Taco Bell's journey from its humble beginnings in 1962 to becoming a fast-food powerhouse is a testament to its adaptability and innovation. While the chain has evolved into a risk-taker, its early days were marked by a focus on fresh, simple offerings that set it apart from traditional burger joints. In the 1970s, Taco Bell's menu was a carefully curated selection of dishes that emphasized freshness and quality. Here's a deep dive into the menu items that defined Taco Bell's early years and the unique experiences they offered.
Green Burrito
The Green Burrito was a staple on the '70s menu, featuring a bean burrito with onion, shredded cheese, and green sauce. It also included fresh chili strips, adding a spicy kick to the dish. This burrito was a simple yet satisfying option, showcasing Taco Bell's commitment to fresh, flavorful ingredients.
Red Burrito
The Red Burrito, also known as the Bean Burrito, was a classic from the start. It was made with crushed chili peppers and red sauce, offering a mild heat that complemented the beans and cheese. This burrito was a popular choice, and its simplicity made it a go-to for customers.
Burrito Supreme
In 1975, Taco Bell introduced the Burrito Supreme, a more substantial version of the burrito. It was packed with beans, onion, cheese, and red sauce, along with seasoned beef, lettuce, tomato, and sour cream. The addition of sliced olives and the 'Supreme' label made it a standout, though the label now typically signifies a regular burrito with sour cream and tomato.
Enchirito
Trademarked in 1971, the Enchirito was a unique blend of enchilada and burrito. It featured beef, beans, and onions wrapped in a tortilla and topped with sauce, cheese, and olives. Despite its discontinuation in the early '90s, it remains a beloved memory for many fans, who have been calling for its return.
Tostada
The Tostada was a flat, crispy tortilla topped with beans, lettuce, cheese, and red sauce. It was a simple yet satisfying dish, and its discontinuation in 2020, along with a dozen other items, was a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tostada briefly returned as part of the 'Decades' Menu in 2024, bringing back fond memories for customers.
Frijoles
Frijoles, now known as Pintos N Cheese, was a side dish made with refried beans, cheese, and red sauce. It was prepared in-store with pinto beans cooked in a special sauce before blending smoothly. The modern version uses dehydrated beans, but the original method ensured a fresh, flavorful experience.
RC Cola
In the '70s, Taco Bell offered Royal Crown Cola, a refreshing drink that was a departure from the standard Coca-Cola or Pepsi products. While RC Cola is now hard to find, it remains a nostalgic choice for those who want to recreate a vintage Taco Bell meal.
Chili Burger/Bellburger
Taco Bell experimented with a burger-like sandwich, known as the Chili Burger or Bellburger. It was a Mexican-seasoned beef patty with lettuce and red sauce on a hamburger bun. Some sources mention a Surf and Turf Deluxe version with shrimp and tuna. The Bellburger was discontinued in the '90s, leaving a gap in the menu that many customers still mourn.
Cinnamon Crispas
Cinnamon Crispas were a dessert item introduced in 1979, featuring deep-fried flour tortilla chips heavily dusted in cinnamon and sugar. They were a sweet, crispy treat that resembled a dessert version of Doritos. Fans on social media have praised them over the modern Cinnamon Twists, highlighting the evolution of Taco Bell's dessert offerings.
Bellringing Special
This was a limited-time offer in 1974, providing a Tostada, a Bean Burrito, and a large drink for just $0.59. It was a great deal that showcased Taco Bell's value proposition and customer-centric approach.
Crunchy Taco
The Crunchy Taco, one of the original menu items, was only available in crunchy form in the '70s. It was filled with seasoned beef, cheese, and lettuce, and unlike today, it was sauced with Taco Bell red sauce. This classic taco was a staple on the menu and remains a beloved choice for customers.
Taco Bell's '70s menu was a carefully crafted selection of dishes that emphasized freshness, simplicity, and value. Each item offered a unique experience, setting the chain apart from its competitors and laying the foundation for its future success.
