Frederic Melton
Ground beef tacos with cheese are an easy, quick, and inexpensive meal option. However, they can be high in calories, with one taco containing up to 326 calories, or about 15% of the daily recommended intake for an average adult. The calorie count can vary depending on the type of tortilla, the amount of cheese and beef used, and any additional toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, or sour cream. For example, a flour tortilla can range from 75 to 150 calories, while a corn tortilla typically has 50 to 100 calories. It's important to note that while beef and cheese are good sources of protein and iron, and vitamins, excessive consumption of saturated fat found in these tacos has been linked to high cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories in medium-sized taco shell | 59 |
| Calories in ground beef | 153 |
| Calories in cheese | 114 |
| Total calories in a ground beef taco with cheese | 326 |
| Calories in sour cream | 23 |
| Calories in flour tortillas | 75-150 |
| Calories in corn tortillas | 50-100 |
| Calories in ground beef taco with cheese and lettuce | 193 |
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What You'll Learn
Calories in a taco shell: 50-150 calories
The number of calories in a taco shell varies depending on the brand and the shell's size. For example, Old El Paso Original Hard Taco Shells contain 66 calories per shell, while a medium-sized taco shell from another brand contains 59 calories. On average, a taco shell can contain anywhere from 50 to 150 calories.
When it comes to ground beef tacos with cheese, the calorie count can vary depending on the specific ingredients and their quantities. For instance, a ground beef taco with cheese, lettuce, and other toppings can contain around 193 calories in total. However, if we consider a more specific example, such as a taco made with a medium-sized taco shell (59 calories), 2 oz of 80% lean ground beef (153 calories), and 1 oz of cheddar cheese (114 calories), the total calorie count increases to 326.
It's important to note that the toppings and fillings can significantly impact the overall calorie count of a ground beef taco with cheese. For example, sour cream adds about 23 calories per tablespoon, while refried beans, salsa, and tomatoes contribute minimal calories but add fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
Beef and cheese are nutrient-dense foods. Beef is a good source of protein and iron, which is essential for oxygenating cells. Cheese provides vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, which are crucial for bone health. However, it's worth mentioning that a single beef and cheese taco can contain 11 grams of saturated fat, which has been linked to high cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease when consumed in excess.
While tacos can be a quick, easy, and inexpensive meal option, they can also be high in calories. For those watching their weight, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes and the calorie content of the specific ingredients used.
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Calories in ground beef: 113-153 calories
The calorie count of a ground beef taco with cheese depends on the specific ingredients and their quantities. For example, a taco made with a medium-sized taco shell, 2 oz. of 80-percent lean ground beef, and 1 oz. of cheddar cheese can contain about 326 calories in total. Of these 326 calories, the ground beef contributes about 153 calories, while the cheese adds 114 calories.
The calorie count for ground beef can vary depending on the fat content and the amount consumed. For instance, 2.67 oz of 93% lean ground beef contains approximately 113 calories. In comparison, 2 oz. of 80-percent lean ground beef will contribute about 153 calories to the taco.
The type and amount of cheese used also affect the overall calorie count. Cheddar cheese, a common choice for tacos, contains around 114 calories per ounce. However, the calorie count can vary with different types of cheese. For example, 1/3 cup of mild shredded cheddar cheese contains approximately 18 calories, while 1/4 cup of cheese, which appears to be closer to 1/2 cup, can contribute about 160 calories.
The other ingredients in a ground beef taco with cheese also contribute to the overall calorie count. A flour tortilla can range from 75 to 150 calories, while a corn tortilla typically contains 50 to 100 calories. Toppings like sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and refried beans add smaller amounts of calories, with one tablespoon of sour cream contributing 23 calories.
It's important to note that the calorie content of ground beef tacos with cheese can vary depending on the specific ingredients, their quantities, and the recipe used. The provided information offers a general idea of the calorie contribution of each ingredient, allowing for a better understanding of the overall calorie count of such a taco.
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Calories in cheese: 80-114 calories
The calorie count of a taco varies depending on its ingredients and their quantities. For example, a taco with a medium-sized taco shell, 2 oz. of 80-percent lean ground beef, and 1 oz. of cheddar cheese contains 326 calories, with the shell accounting for 59 calories, the beef for 153, and the cheese for 114.
The calorie count of cheese in a taco can vary from 80 to 114 calories, depending on the type of cheese and its quantity. For example, one source suggests that 1/4 cup of cheese contains about 80 calories, while another source states that 1/3 cup of mild cheddar shredded cheese contains 18 calories.
Cheese is a dairy product that is high in fat and calories. It is also a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus, which are essential for bone health. When consumed in moderation, cheese can be a nutritious part of a balanced diet. However, due to its high-calorie content, it may be wise to limit your portions if you are watching your weight.
In addition to cheese, other ingredients in a ground beef taco can contribute significantly to the overall calorie count. For example, the type of tortilla used can range from 50 to 150 calories, with flour tortillas typically containing more calories than corn tortillas. Sour cream, a common topping, adds about 23 calories per tablespoon. Finally, while they add few calories, refried beans, salsa, and tomatoes can boost the nutritional value of a taco by providing fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
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Calories in toppings: 1-23 calories
When it comes to toppings, you can add a variety of ingredients to your ground beef taco with cheese, each contributing a small number of calories. For example, one tablespoon of sour cream will add 23 calories to your taco. If you're looking for something lower in calories, consider using lighter toppings. Raw onion, for instance, adds only 5 calories per 1/2 cup chopped, while iceberg lettuce, red or cayenne pepper, black pepper, and fresh garlic cloves each contribute just 1 calorie in small amounts.
Spices and seasonings can also be used to enhance the flavour of your taco without adding significant calories. Oregano, cumin, salt, and chicken broth are examples of ingredients that will add virtually no calories to your taco.
If you're looking to bulk up your taco with some extra vegetables, chopped tomatoes and lettuce can be good options. While specific calorie counts for these toppings in the context of tacos were not readily available, they are generally low-calorie foods that can add volume and nutrients to your meal without significantly increasing the calorie count.
It's worth noting that the type of taco shell you choose will also impact the overall calorie count. Flour tortillas can range from 75 to 150 calories each, while corn tortillas typically fall between 50 and 100 calories.
So, depending on your preferences and choices of toppings, you can expect the calorie count of your ground beef taco with cheese to increase by anywhere from 1 to 23 calories per topping, with the potential for more if you add substantial portions of certain ingredients.
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Calories in a beef and cheese taco: 193-326 calories
The calorie count of a beef and cheese taco varies depending on the ingredients and their quantities. A taco with a medium-sized taco shell, 2 oz. of 80%-lean ground beef, and 1 oz. of cheddar cheese can contain 326 calories. The shell accounts for 59 calories, the beef for 153, and the cheese for 114.
The calorie count can be lowered by substituting certain ingredients with healthier alternatives. For example, a taco with a flour tortilla, 2.67 oz. of 93%-lean ground beef, 1/3 cup of mild cheddar cheese, and 0.33 tbsp of sour cream contains 193 calories. In this case, the tortilla accounts for 140 calories, the beef for 113, the cheese for 18, and the sour cream for 17.
Using corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas can also reduce the calorie count. Corn tortillas typically contain fewer calories, with a range of 50-100 calories per tortilla, while flour tortillas can contain up to 150 calories each.
It's important to note that the toppings and fillings can significantly impact the overall calorie count. For example, adding refried beans, salsa, and tomatoes will contribute minimal calories but add nutritional value with their fibre, minerals, and vitamins. On the other hand, sour cream can add around 23 calories per tablespoon.
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Frequently asked questions
The calorie count depends on the ingredients and their quantities. One source estimates that a taco made with a medium-sized taco shell, 2 oz. of 80-percent lean ground beef, and 1 oz. of cheddar cheese contains 326 calories. The shell accounts for 59 calories, the beef for 153, and the cheese for 114.
The calorie count can vary depending on the type and size of the tortilla, the amount and fat content of the ground beef, and the type and quantity of cheese used.
Yes, ground beef tacos with cheese are often served with toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, and refried beans, each of which can add a small number of calories to the overall count.
According to one source, the aforementioned taco containing 326 calories equates to approximately 15% of the daily recommended intake for the average adult. However, daily calorie intake recommendations can vary depending on individual needs and activity levels.
