The Mexican Pizza Saga: 5 Surprising Facts About Taco Bell’s Permanent Menu Item And The New Empanada
The Taco Bell Mexican Pizza is not just a fast-food item; it is a cultural phenomenon that has ignited petitions, inspired celebrity endorsements, and even briefly caused national ingredient shortages. As of this month, December 2025, the beloved layered dish has solidified its place as a permanent fixture on the menu, ending years of speculation and temporary returns. The latest news, however, concerns an exciting new twist on the classic: the introduction of the Mexican Pizza Empanada, a new concept that signals Taco Bell is doubling down on its most iconic comeback.
The story of the Mexican Pizza is a masterclass in fan-driven marketing and a testament to the power of nostalgia. From its initial removal to its triumphant, permanent return, the dish has captured the hearts (and appetites) of millions. This article dives deep into the current status, the surprising new variations, and all the essential facts you need to know about this legendary menu item.
The Permanent Return: Ingredients, Nutrition, and The Cult-Classic Status
The original Mexican Pizza is back on the menu for good, a decision cemented after its explosive demand following its initial limited-time return. The dish, first introduced in 1985, was removed in November 2020 as part of Taco Bell's efforts to streamline its menu and reduce its environmental footprint by eliminating packaging. The outcry from fans, however, was deafening.
The permanent return, which officially began on September 15, 2022, was a direct response to this massive public demand. The chain noted that upon its initial return, demand was an incredible seven times higher than when it was previously available, proving its cult-classic status. Even with its permanent status, the Mexican Pizza remains one of Taco Bell's most talked-about and highly-demanded items.
What’s Inside the Iconic Layers?
The Mexican Pizza’s enduring appeal lies in its unique, layered construction. It’s not a traditional pizza, but a savory, crunchy stack of Mexican-inspired flavors. The standard build is as follows:
- The Base: Two crispy, flat flour tortillas serve as the crusts.
- The Filling: A layer of seasoned beef and refried beans is spread between the two tortillas.
- The Topping: The top tortilla is smothered in a tangy, signature Mexican Pizza sauce.
- The Finish: The whole dish is crowned with a three-cheese blend (mozzarella, cheddar, and Monterey Jack) and diced, fresh tomatoes.
For those seeking a meatless option, the vegetarian Mexican Pizza is easily achievable by substituting the seasoned beef with black beans, making it a highly customizable choice for a wider audience.
Mexican Pizza Nutrition Facts
While delicious, the Mexican Pizza is a substantial fast-food treat. Understanding its nutritional profile is key for fans tracking their intake. The standard Mexican Pizza contains:
- Calories: Approximately 530–540 calories.
- Fat: Around 29 grams of total fat.
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 48 grams of carbohydrates.
- Protein: Roughly 20 grams of protein.
The dish’s high-fat content is largely due to the crispy tortillas and the generous cheese blend. Fans often treat it as a full meal, and its satisfying crunch and savory flavor profile make it worth the indulgence for many.
The Next Evolution: Introducing the Mexican Pizza Empanada (2025)
The most current and exciting news for Mexican Pizza enthusiasts is the development of a brand-new spin-off product: the Mexican Pizza Empanada. This item was a major highlight at the brand’s annual Live Más LIVE 2025 event, where Taco Bell unveils its upcoming menu innovations.
The Mexican Pizza Empanada is a clear nod to the original’s immense popularity, taking the beloved flavor profile and packaging it into a portable, handheld format. The concept is currently being tested in select markets, specifically Phoenix locations, as of late 2025.
What is the Mexican Pizza Empanada?
The Empanada is a deep-fried, pastry-like pocket that contains the core flavors of the Mexican Pizza. It is described as a crispy shell filled with seasoned beef and a blend of cheeses. Crucially, it is served with a side of the signature Mexican Pizza sauce for dipping, allowing fans to control the sauciness of each bite. This new format offers a unique texture experience—a softer, doughier pocket compared to the original's cracker-like crispy tortillas.
The introduction of the Empanada demonstrates Taco Bell’s strategy to leverage its most successful menu items to create new, limited-time offers (LTOs) that keep the brand fresh and exciting. It’s a smart move that capitalizes on the massive goodwill generated by the original’s permanent return. The Empanada is widely expected to be a smash hit if it rolls out nationally in 2026.
The Unforgettable Journey: From Removal to Global Phenomenon
To truly appreciate the Mexican Pizza’s current status, one must understand the dramatic journey it took to get here. Its removal in 2020 was met with a level of public outrage rarely seen for a fast-food item. This was amplified by a massive social media campaign and a Change.org petition that garnered hundreds of thousands of signatures.
A key figure in the campaign for its return was rapper and singer Doja Cat, who partnered with Taco Bell to announce the item’s comeback in 2022. Her involvement brought the campaign to a new level of mainstream awareness, solidifying the dish’s status as a pop culture icon.
Why Was It Removed in the First Place?
Taco Bell cited two primary reasons for the 2020 removal: simplifying the menu and reducing its environmental impact. The Mexican Pizza was one of the chain’s most complex items to prepare, and its unique, square packaging contributed significantly to the brand’s waste footprint. The company sought to create a "lighter footprint on our planet." However, the sheer volume of customer demand ultimately outweighed these concerns, leading to the necessary re-engineering of the supply chain to support its permanent availability.
How to Order the Perfect Mexican Pizza
Even though it is now a permanent menu item, there are still ways to customize and enhance the experience. Fans have developed several popular "hacks" to elevate the dish:
- The Vegetarian Swap: Replace the seasoned beef with black beans for a delicious, hearty vegetarian meal.
- Add-Ons: Many fans add extra toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or even a side of nacho cheese sauce for an extra layer of richness.
- The Diablo Kick: Drenching the pizza in Taco Bell's spiciest Diablo sauce is a popular way to add heat to the mild Mexican Pizza sauce.
- Extra Crispy: Requesting the tortillas be cooked "extra crispy" ensures maximum crunch and structural integrity.
The Mexican Pizza’s permanent status is a win for nostalgic food lovers everywhere. With the original item secured and the new Mexican Pizza Empanada on the horizon, Taco Bell has successfully turned a menu removal into one of the most celebrated comebacks in fast-food history. It’s a testament to the power of the fans, proving that sometimes, you truly can get what you wish for.
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