Bring Back the Bell! Taco Bell Discontinued Menu Items We’re Still Dreaming About (With Copycat Recipes)

Taco Bell. The mere mention conjures up images of late-night cravings, cheesy gordita crunches, and the uniquely delicious flavors that only the Bell can deliver. But as much as we love their current offerings, let’s be honest: Taco Bell has a graveyard of discontinued items that haunt our dreams. These menu casualties, often gone too soon, left a Taco Bell-shaped hole in our hearts (and stomachs). So, let’s take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reminisce about the discontinued Taco Bell treasures we desperately want back, and, most importantly, equip you with copycat recipes to recreate them at home!

## Why Do Taco Bell Items Disappear?

Before we dive into the deliciousness of the past, let’s briefly address the elephant in the room: Why does Taco Bell discontinue items in the first place? There are several reasons, including:

* **Menu Simplification:** Taco Bell sometimes streamlines its menu to improve efficiency in the kitchen and reduce complexity for both staff and customers. This often means cutting items with slower prep times or less popular ingredients.
* **Ingredient Costs:** Fluctuations in ingredient prices can make certain items unprofitable. If a key ingredient becomes too expensive, Taco Bell might discontinue the item rather than raise the price significantly.
* **Limited-Time Offers (LTOs):** Many Taco Bell items are designed as limited-time offers to generate excitement and drive sales. These items are intentionally temporary.
* **Changing Consumer Preferences:** Tastes evolve, and Taco Bell needs to adapt to what customers want. Items that are no longer as popular might be removed to make way for new innovations.
* **Operational Efficiency:** Some items might simply be too difficult or time-consuming to prepare consistently across all locations.

Whatever the reason, the discontinuation of beloved menu items is always a blow to Taco Bell fans. So, let’s honor these fallen favorites with our culinary recreations!

## The Discontinued Taco Bell Hall of Fame (and How to Recreate Them)

Here are some of the most missed Taco Bell menu items, along with detailed copycat recipes so you can bring them back to life in your own kitchen:

### 1. The Enchirito

Ah, the Enchirito. A Taco Bell classic, featuring a soft flour tortilla filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, and cheddar cheese, smothered in a tangy red sauce. It was a simple yet satisfying dish that held a special place in many hearts. Its periodic returns fueled hope, only to be dashed again by its inevitable disappearance. No longer! You can make your own.

**Copycat Enchirito Recipe**

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 packet taco seasoning
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 6 large flour tortillas
* 1 (10-ounce) can enchilada sauce (mild or medium)
* Optional: Sour cream, chopped green onions, black olives for topping

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Beef:** In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. **Season the Beef:** Add the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water to the skillet. Stir well and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.
3. **Prepare the Filling:** Mix the cooked ground beef and chopped onion in a bowl.
4. **Assemble the Enchiritos:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Warm the tortillas slightly in a microwave or dry skillet to make them more pliable.
6. Spoon a generous amount of the ground beef mixture into the center of each tortilla.
7. Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef.
8. Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in a baking dish.
9. **Sauce and Cheese:** Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are fully covered.
10. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the sauce.
11. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is heated through.
12. **Serve:** Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Top with sour cream, chopped green onions, and black olives, if desired.

**Tips for Enchirito Perfection:**

* Use high-quality ground beef for the best flavor.
* Don’t overfill the tortillas, or they may tear when you roll them up.
* If you prefer a spicier Enchirito, use a medium or hot enchilada sauce, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture.
* For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with seasoned lentils or crumbled tofu.

### 2. The Mexican Pizza

The Mexican Pizza. A cultural icon, a culinary masterpiece. Two crispy flour tortillas layered with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, pizza sauce, melted cheese, and diced tomatoes. Its removal sparked outrage and online petitions. While it briefly returned, its uncertain future means we need to know how to DIY.

**Copycat Mexican Pizza Recipe**

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 packet taco seasoning
* 1 (15-ounce) can refried beans
* 1 (8-ounce) can pizza sauce
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
* 4 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
* 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
* Vegetable oil, for frying

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Beef:** In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. **Season the Beef:** Add the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water to the skillet. Stir well and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.
3. **Fry the Tortillas:** Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully fry each tortilla for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
4. **Assemble the Mexican Pizzas:**
5. Spread a thin layer of refried beans on one fried tortilla.
6. Top with half of the seasoned ground beef.
7. Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese.
8. Place the second fried tortilla on top of the cheese.
9. Spread with pizza sauce.
10. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack).
11. Top with diced tomatoes.
12. **Bake or Broil:**

* **Bake:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* **Broil:** Place the assembled Mexican pizzas on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
13. **Serve:** Let cool slightly before serving. Cut into wedges, if desired.

**Tips for Mexican Pizza Mastery:**

* Use pre-fried tortillas to save time, but frying them yourself will give you the crispiest results.
* Adjust the amount of cheese to your liking.
* Add a layer of guacamole or sour cream for extra flavor and creaminess.
* For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture or use a spicy pizza sauce.

### 3. The Caramel Apple Empanada

The Caramel Apple Empanada was a sweet treat that perfectly complemented the savory Taco Bell menu. A crispy, flaky pastry filled with warm, gooey caramel and diced apples. It was the ideal dessert to end your Taco Bell feast… until it vanished.

**Copycat Caramel Apple Empanada Recipe**

**Ingredients:**

* 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts
* 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
* 1/4 cup caramel sauce
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 tablespoon butter, melted
* 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Filling:** In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, caramel sauce, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well.
2. **Roll Out the Pie Crusts:** Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles from the pie crusts. You should get about 10-12 circles.
3. **Assemble the Empanadas:**
4. Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each pie crust circle.
5. Fold the pie crust in half over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
6. **Brush with Butter and Sugar:** Brush the tops of the empanadas with melted butter and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
7. **Bake:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. **Serve:** Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm.

**Tips for Empanada Excellence:**

* Use a variety of apples for a more complex flavor. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples all work well.
* Don’t overfill the empanadas, or the filling may leak out during baking.
* If you don’t have caramel sauce, you can make your own by melting caramels with a little milk or cream.
* For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling.

### 4. The Chili Cheese Burrito (Chilito)

The Chili Cheese Burrito, affectionately known as the Chilito, was a simple yet satisfying combination of chili and cheese wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. It was a budget-friendly favorite that many loyal Taco Bell customers sorely miss.

**Copycat Chili Cheese Burrito Recipe**

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (15-ounce) can chili (with or without beans, depending on your preference)
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 4 large flour tortillas

**Instructions:**

1. **Heat the Chili:** Heat the chili in a saucepan over medium heat, or in the microwave, until warmed through.
2. **Warm the Tortillas:** Warm the tortillas slightly in a microwave or dry skillet to make them more pliable.
3. **Assemble the Burritos:**
4. Spoon a generous amount of chili into the center of each tortilla.
5. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the chili.
6. Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then fold the bottom up and over the filling. Roll the burrito tightly.
7. **Serve:** Serve immediately. You can optionally grill the burritos for a few minutes on each side to warm through.

**Tips for Chilito Charm:**

* Use your favorite brand of chili. For a spicier burrito, use a chili with added peppers or spices.
* Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for extra flavor.
* If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer it for a few minutes longer to reduce the liquid.
* You can also add other fillings to the burrito, such as rice, beans, or guacamole.

### 5. The Cheesarito

Okay, so the Cheesarito *sometimes* makes a reappearance, but its fleeting appearances only make us want it more. It’s a simple combination of melted cheese and onions wrapped in a soft tortilla, but it’s a comfort food classic for many. Its simplicity is its genius. And you can have it anytime!

**Copycat Cheesarito Recipe**

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped white onion
* 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened (optional, for extra creaminess)
* 4 small flour tortillas

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, and softened cream cheese (if using). Mix well.
2. **Warm the Tortillas:** Warm the tortillas slightly in a microwave or dry skillet to make them more pliable.
3. **Assemble the Cheesaritos:**
4. Spoon a generous amount of the cheese mixture into the center of each tortilla.
5. Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then fold the bottom up and over the filling. Roll the burrito tightly.
6. **Microwave (Optional):** If you want the cheese to be extra melty, microwave the cheesaritos for 15-20 seconds.
7. **Serve:** Serve immediately.

**Tips for Cheesarito Bliss:**

* Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best flavor and meltiness.
* Finely chop the onion so it’s evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
* The cream cheese adds a creamy texture, but it’s optional. If you don’t have cream cheese, you can skip it.
* For a spicier Cheesarito, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.

### 6. Bell Burger

Before Taco Bell focused solely on Mexican-inspired cuisine, they dared to venture into burger territory with the Bell Burger. While short-lived, this burger was a unique offering with its own distinct flavor profile, featuring taco-seasoned ground beef, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and a special sauce. It disappeared, leaving many wondering why the Bell abandoned the burger game.

**Copycat Bell Burger Recipe**

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 packet taco seasoning
* 4 hamburger buns
* 4 slices American cheese
* 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
* 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
* Bell Burger Sauce (see recipe below)

**Bell Burger Sauce:**

* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons ketchup
* 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
* 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Bell Burger Sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the Bell Burger Sauce. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. **Cook the Beef:** In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and taco seasoning. Mix well. Form the mixture into 4 patties.
3. Cook the beef patties in a skillet over medium-high heat, or on a grill, until cooked through. Top each patty with a slice of American cheese during the last minute of cooking to allow the cheese to melt.
4. **Assemble the Bell Burgers:**
5. Spread a generous amount of Bell Burger Sauce on the bottom bun.
6. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and the cooked beef patty with melted cheese.
7. Place the top bun on top.
8. **Serve:** Serve immediately.

**Tips for Bell Burger Brilliance:**

* Use a good quality ground beef for the best flavor.
* Don’t overcook the patties, or they will be dry.
* Adjust the amount of Bell Burger Sauce to your liking.
* For a spicier burger, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef patties or the Bell Burger Sauce.

### 7. Volcano Menu Items (Volcano Taco, Volcano Burrito, Lava Sauce)

The Volcano Menu, with its fiery Lava Sauce, was a favorite for those who craved some serious heat. The Volcano Taco and Volcano Burrito delivered a punch of flavor that was both delicious and intensely spicy. The Lava Sauce itself was the star, a creamy, cheesy concoction with a serious kick. Its disappearance left spice lovers yearning for its return.

**Copycat Lava Sauce Recipe**

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 1/4 cup pickled jalapeño juice
* 2 tablespoons diced pickled jalapeños
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
* Pinch of salt

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the Lava Sauce. Mix well.
2. **Refrigerate:** Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. **Use:** Use the Lava Sauce on tacos, burritos, nachos, or anything else you want to add a spicy kick to.

**To Recreate Volcano Menu Items:**

* **Volcano Taco:** Use the Lava Sauce in place of regular sauce on a Crunchy Taco.
* **Volcano Burrito:** Use the Lava Sauce in place of regular sauce in a Beefy Fritos Burrito or similar burrito.

**Tips for Volcanic Victory:**

* Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level of the Lava Sauce.
* Use high-quality pickled jalapeños for the best flavor.
* The Lava Sauce will thicken slightly as it sits in the refrigerator.
* If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can substitute regular paprika, but the smoked paprika adds a unique smoky flavor.

## A Final Plea to Taco Bell

Taco Bell, we love you. We appreciate your innovation and your commitment to bringing us delicious and affordable Mexican-inspired food. But please, consider bringing back some of these discontinued menu items! We know we’re not the only ones who miss them. Until then, we’ll be busy in our kitchens, recreating these classics and keeping the Taco Bell spirit alive. And for those of you reading, now you know how to recreate some Taco Bell magic yourself at home!

So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking and relive those Taco Bell memories. Let us know in the comments which discontinued menu item you miss the most!