The Rumors Are True: Taco Bell Is Bringing Back Its Mexican Pizza
A devastating wrong is finally being righted. Taco Bell's beloved Mexican Pizza will once again be back on store menus in April or May of 2022, says food blogger Markie_devo on Instagram. Cue lines around the corner. People have been missing their Mexican Pizzas something fierce!
Although pizza might seem like a stretch for a Mexican fast food joint, Taco Bell's gained a cult following quickly after its 1985 introduction (via YouTube). Per The Takeout, the fan reaction was swift and furious regarding the cancellation of the Mexican Pizza, which consisted of seasoned ground beef and refried beans sandwiched between two crisp "pizza shell" tostadas (via Taco Bell). All that yum is covered up in diced tomatoes, a three-cheese blend, and a pizza sauce that's delightfully spicy. The original version (made without beef) is even American Vegetarian Associated certified; it's easy to see why this dish was so popular.
As a result, there has been much speculation about a potential Mexican Pizza comeback ever since its November 2020 cancellation. Now that we have an answer to that age-old question, it's time to rediscover the Taco Bell Mexican Pizza, 2022-style.
Exciting developments for Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza
Although a classic Mexican Pizza option is a sure thing, Taco Bell is reportedly taking the new incarnation one step further. Rumor has it that a range of new and improved versions will be on the menu, including a "double cheesy" version, one that includes spicy chorizo, and another with bacon/ranch influences (via Living Más). A dessert option may also make an appearance.
The current Taco Bell online menu gives guests a peek at how they'll be able to customize the 530-calorie classic, which retails for $3.89. In particular, there's a lot of protein-related wiggle room, as the order can feature no beef, extra beef, steak, chicken, beans, and/or black beans. Add-ons including jalapeño peppers and seasoned rice, as well as a ton of sauce options, spice up the deal.
The Mexican Pizza will also reportedly come in a new carrier, as the unsustainable original packaging was reportedly one of the reasons it was discontinued in the first place. So think of it as a greener, if not leaner, take on the classic.
The rumors about the Mexican pizza's return are rampant
Sadly for impatient consumers, there are still months to go before Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza is once again available for purchase. In fact, Taco Bell itself has yet to confirm its return. Still, fan site Living Mas reports that several "credible sources," including an anonymous tipster with "verified connections to Taco Bell corporate employees," told the site to expect a return date of mid-to-late April.
Yet another source includes a subreddit that claims that the only holdup is the supply chain. Were it not for this ongoing headache, fans could be noshing on Mexican Pizzas much sooner! However, the most impressive of all of the sources is a leaked video that Living Mas says features a high-ranking Taco Bell exec confirming the pizza's comeback tour at a recent convention.
Leaks are usually considered a bad thing, but something tells us Taco Bell isn't unhappy about the buzz this one has generated.
The Mexican Pizza isn't the only wishy-washy Taco Bell item
Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza isn't the only menu item to disappear from the menu, only to later reemerge to much fanfare. In fact, Taco Bell seems to bank on the idea that consumers are especially drawn to the chain if they're in pursuit of something with limited availability.
One of the most successful examples of Taco Bell's ability to ebb and flow is its ultra-popular Nacho Fries, which debuted in 2018. The seasoned fries, which are served with nacho cheese sauce, are regularly pulled and added back to the menu under the guise of being a "limited run."
The fast-food joint also ruffled some feathers when it announced in 2020 that all dishes containing potatoes would be pulled from the menu. In 2021, however, the chain announced that many of its potato items would return to the Taco Bell menu. Apparently, they were only axed in the first place as part of a pandemic-related pivot, which saw the chain implement a simplified menu to deal with reduced staffing and drive-thru only service. But now, the chain is re-upping dishes with potatoes, including the beloved Potato-rito.
2021 also saw the return of Taco Bell's Quesalupa after a five-year absence. That's a long time to expect someone to survive without a quesadilla/chalupa mashup!