Can we recreate Taco Bell’s discontinued Double Decker Taco faster than ordering one? That’s the challenge we took on in this cooking experiment. We attempted a true home-cook experience, ordering the Taco Bell version simultaneously with our homemade attempt. Our goal: to build the Double Decker from scratch and see if we could beat the delivery time.
We started by gathering the essential components of a Double Decker: soft tortillas, hard taco shells, seasoned ground beef, refried beans, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and hot sauce. Our strategy was to divide and conquer, with one of us tackling the seasoned beef and the other prepping the refried beans.
We discussed the challenges of recipe development, particularly the repetitive nature of testing and the potential for burnout. Cheesecake, for example, proved particularly demanding, requiring multiple iterations and resulting in temporary cheesecake aversion.
Preparing seasoned ground beef for a homemade Taco Bell Double Decker Taco.
The conversation shifted to food photography and the art of making dishes look visually appealing. Capturing the perfect cheese melt or drip shot can be surprisingly difficult and often requires multiple takes, leading to occasional frustration.
Chopping fresh tomatoes for Taco Bell Double Decker Taco Supreme.
We continued prepping the ingredients, sautéing onions and garlic for the beans, and browning the ground beef with a blend of spices and tomato paste. We debated the merits of pre-ground versus freshly ground cumin and the importance of having sharp knives in the kitchen.
A close-up of freshly made refried beans for a homemade Taco Bell Double Decker Taco.
A key element of the Double Decker, and indeed many fast food items, is the iceberg lettuce. Its crispness and refreshing qualities contribute significantly to the overall texture and experience.
Assembling the ingredients for a homemade Taco Bell Double Decker Taco.
We briefly touched upon the importance of seasoning, particularly with soups and chili, where under-seasoning can be disastrous. Achieving the perfect balance of salt requires patience and careful tasting.
While our ingredients simmered and sizzled, we discussed the accessibility of quality tortillas. Fresh, handmade tortillas offer a superior taste and texture but can be time-consuming to make at home, especially for a weeknight meal.
Comparing a homemade Taco Bell Double Decker Taco with the delivered version.
With the Taco Bell delivery just minutes away, we assembled our homemade Double Deckers. We started with a soft flour tortilla, spread a layer of refried beans, and nestled a pre-assembled hard shell taco inside. We topped it with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and a drizzle of hot sauce.
Finally, the Taco Bell order arrived. We compared our creation to the delivered Double Decker, noting the differences in size, texture, and flavor. Our homemade version boasted a more generous portion of beef and a fresher, more vibrant flavor profile.
Enjoying the homemade and delivered Taco Bell Double Decker Tacos.
The final verdict? While the Taco Bell Double Decker satisfied a certain nostalgic craving, our homemade version was undeniably superior in terms of flavor and texture. This experiment demonstrated that recreating a fast food favorite at home can be a rewarding and delicious endeavor.
