The Greatest Hits of American Fast Food: Food + Cooking : gourmet.com

Food + Cooking

Published in Gourmet Live 06.20.12

Gourmet Live’s Kelly Senyei counts down the 10 dishes that have fueled America’s love affair with in-an-instant eats

It’s commonly said that the fast-food industry feeds 25% of Americans daily. In 2011, the fast-food sector in America generated more than $190 billion in revenue, and 2012 estimates show no signs of slowing. That’s a whole lot of eating. We’re counting down the top 10 tastiest dishes that keep diners coming back for more.

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7. Taco Bell Beef Chalupa Supreme Taco Bell’s once-beloved flatbread Gordita was eclipsed by a crispier counterpart in 1999, as the Chalupa made its way from the test kitchen to the menu. Composed of a crispy yet chewy taco shell filled with seasoned ground beef, tangy sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a three-cheese blend, the Chalupa updated the traditional taco and quickly became a consumer favorite at the chain’s 5,600 locations nationwide. Photo: Taco Bell Corp.

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