Craving Taco Bell but don’t want to overindulge? You’re in luck! Because, believe it or not, Taco Bell is considered one of the healthiest fast food chains. Over the past few years, the chain has been working to create healthier options for eaters, including menu items with fewer calories and less sodium and fat.
Taco Bell also gives customers the power to customize most menu items to make dishes a bit healthier. The chain’s official website even provides ideas for what to order if you’re counting calories.
Before you hit the drive-thru, learn how to chow down on the healthiest food at Taco Bell. Here are the top options to order:
Power Menu Bowl
The Power Menu at Taco Bell consists of items that are packed with protein, giving you the flavorful boost you need to get through the day. Here’s the description according to the Taco Bell online menu: “Your choice of grilled chicken or steak, guacamole, reduced-fat sour cream, freshly prepared pico de gallo, seasoned black beans, crisp lettuce and seasoned rice, packed into a seriously powerful bowl.” (To make it vegetarian, you can sub meat for a double scoop of black beans.)
Bean Burrito
Need a quick boost of energy without sacrificing flavor or texture? Fuel up on protein and vitamins with Taco Bell’s longstanding bean burrito. Beans are full of protein, fiber and antioxidants, which makes the bean burrito a great option for a quick and healthy meal.
Don’t have time to hop in the car? Make your own black bean burritos at home.
7-Layer Burrito, Fresco Style
Ah, the classic 7-layer burrito. Refried beans, rice, guacamole, shredded lettuce, three-cheese blend, diced tomatoes, reduced-fat sour cream…all rolled into a warm, soft tortilla. And when you order it “Fresco style,” you replace the unhealthiest ingredients with pico de gallo—a blend of diced tomatoes, onions and cilantro—ultimately saving you calories and fat.
Soft Taco, Fresco Style
Load up on meaty goodness. Whether you opt for chicken or steak, you’ll still be able to enjoy delicious, nutritious Taco Bell tacos without the guilt. Protein, shredded lettuce and pico de gallo (if you get it Fresco style) on a warm, chewy tortilla…sounds and tastes like heaven. Recreate the magic at home with these chiles rellenos grilled chicken tacos or these grilled steak and onion tacos.
Mini Skillet Bowl
For just $1, you can enjoy a wholesome fast food breakfast. The mini skillet bowl is a simple medley of scrambled eggs, potatoes, pico de gallo and nacho cheese sauce. If you want to save a few calories, simply omit the cheese and add hot sauce for a zesty kick.
If you’re seeking healthful Mexican dishes to create at home, we recommend these tasty baked chicken fajitas, these guilt-free veggie bean tacos and these savory steak burritos.
P.S. Did you know Taco Bell’s first location was in San Bernadino, California and its original name was Bell’s Drive-In and Taco Tia? That’s just one of many fascinating facts about the chain.
Make These Tasty Taco Bell Copycat Recipes At Home
These hearty and zippy burritos can be whipped up in a jiffy. —Kimberly Hardison, Maitland, Florida
Try Our Recipe: Quick Bean and Rice Burritos
Don't plan on coming away with clean fingers after digging into these cheese fries! For a more authentic copycat, add some of this
homemade taco seasoning to your fries.
This is a really simple, tasty breakfast. It has been a mainstay for our mornings together as a family.—Jo Ferguson, Arnold, Missouri
Try Our Recipe: Breakfast Tacos
We serve these quesadillas as chili dippers or load them up with salsa and sour cream for a super starter. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado
Try Our Recipe: Cheesy Quesadillas
This mouthwatering chicken burrito recipe makes enough for two casseroles, so you can enjoy one today and freeze the other for a busy weeknight. They're super to have on hand for quick meals or to take to potlucks. —Sonya Nightingale, Burley, Idaho.
Try Our Recipe: Chicken Burritos
Ever wondered how to make guacamole? Just whip together this delicious blend of your favorite fresh ingredients.—Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Try Our Recipe: Homemade Guacamole
Just a handful of ingredients add up to one of our family’s favorites. Also easy to double for company! —Susan Brown, Kansas City, Kansas
Try Our Recipe: Black Bean and Beef Tostadas
I found this recipe in an old school cookbook, and I've taken it to many potlucks since then. The layers look so pretty in a glass bowl. —Sandy Fynaardt, New Sharon, Iowa
Try Our Recipe: Potluck Taco Salad
Burritos for breakfast? Why not! These zesty little handfuls will wake up your taste buds and start your day with a smile. And you can make and freeze them ahead, then just pop them into the microwave for a quick meal. —Linda Wells, St. Mary's, Georgia
Try Our Recipe: Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos
My family loves these tacos. The chicken filling cooks in the slow-cooker, so it’s convenient to throw it together before I leave for work. At the end of the day, I just have to roll it up in a soft taco shell with the remaining ingredients and dinner’s ready in minutes. The chicken also makes a great topping for salad. —Cheryl Newendorp, Pella, Iowa
Try Our Recipe: Chicken Soft Tacos
This zesty dip is great for any get-together and allows me to spend more time with my guests. I always have requests to bring it when my husband and I attend parties. —Sally Hull, Homestead, Florida
Try Our Recipe: Nacho Salsa Dip
I wanted an easy alternative to deep-fried chalupas, so I bake them with filling on top. —Magdalena Flores, Abilene, Texas
Try Our Recipe: Baked Chicken Chalupas
Zap one of these frozen burritos in the microwave and you'll stave off hunger all morning. This recipe is my family’s favorite combo, but I sometimes use breakfast sausage instead of bacon. —Audra Niederman, Aberdeen, South Dakota
Try Our Recipe: Egg Burrito
Zesty salsa and tender strips of steak make these traditional fajitas extra special. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
Try Our Recipe: Steak Fajitas
This chicken quesadilla recipe has an impressive look and taste with little preparation. The leftover chicken gets Mexican flair from cumin in this fun main dish. —Linda Wetzel, Woodland Park, Colorado
Try Our Recipe: Chicken Quesadillas
These burritos go from freezer to plate in minutes without the extra salt and chemicals of store brands. Make a batch for quick dinners or late-night snacks—or even breakfast! —Laura Winemiller, Delta, Pennsylvania
Try Our Recipe: Freezer Burritos
My mom gave me a fundraiser cookbook, and this is the recipe I’ve used most. My whole family is on board. For toppings, think sour cream, tomatoes, jalapeno and red onion. —Judy Hughes, Waverly, Kansas
Try Our Recipe: Skillet Nachos
I have a son who lives in Mexico, so we don’t see him very often. When I make these burritos, it feels as if he is right there at the table with us, inhaling them. —Marina Castle, Canyon Country, California
Try Our Recipe: Blue Ribbon Beefy Burritos
A taco seasoning made from scratch with pantry staples deliciously jazzes up ground beef, turning Tuesday night into an all-out fiesta. Add your favorite toppings, and dinner is served! —Rebecca Levesque, St. George, New Brunswick
Try Our Recipe: Tasty Tacos
After a busy day, this is a dish that I can get on the table fast. The recipe came about totally by accident: I started throwing things together and soon I had a winner! Everyone who has tried these burritos goes home with the recipe. —Amanda Alford, Hopedale, Illinois
Try Our Recipe: Cheese Beef Burritos
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Ceara Milligan
