Taco Bell is serving up a taste of 2016 with the nationwide return of four nostalgic favorites, including the Naked Chicken Chalupa, Beefy Crunch Burrito, Meximelt and Caramel Apple Empanada.

The limited-time lineup, officially called the Decades #TBTB Menu, arrived at participating Taco Bell restaurants nationwide on August 20. It marks the third installment of the chain’s Decades Menu campaign, which brings discontinued and memorable items back for another run.

Four familiar favorites return

Leading the 2016-inspired menu is the Naked Chicken Chalupa. Instead of a traditional tortilla, the item uses a crispy, seasoned all-white-meat chicken shell filled with cheddar cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes and Avocado Ranch Sauce.

The Naked Chicken Chalupa is priced at a suggested $5.99. It is also included in a $9 Discovery Luxe Box with a Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito, Crunchy Taco, chips and nacho cheese sauce, and a medium fountain drink.

Also returning is the Beefy Crunch Burrito, a longtime fan favorite filled with seasoned beef, seasoned rice, reduced-fat sour cream, nacho cheese sauce and Flamin’ Hot Fritos. The burrito carries a suggested price of $2.79.

The Meximelt is back as well, combining seasoned beef, pico de gallo and a melted three-cheese blend inside a soft flour tortilla. Its suggested price is $2.99.

For dessert, Taco Bell has revived the Caramel Apple Empanada. The crispy pastry features warm apple pieces and caramel filling and is available for a suggested $2.99.

More than a menu revival

Taco Bell is leaning heavily into mid-2010s nostalgia beyond the food. The company is partnering with Anti Social Social Club, screen-free digital camera company Camp Snap and Divine, a six-second looping video platform inspired by the spirit of Vine.

On August 25, Taco Bell Rewards members will have an opportunity to enter a limited-time Tuesday Drop sweepstakes featuring 500 “2016 Starter Packs.” Each package includes a flannel shirt, cap and Camp Snap point-and-shoot digital camera.

Rewards members can also participate in an in-app scavenger hunt offering exclusive deals over three weeks, with a new offer scheduled each week between August 25 and September 14.

“For decades, Taco Bell has been woven into the lives of our fans, and there’s something special about revisiting the moments and experiences that made 2016 distinctly memorable,” Taco Bell North America Chief Marketing Officer Luis Restrepo said in the company’s announcement.

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Available for a limited time

The four returning items are available at participating U.S. Taco Bell restaurants for a limited time and while supplies last. Prices and participation may vary by location, and delivery orders may cost more.

For longtime customers, the promotion offers another opportunity to revisit some familiar flavors. For younger diners, it is a chance to discover why items such as the Beefy Crunch Burrito and Caramel Apple Empanada developed such loyal followings.

Which returning Taco Bell favorite would you order first? Let us know in the comments, and subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for more food, restaurant and consumer news.

Source: Taco Bell Corp. press release, August 18, 2026.

Taco Bell Newsroom: Taco Bell Brings the 2016 Vibes Back to Fans Nationwide With Decades #TBTB Menu

Related links

• Taco Bell Official Website
• Taco Bell Rewards Program
• Taco Bell Mobile App
• Taco Bell Rewards Drops
• Divine Announces Public Launch and Taco Bell Collaboration

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(Feature Impact) Hectic school mornings get much easier when breakfast is already waiting in the fridge or freezer. These Healthy Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos can be assembled in advance, frozen individually and easily reheated for quick, filling meals to keep your family going through the day.

Eggs, cheese and black beans supply protein to fuel kids for gym class or sports, while vegetables, beans and whole-grain tortillas add complex carbohydrates and fiber to stave off hunger until lunch. Breakfast burritos also make for a hearty, grab-and-go option for adults heading off to work.

One of the best things about homemade breakfast burritos is how easily they can be customized to fit each family member’s unique nutritional needs and preferences. If you’re making a batch for the whole family, prepare a basic filling and let everyone choose their own combination of ingredients. Spice fiends might want to add jalapenos or hot sauce, while vegetable lovers can pack in sauteed broccoli or diced roasted sweet potatoes. Just remember to label the different varieties separately before storing, e.g. “Mild” and “Spicy.”

Although it’s best to avoid mixing in ingredients that don’t freeze well – like avocado or fresh tomatoes – you can always serve the reheated burritos with a side of guacamole or pico de gallo for even more flavor and nutrition.

Find more school-year meal prep inspiration at Culinary.net.

Healthy Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos

Recipe adapted from The Gracious Pantry
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

• 2          teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  
• 1          small red onion, diced
  
• 1          large red bell pepper, diced
  
• 2          cloves garlic, minced
  
• 1          cup chopped fresh spinach
  
• 1          cup cooked black beans
  
• 1/2       teaspoon ground cumin
  
• 1/2       teaspoon smoked paprika
  
• 4          tablespoons salsa
  
• salt, to taste
  
• pepper, to taste
  
• 6          large eggs
  
• 2          tablespoons unsweetened almond milk, water or dairy milk
  
• 4          large whole-grain tortillas
  
• 1/2       cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

1. In pan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Saute onion, bell pepper and garlic until soft, 4-5 minutes. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
2. Stir in cooked black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, salsa and salt and pepper, to taste. Remove from heat.
3. Whisk eggs with milk or water. In nonstick skillet over medium heat, scramble until just set; avoid overcooking. Season lightly with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Lay tortillas flat. Divide eggs, veggie-bean mixture and cheese across each. Roll into burritos then toast, seam side down, in dry skillet to seal.
5. Remove from pan and let cool. Wrap in parchment then foil. Freeze up to 2 months.
6. To reheat, remove foil and parchment. In microwave or oven, heat until warmed through.

Notes: To prevent tortillas from becoming soggy, let filling cool to room temperature before assembling burritos.

Burritos can be warmed from frozen or, for best results, thawed overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

SOURCE:

Culinary.net

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(Feature Impact) Nothing screams summer more than ice cream – although sweet, juicy peaches are a close runner-up in the competition. For the ultimate seasonal celebration, combine the two fan favorites with this homemade Peach Ice Cream recipe.

Using ripe, succulent peaches will make this ice cream burst with natural sweetness, while the vanilla and brown sugar add extra richness and a hint of caramelized flavor. A little brightness and zing from the fresh lemon juice finishes off your bowl of refreshing summer goodness.

The recipe requires an ice cream maker, and you’ll need to freeze the bowl for 24 hours before you churn, so be sure to plan ahead. Once finished churning, you can serve it immediately or pop it in the freezer to enjoy during the next heat wave.

Find more summer dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

Peach Ice Cream

Recipe adapted from Stephie Cooks
Prep time: 25 minutes
Churning and freezing time: 5 hours, 30 minutes
Servings: 12 (makes 1 1/2 quarts)

• 4          cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (5-6 peaches)
  
• 1/2       cup granulated sugar
  
• 1          cup brown sugar
  
• 3          tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  
• 2 1/4    teaspoons vanilla extract
  
• 2          cups heavy cream

1. Prior to churning: Freeze bowl of ice cream maker 24 hours.
2. In large bowl, combine peaches, sugars, lemon juice and vanilla. Let sit 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sugars have dissolved and peaches are juicy.
3. Place peach mixture in blender or food processor; pulse until peaches are broken down but not totally pureed. Add heavy cream; stir to combine.
4. Pour mixture into airtight container and refrigerate 1-2 hours, or overnight.
5. Use ice cream maker to churn mixture according to manufacturer’s instructions. Once churned, serve immediately for softer consistency or place in airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze 2-4 hours to harden before serving.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

SOURCE:

Culinary.net

🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!