You Can’t Taco My Taco Bell Lava Sauce

Nachos, burritos, and tacos feel incomplete since the discontinuation of Taco Bell’s Lava sauce which played a really intense, cheesy, and spicy role in their Volcano menu. People who are ardent lovers of Mexican food always have this bowl of sauce on their dining tables. I remember how I used to finish the Burritos with this dip in no time. Since their production ended, it hurt me more. More than a rogue mariachi band serenading you with an off-key rendition of “Despacito” at 3 am. 🌮

However, looking at my earlier recipes, the devil within me whispered in my ears, “Bro, Create A Copycat Taco Bell Lava Sauce recipe.” I found nothing wrong with the idea since my other recipes were also satisfying my foodie fanbase and this one should especially be created since it is no more present in the market, leaving foodies to compromise on their cravings.

Before I do the honors of sharing the recipe, let’s have a quick trip to 1995, when the relationship with Lava sauce began to appetize.

Taco-ing To Congo

In June 1995, Lava Sauce’s origins were first witnessed in the Volcano Taco as Congo also couldn’t resist not falling in love with the condiment. The Lava sauce’s intimacy spread far enough, luring users across the region to applaud its flavor, design, and roll-out.

Moving fast forward to 2008, the sauce emerged as a part of the Volcano Taco. Whose sales saw a massive surge because the Lava sauce used in its making enhanced the flavor. Looking at the popular demand for Volcano Taco compelled the chefs to add the same magic in their other snacks like Volcano Nachos and the Volcano Double Beef Burrito.

Becoming the talk of the town in May 2009, the Volcano menu faced expansion. Yes, expansion is not limited to companies but food as well. The sauce was made the official part of the ingredients used in crafting Volcano Burrito and Volcano Nachos. The decision served as a jackpot for the company. Because people were coming in from distant areas to enjoy their favorite Mexican cuisine and lick the sauce off their fingers, some of them even requested extra sauce as the heart wants what it wants.

Entering the eatery, customers inquired about the Volcano Menu, and now you can guess why. It was evident that Lava Sauce had captured the tastebuds of Mexican foodies. Even the ones who were new to the idea of this dip ordered it once to be a part of the Lava Sauce gang and as a result, the tribe kept growing in number.

The restaurant was happy with the generation of revenue as the sales were outstanding and beyond their expectations, but everything has a time as things witness their share of downfall as well. Something similar happened as darkness fell upon the Grand Lava Sauce as it saw its end. The actual reasons are not purely clear, but some say that the degree of spice became too harsh on their digestion. While some say that they were kind of deviating away from fast food.

“There would be no more Lava sauce,” triggered the customers who were too used to the taste and that disclaimer stole the life from Volcano Menu.

Taco Bell was not ready to surrender its Lava Sauce. It gave them immense recognition, therefore despite the official discontinuation in September 2015, the sauce made a brief comeback and was used in flavoring Volcano Quesarito and Steak Burrito. The limited-time message does wonders for companies as they know that people will purchase the product by all means, so the tactic worked in Taco Bell’s case, too. Their tables were fully booked with customers enjoying the spicy nacho cheese sauce in Volcano Quesarito and Steak Burrito.

Lava sauce could not make its revival the way the fans expected. However, in June 2023, the boldness made it to the headlines again, but only for Taco Bell Rewards Members to enjoy the nacho element with Volcano Taco and the Volcano Double Beef Burrito. So if you were amongst them then consider yourself lucky as not all got the access to relish this privilege.

Currently, Lava Sauce is in Taco Bell’s international market in its tomato version, offering the same level of kick and spices the original dip provided. Although not the same, the sauce has somewhat decided to act as a side substitute for the real make.

My Affair With Taco Bell Lava Sauce

I remember having them and Lord the taste was exceptional! My stomach developed such a deep crush that when the waiter came to ask if the food was ok, I could feel my stomach giving me the words to say, “The Volcano Double Beef Burrito is wow and I kid you not I haven’t had this one since I have landed here. What’s the mystery ingredient?” The waiter laughed and replied, “Sir, it’s the Taco Bell Lava Sauce”. I requested the guy to show me the bottle, and he showed me the formula. I requested him to pack me 2 Volcano Double Beef Burritos and 1 Volcano Taco. I knew by the time I reached home, I would surely be craving another one, and the other one was a gift for my mother to try out.

When I displayed the Mexican snacks on the table, my mother’s first reaction was, “Mexican? I am not fond of Burritos.’’ I said, “I know that Mum, but experimenting with new things is harmless too.” My mother gave me a look that he does not force me to have anything I don’t like, but what has happened here? She sat down, I placed her on the plate and saw her, waiting to have the first bite. She took one and her eyes were wide open. There! That was the expression I wanted to see. Her eyes spoke. “What is this? It is so delicious.” I said, “It’s crazy, right? The Lava Bell sauce. The taste is unbeatable.” My mother said, “It definitely is. I am not a fan of Mexican food, but Lord, this is good. From where did you get this hidden gem?.” I told her,” It’s from Taco Bell”. After the first encounter, I took her to the eatery a few times until the Lava Sauce said bye. Mother refused to eat Burritos from anywhere else, saying that the snack would not have that saucy charm that had her at the first bite.

Honestly, I couldn’t endure the absence any further. I had to move on, and that is where my inner heat chef gave me the idea of creating my version of Taco Bell Lava Sauce.

The Quick Copycat Lava Sauce Recipe

I was building this quick copycat recipe last summer when the Volcano Menu was out. I knew this wasn’t going to last long so it was important that I threw together a quick copycat for those that just want the taste with zero interest in anything else. Here’s the solution:

• Queso sauce
• Taco Bell hot sauce
• MSG seasoning

The closest I came to a copycat was to use a 3:1 ratio of cheese to hot sauce; and I added MSG to taste. I gave you a link to the Taco Bell variety pack in case you don’t want it too spicy (but then again, this IS the Volcano Lava Sauce).

Play with the ratios and DM me if you found a better balance.

The Real Copycat Lava Sauce Recipe At Work

I searched a few websites where I learned how to create the Taco Bell Lava Sauce innovation. The main ingredients are:

• Roasted red serrano chilies
• Nacho cheese dip
• And your normal spices

Keep reading below and we’re going to outline the closest recipe you’ll get.

Taco Bell Lava Sauce Recipe

Craving the heat and cheese of Taco Bell's discontinued Lava Sauce? This copycat recipe captures the spicy, cheesy essence that Taco Bell fans, like myself, miss. With ingredients like nacho cheese dip, roasted red serrano chiles, and a blend of spices, you can get this all time favorite at home and not wait years for another return 😂. It's not just for dipping — slather it on your homemade tacos, burritos, and nachos to reignite that Taco Bell zest in your own kitchen. Plus, it's easy to make ahead for convenient, spicy indulgence anytime.

• Baking Mat
• Food Processor
• Measuring spoons

• 5 fresh red serrano chiles
• 1 cup nacho cheese dip
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• salt (to taste)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).

2. Slice 5 fresh red serrano chiles in half lengthwise, removing and discarding the stalks and seeds.

Cooking / Creating

1. Place the halved chiles on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until they are softened and slightly charred.

2. In a food processor, combine the roasted chiles with 1 cup nacho cheese dip, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Add a little water, if needed, to adjust the consistency, and salt to taste.

3. Blend all ingredients until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary.

Serving / Presentation

1. Transfer the blended sauce to a serving bowl.

2. If desired, serve immediately with tortilla chips or as a condiment alongside Mexican dishes such as tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.

3. If not serving immediately, store the Lava Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within a week for the best flavor.

Ok so this Taco Bell Lava Sauce is the really legit way of doing it..  If you really want to just throw a method together and get a similar taste, I’ve whipped up a nice blend by just putting Queso Sauce from the jar and mix it together with some Diablo Sauce packets.  It’s not as fire roasted as the original, but I think you’ll find it pretty tasty.

Side Dish

Mexican

copycat recipe