Taco Bueno is a popular Tex-Mex fast food chain that serves tacos, burritos, quesadillas and other Mexican-inspired dishes. One of the top questions customers have is what exactly is in the meat served at Taco Bueno. This article will take an in-depth look at the ingredients in Taco Bueno’s taco meat, ground beef, chicken and other meat products.
Taco Meat Ingredients
The primary protein in Taco Bueno’s taco meat is ground beef. According to the company’s website, the seasoned taco meat contains the following ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Water
- Seasoning [dextrose, salt, corn flour, spice, hydrolyzed corn protein, onion powder, yeast extract, garlic powder, natural flavors]
- Tomato paste
- Oats
- Soybean oil
- Spices
- Chili pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Sugar
- Salt
- Corn flour
- Autolyzed yeast extract
- Citric acid
- Dextrose
- Disodium inosinate & guanylate
- Sodium phosphates
The primary ingredients are the ground beef and seasoning blend. The beef provides the bulk of the protein while the seasonings add flavor. The seasoning contains common taco spices like chili pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. It also contains other ingredients like sugar, salt, corn flour and yeast extract to enhance the flavor. Hydrolyzed corn protein and autolyzed yeast extract act as flavor enhancers. Overall, the seasonings provide the signature Taco Bueno taco meat flavor.
Ground Beef
The type of ground beef used in Taco Bueno’s taco meat is not specified. Typically fast food chains use beef trimmings from various cuts of beef to make their ground beef. This helps keep costs down while still providing sufficient fat content and flavor. The ground beef used in Taco Bueno’s taco meat likely comes from trimmings of chuck, round, sirloin and brisket cuts.
Water
Water is added to the ground beef, likely when forming the meat into the proper consistency and shape for the taco meat. The water helps bind and soften the meat. It allows the seasonings to be evenly distributed throughout the meat as well.
Tomato Paste
Tomato paste adds deeper, richer tomato flavor and color to the taco meat. It also thickens and binds the mixture.
Oats
Oats are commonly added as a filler and binder to meats like burger patties and taco meat. The oats soak up juices and help hold the meat together for a uniform, consistent texture.
Soybean Oil
A small amount of soybean oil is used in Taco Bueno’s taco meat. Oil helps keep the meat moist and tender during cooking. It also allows for even browning.
Seasoning Blend
The proprietary seasoning blend is what gives Taco Bueno taco meat its signature flavor. It contains spices and flavorings commonly used in Tex-Mex cuisine like garlic powder, onion powder, chili pepper and cumin. Dextrose (glucose) and salt enhance flavor while yeast extract adds a meaty, umami taste. The seasonings come together to give the taco meat its distinctive spicy, savory and slightly sweet flavor profile.
Ground Beef for Other Menu Items
In addition to the taco meat, Taco Bueno uses ground beef as the protein in some of its other menu items like burritos, nachos and quesadillas. While the company doesn’t provide the exact ingredients for the ground beef used in these other items, it’s likely similar to the taco meat.
The ground beef is probably seasoned differently compared to the taco meat. Burritos, for example, feature bold Mexican-inspired flavors like chili con carne. So the beef used in the burritos likely has more traditional taco spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika and cayenne pepper added to it.
Burritos
Taco Bueno burritos like the Classic Burrito and Chili Cheese Burrito are made with a base of seasoned ground beef. Onions, chili con carne and refried beans are additions that vary by burrito. The ground beef provides savory, beefy flavor to balance the other ingredients.
Nachos
For nachos, Taco Bueno starts with corn chips and tops them with ground beef, refried beans, cheese sauce, pico de gallo, guacamole, jalapeños and other toppings. The ground beef is spiced with traditional taco seasonings. Its rich, hearty flavor pairs nicely with the cheese, beans, salsa and guacamole.
Quesadillas
Taco Bueno’s quesadillas are made with melted cheese, onions and a choice of ground beef or shredded chicken in a grilled flour tortilla. The ground beef provides a nice contrast to the melted cheese and onions. It gives the quesadilla a hit of savory, meaty flavor.
Chicken
In addition to ground beef, Taco Bueno uses chicken as a protein option in some of its menu offerings. The company prepares its chicken in several different ways:
- Shredded chicken
- Grilled chicken
- Crispy chicken
Shredded Chicken
Taco Bueno uses shredded chicken in certain products like quesadillas, salads and rice bowls. According to the ingredients list, the shredded chicken contains:
- Chicken breast with rib meat
- Water
- Seasoning [modified food starch, salt, chili pepper, sugar, spices, onion powder, garlic powder, yeast extract, maltodextrin, natural flavor]
- Sodium phosphates
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the likely cut of chicken used. After cooking, the chicken is shredded and combined with water and a proprietary seasoning blend. The natural chicken flavor is enhanced by common spices like garlic powder, onion powder and chili pepper. The shredded chicken has a juicy, tender and flavorful consistency perfect for quesadillas, burritos and other Taco Bueno menu items.
Grilled Chicken
Taco Bueno uses grilled chicken for items like its Chicken Soft Taco and Chicken Fajita Taco. The grilled chicken offers a smoky, charbroiled flavor. It’s likely marinated in oil and taco-style seasonings before being grilled. The grilled chicken provides a hearty protein option and a nice contrast to the other taco ingredients like salsa, cheese and lettuce.
Crispy Chicken
For dishes like its Chicken Bowl, Taco Bueno breads and fries chicken until it’s crispy. The crispy chicken provides a crunchy texture and is tossed in or topped with savory sauces. It’s an alternative to the soft, tender textures of the shredded and grilled chicken.
Other Meats
In addition to ground beef and chicken, Taco Bueno incorporates other meat proteins into select menu items:
Chorizo
Spicy Mexican chorizo sausage is used in menu items like the Breakfast Burrito and Bowl. The salty, seasoned pork sausage provides bold spicy flavor.
Bacon
Smoky bacon bits add crunch and rich, meaty flavor as toppings on items like salads, bowls and stuffed grilled tacos.
Steak
Grilled steak is an option for Taco Bueno’s fajita tacos. Thinly sliced marinated steak is grilled and layered over grilled peppers and onions, providing hearty, robust flavor to the fajitas.
Quality and Safety Standards
Taco Bueno meets federal food safety and quality standards with its taco meats and other proteins:
- The ground beef is regularly tested to verify it meets federal microbiological standards for ground meat.
- Meats are sourced from inspected and approved suppliers.
- Food preparation and handling follows guidelines for safe food temperatures, sanitization, employee health and hygiene.
- Restaurants must pass third-party food safety inspections and audits.
- Ingredients and nutritional information are provided on the company website and menus.
Taco Bueno states on its website that all menu items are made fresh daily in each restaurant with quality ingredients. The company strives to provide great-tasting, safe food using transparent business processes and food standards.
Nutrition Information
The taco meat and other proteins at Taco Bueno offer nutritional value:
- Good source of protein needed for building and repairing muscle tissue.
- Provides vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, B vitamins.
- Beef is an excellent source of heart-healthy conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).
- Chicken is high in niacin, selenium, vitamin B6.
Of course, the nutritional profile can vary based on cooking methods, added oils or seasonings and portion size. In general, the meats at Taco Bueno provide protein, vitamins and minerals. However, the tacos, burritos and nachos should still be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.
Nutrition Facts
Here is a sample nutrition label for Taco Bueno’s Classic Taco with seasoned ground beef:
| Nutrition Facts |
|---|
| Serving size 1 taco (117g) |
| Calories 250 |
| Total Fat 12g |
| Saturated Fat 4.5g |
| Trans Fat 0g |
| Cholesterol 45mg |
| Sodium 430mg |
| Total Carbohydrates 22g |
| Dietary Fiber 3g |
| Sugars 2g |
| Protein 12g |
As shown, one taco contains about 250 calories, 22 grams of carbohydrates and 12 grams of protein. There is significant fat content from the ground beef, cheese and oil used for frying the taco shell. The taco also provides dietary fiber, but is moderate to high in sodium. Overall, the nutrition will depend on the ingredients used in a particular menu item.
Ingredients Summary
Taco Bueno uses quality ingredients to make its taco meat, chicken, steak and other proteins. Here is a quick summary:
- Taco meat – Ground beef, water, seasoning blend with spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder
- Ground beef – Ground chuck, sirloin, brisket, round; seasoned
- Shredded chicken – Chicken breast, water, seasoning blend
- Grilled chicken – Whole chicken breasts, oil, seasonings
- Crispy chicken – Breaded, fried chicken breast
- Chorizo – Mexican-style fresh pork sausage
- Bacon – Pork cured with water, salt, sugar, smoke flavoring
- Steak – Flank, skirt or flap meat, marinated and grilled
The ingredients help provide the delicious flavors in Taco Bueno’s tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos and other menu offerings. The proteins are lean, high-quality and seasoned to perfection.
Conclusion
Taco Bueno uses a mix of quality ingredients to make the taco meat, chicken and other proteins used at their restaurants. The main item is the signature seasoned taco meat made from ground beef, water, tomato paste and proprietary taco spices. Other proteins like shredded chicken and grilled steak are also prepared with care to enhance flavors. While the Taco Bueno menu should still be enjoyed in moderation, customers can feel good knowing the meats are made with real, wholesome ingredients.