There’s nothing quite like a Taco Bell meal to satisfy your cravings. But sometimes, you don’t have access to a Taco Bell, and you need something as close as possible in taste and texture.
If that’s the case, then look no further than these fantastic substitutes for Taco Bell!
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the best alternatives to satisfying your craving without leaving home.
best taco bell substitutions
1. Taco Salad
For a healthier spin on the classic Taco Bell dish, try whipping up your own at home.
You can start by sautéing some onions and bell peppers in olive oil until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
Then add in ground beef or turkey and cook until it is no longer pink. Add 1/2 cup of tomato sauce and a few tablespoons of taco seasoning, then simmer until everything is hot and bubbly.
To assemble the salad, layer lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, avocado slices, corn chips, and the beef mixture into individual bowls or plates.
Serve with your favorite salsa or dressing on top.
2. Burrito Bowls
Burrito bowls are another tasty alternative to your go-to Mexican craving spot.
Start by cooking your favorite grain (quinoa works well) according to package directions.
While the grain cooks, prepare all other ingredients like beans (black beans work best), peppers and onions (diced small), diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, cooked chicken (optional), and any other toppings you like, such as olives or jalapenos.
Layer these ingredients in individual bowls with the cooked grain on the bottom, followed by beans, vegetables, and protein sources like chicken or steak strips before topping with cheese and any additional toppings you desire.
Serve hot with sour cream or guacamole if desired!
3. Quesadillas
Quesadillas make an excellent substitution if you’re craving something cheesy like those quesadilla melts from Taco Bell but don’t want all the fat and calories that come along with them!
Quesadillas can be made either in a skillet or on a panini press, depending on preference—both methods work great!
To make this, you can start by layering shredded cheese onto one half of a flour tortilla.
Followed by diced tomatoes, cooked chicken strips (optional), and any other desired ingredients, such as olives or jalapenos, before folding over the empty side of the tortilla to create a pocket for all of the fillings to stay inside while cooking.
Heat either a skillet over medium heat with some oil added OR preheat the panini press before adding the quesadilla to cook until golden brown on each side, then serve with salsa!
4. Mexican-Style Rice With Seasoning Packet
If you are searching for an easy yet tasty substitute for Taco Bell, Mexican-style rice with a seasoning packet is the way to go.
This dish is incredibly simple and quick to make, only requiring minutes of preparation time.
All you need is white or brown rice (or a mix of both), a seasoning packet (available at most grocery stores), and some water or broth.
Simply cook your rice according to the instructions on the package, and then add in the seasoning packet while constantly stirring until it’s cooked through.
Serve with beans, cheese, avocado slices, and sour cream if desired.
5. Taco Salad Bowls
Another great alternative is taco salad bowls.
These are easy and fun to assemble at home using whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Jjust throw together some lettuce or greens, black beans or refried beans, diced tomatoes, cheese, and any other toppings you want (such as bell peppers or jalapenos).
Top off with your favorite dressing, and there you have it – a delicious meal that tastes just like it arrived from Taco Bell!
6. Taco Pizza
Finally, if you want something a little more indulgent than rice or salad bowls but still reminiscent of Taco Bell flavors, why not try making taco pizza?
First, heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before spreading out store-bought pizza dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Top with salsa and shredded cheese before adding black beans and any other desired toppings, such as onions or bell peppers.
Bake for about 20 minutes till golden brown before slicing into pieces and serving warm. It’s sure to be a hit!
7. Chicken Fajitas
Chicken fajitas are a great alternative to Taco Bell tacos because they offer all the same flavors without all the carbs and calories.
All you need is chicken breasts or thighs, bell peppers, onion, garlic, and your favorite taco seasoning.
Slice up the chicken and vegetables, then sauté them in a skillet until they’re cooked through. Serve with warm tortillas or over rice for an easy dinner that will satisfy any craving.
8. Baked Burritos
Baked burritos are an easy and healthy substitute for Taco Bell burritos.
Simply stuff your favorite burrito fillings into large flour tortillas with some cheese and salsa, then wrap it up tightly before baking in the oven at 350°F for 25 minutes (or until everything is heated through).
Distribute it with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top for extra flavor.
9. Chickpea Tacos
Chickpea tacos are another great substitution if you’re looking for something lighter than traditional ground beef tacos from Taco Bell.
You can simply mix cooked chickpeas with some taco seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder before heating in a skillet until everything is combined and heated through.
Serve in warm corn tortillas topped with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cheese for a delicious vegetarian meal everyone will love!
10. Nacho Cheese Dip & Chips
If you’re just looking for something crunchy to snack on while watching your favorite show (perhaps reruns of The Chappelle Show?), why not make nacho cheese dip & chips?
This dish requires no cooking—all you need is one package of shredded cheese (cheddar will do), one can of diced tomatoes (with green chilies if desired), one can of refried beans, and some chips or nachos to scoop it all up with!
Just heat everything together in the microwave until melted together; serve warm right out of the bowl!
11. Enchiladas Verdes
Nothing says Mexican food like enchiladas Verdes—and this recipe makes them even better than any takeout version from Taco Bell could ever be!
First, U need to preheat your oven to 350°F.
Then combining cooked chicken breast chunks (or tofu cubes!) into a mixture of salsa verde (or green enchilada sauce), cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cilantro, jalapeños (if desired!).
Spread half of this mixture onto one side of each of four 10-inch flour tortillas; roll up tightly, then place seam down onto a greased baking dish.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes until golden brown; top with remaining sauce mixture before serving hot! Enjoy!
12. Home-Made Tacos
Whether you use store bought or homemade taco shells, fill them with ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and your favorite salsa.
This is healthier than going to Taco Bell and can be made in the comfort of your own home, so you know exactly what ingredients you’re consuming.
13. Burritos
Burritos are another classic dish that can easily be made at home and rival anything from Taco Bell.
Layer refried beans, cooked rice, cheese, cooked ground beef, or shredded chicken with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa into a large flour tortilla wrap.
If desired, top with guacamole or sour cream before rolling up tightly, and enjoy!
14. Nachos
A favorite dish of people everywhere, nachos make an excellent substitute for Taco Bell when done right!
Start by spreading chips onto a baking sheet or oven-safe plate, then pile on melted cheese (cheddar or pepper jack work great).
Followed by cooked ground beef or shredded chicken and any other toppings you enjoy, such as jalapenos or olives.
Bake until everything is hot and bubbly, then serve with salsa and sour cream on the side for dipping!
15. Taquitos
You can make taquitos at home by filling corn tortillas with cooked ground beef or shredded chicken along with diced onions and bell peppers, plus plenty of melted cheese.
Roll up each tortilla tightly, then place seam side down onto lined baking sheets before baking until crispy (about 15 minutes).
Serve with salsa and sour cream as desired!
16. Enchiladas
Last but not least are enchiladas which are basically rolled tacos filled with meaty goodness.
Plus, plenty of melted cheese, all wrapped up in soft corn tortillas before being topped off with your favorite enchilada sauce, such as red chile sauce (or store-bought), before baking in the oven until hot throughout (about 20 minutes).
Top off these tasty treats with more melted cheese before serving alongside Spanish rice if desired!
Conclusion on taco bell substitutions
When faced with an urge to eat Taco Bell food but unable to find one nearby, there are many options available that can help satisfy your craving without leaving home!
Whether it’s Mexican-style rice with seasoning packets, taco salad bowls, or taco pizza – each will be sure to offer up an enjoyable experience that will leave you satisfied without having stepped away from home!
So next time, when yearning for something similar to what’s served at Taco Bell, be sure to give these options a try as they offer up delicious meals full of flavor that won’t break the bank!
FAQs on taco bell substitutions
Q1. Can you make substitutions at Taco Bell?
Yes, Taco Bell offers a variety of substitutions and modifications to customize your order. You can swap out ingredients such as proteins, veggies, toppings, and sauces to create a meal that is tailored to your specific dietary preferences or tastes.
For example, you can switch out beef for chicken, lettuce for tomatoes, mild sauce for hot sauce, etc. Taco Bell also offers several vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options that can be customized to your liking.
If you have food allergies or intolerances, make sure to let the cashier know when ordering so they can ensure your meal is prepared safely. With all of these options available, there’s something for everyone at Taco Bell!
Finally, avoid deep-fried options like nachos and opt for dishes such as the Power Menu Bowl instead. With these substitutions in mind, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals at Taco Bell!
Q2. Can you substitute potatoes for meat at Taco Bell?
At Taco Bell, there is no direct substitution for meat in most of the menu items. However, you can customize many of their menu items to include potatoes instead of meat. For example, the “Potato Soft Tacos” can be ordered with potatoes as a substitute for chicken or steak.
Additionally, the loaded nachos and burritos can be ordered with potatoes instead of beef or chicken.
Additionally, Taco Bell offers a variety of vegetarian options, such as 7-Layer Burritos, Veggie Power Burritos, and Black Bean Crunchwrap Supremes. Many of these are customizable to include potatoes in place of meat.
