Frugal Taco Bell Fans Share Their Go-To Orders on a Budget

Fast food is getting more expensive all the time. It's almost impossible to find a combo meal under $5 now, and forget about dollar menus altogether. Redditors on r/TacoBell are feeling the pinch, especially user Conejo22, who posed a question to the group: "I’m trying to get a ton of food but not spend like 20 bucks at Taco Bell. Help me out, what’s your go to budget order?" Here are some of the most popular items for when you need to live más within a tight budget. Do you have a favorite budget-friendly order? Let us know in the comments.

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The most popular response was the My Cravings Box, which gets my vote too. It's somehow still only $5.00 for a specialty item like a Crunchwrap Supreme or Cheesy Gordita Crunch, a classic item like a soft taco or Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, a side like Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes or cinnamon twists, and a drink. "This is the way. It is such a great deal," says u/PintSizedKitsune. The only catch is that it's only available for online ordering. 

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This is one of the very few items that is still $1 — at least at some locations, since franchisees can set their own prices. Sure, it's simple, made with rice, refried beans, nacho cheese, and creamy jalapeno sauce, but one commenter suggests getting it grilled to make it a little crunchy. 

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Another one of the $1 items left on the menu is this beloved potato taco (caveat: I have not seen a Spicy Potato Soft Taco for one dollar in a long time, but it's still one of the least expensive items). Fans raised a huge stink after it was axed from the menu early in the pandemic, and subsequently rejoiced when it was brought back. Those fried, crunchy potatoes are really satisfying, and this is a hearty vegetarian option. 

Related: Discontinued Taco Bell Items We Want Back Now

At a hefty 620 calories, the Beefy Melt Burrito is great bang for your buck at only $2. It's got beef, rice, nacho cheese, shredded cheese, sour cream, and strips of crunchy tortilla. If that's not enough food for you, one commenter says they pair it with a Spicy Potato Soft Taco — or 9 other burritos. 

Just like the Beefy Melt Burrito, this chicken and ranch version is only $2. It's full of fresher ingredients, too: grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, avocado ranch, and chipotle sauce. Consider adding potatoes to it for a more substantial meal that only adds 80 cents.

Taco Bell did not leave vegetarians high and dry when it comes to $2 burritos. The Fiesta Veggie Burrito is a chunky item, filled with rice, black beans, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, chipotle sauce, and something you won't find on any other cheap burrito, guacamole. That makes it popular among vegetarians and carnivores alike.