Taco Bell's journey from its humble beginnings in 1962 to becoming a fast-food powerhouse is a testament to its ability to evolve and innovate. While the chain has become synonymous with experimental dishes like tacos with fried eggs as shells and burritos with cayenne popping candy, its early days were marked by a focus on fresh, simple fare. In the 1970s, Taco Bell was dubbed 'The Fresh Food Place', emphasizing its commitment to making everything in-house, from refried beans to even pressure-cooking them on-site. This dedication to freshness set it apart from traditional fast-food chains, which often relied on frozen or pre-made ingredients. The menu from this era was limited but carefully curated to provide a unique and tasty experience. Here's a deep dive into the Taco Bell menu items that defined the '70s, each with a unique twist on what we know today.
Green Burrito
The Green Burrito was a bean burrito with a twist. It featured onion, shredded cheese, and a unique green sauce, which was a departure from the verde sauce sometimes found in sauce packets today. Fresh chili strips added a kick, making it a favorite among early Taco Bell enthusiasts. This burrito was a testament to the chain's early focus on fresh, flavorful ingredients.
Red Burrito
The Red Burrito, also known as the Bean Burrito, was a staple since 1962. It was made with crushed chili peppers, offering a milder heat compared to the Green Burrito. This burrito showcased Taco Bell's signature red sauce, which has become an iconic part of their menu.
Burrito Supreme
In 1975, Taco Bell introduced the Burrito Supreme, a premium version of the burrito. It was loaded with beans, onion, cheese, and red sauce, topped with seasoned beef, lettuce, tomato, and sour cream. Sliced olives were a common addition, adding a Mediterranean touch to the dish. The 'Supreme' label has endured, but it now typically signifies a burrito with sour cream and tomato.
Enchirito
Patented in 1971, the Enchirito was a unique blend of enchilada and burrito. It featured beef, beans, and onions wrapped in a tortilla, covered in sauce, cheese, and olives. Despite its discontinuation in the early '90s, fans have been vocal about its return, and a brief revival in 2022 only to be pulled after two weeks, leaving a void in the menu that many are still longing to fill.
Tostada
The Tostada was a crispy, flat tortilla topped with beans, lettuce, cheese, and red sauce. It was a simple yet satisfying dish, and while it has been discontinued, it briefly returned as part of the 'Decades' Menu in 2024, reminding us of its place in Taco Bell's history.
Frijoles
Frijoles, now known as Pintos N Cheese, was a side dish of refried beans with cheese and red sauce. Made with pinto beans cooked in a special sauce and blended smoothly, it was a labor of love. Today, Taco Bell uses dehydrated refried beans, a far cry from the fresh, homemade version of the '70s.
RC Cola
In the '70s, Taco Bell offered Royal Crown Cola, a refreshing drink that has since been replaced by Pepsi products after the chain's acquisition by PepsiCo in 1978. While RC Cola is now hard to find, it remains a nostalgic favorite for those who want to recreate a vintage Taco Bell experience.
Chili Burger/Bellburger
Taco Bell experimented with a burger-like sandwich, the Chili Burger, which was more of a Sloppy Joe. It featured Mexican-seasoned beef, lettuce, and red sauce on a hamburger bun. A Surf and Turf Deluxe version, with shrimp and tuna, was rumored but never officially released. The Bellburger, as it was also known, was discontinued in the '90s, leaving a void in the menu that many still mourn.
Cinnamon Crispas
A late addition to the '70s menu, Cinnamon Crispas were deep-fried flour tortilla chips heavily dusted in cinnamon and sugar. It was a dessert-like snack, similar to a dessert version of Doritos. Despite its short-lived popularity, fans on social media have praised it, suggesting that it was ahead of its time.
Bellringing Special
Taco Bell's early dollar menus were a steal, and the Bellringing Special was no exception. Introduced in 1974, it offered a Tostada, a Bean Burrito, and a large drink for just $0.59. This combo showcased the chain's commitment to providing value without compromising on taste.
Crunchy Taco
The Crunchy Taco, a staple on the menu today, was a crunchy taco filled with seasoned beef, cheese, and lettuce. In the '70s, it was sauced with Taco Bell's red sauce, adding a unique flavor profile. This classic dish has remained a fan favorite, evolving over the years but retaining its essence.
In the '70s, Taco Bell's menu was a blend of simplicity and innovation, offering a fresh and tasty experience that set it apart from its competitors. From the Green Burrito to the Bellringing Special, each item tells a story of the chain's early focus on quality and customer satisfaction. As Taco Bell continues to evolve, these '70s menu items remind us of its rich history and its commitment to providing a unique dining experience.
