef and toppings. A typical serving with two tacos offers around 400-600 calories, along with iron, zinc, and B vitamins from the meat, and fiber if topped with vegetables.
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 38 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 820 mg |
| Iron | 4.2 mg |
| Calcium | 150 mg |
| Potassium | 410 mg |
| Vitamin A | 120 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.8 mcg |
| Zinc | 5.1 mg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
Per 2 tacos (about 210 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
Shredded Beef Tacos showcase the culinary concept of 'barbacoa' or slow-braising, which transforms tougher cuts of meat into tender, flavorful fillings—a technique with deep roots in Mexican cooking. Nutritionally, the combination of protein-rich beef with fiber and vitamins from fresh toppings makes it a more balanced meal than many fast-food options.