Taco Bell has announced the return of the Quesalupa following a five-year hiatus.

The Quesalupa quickly became a fan favorite when it debuted in 2016, combining the cheesy characteristics of the quesadilla with the crispy chalupa shell to form a double layer filled with ground beef, lettuce, cheddar cheese, sliced tomatoes and a dollop of sour cream. Vegetarians can have black beans instead of beef.

"Our customers raved about the cheese filled Chalupa shell in its first debut, so when the Quesalupa began its return journey back to our nationwide menus, we knew we needed to perfect that cheesy experience - one that will be consistent for every guest and every bite," Liz Matthews, Taco Bell's global chief food innovation officer, said in a news release.

The Quesalupa is a cross between the chalupa and the quesadilla with the chalupa shell filled with the molten mozzarella and the pepper jack cheese. 

Taco Bell began testing a new Quesalupa in September in Knoxville, Tennessee, and said it could be added back to restaurants nationwide in 2021. It's the first time the Quesalupa has been rereleased since 2016, and this time it has 50% more cheese within the double-layer shell, the company said.

The $2.99 item will relaunch nationwide Thursday and will be available for a limited time. A combination meal, which includes a Quesalupa, two crunchy tacos and a large drink, costs $6.99.

In recent months, the fast-food chain has been expanding its menu after being reduced in 2020 as it has been simplified in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mexican pizza and chicken bits were removed in November after a dozen items were cut in August.

Taco Bell will also join the Chicken Sandwich War Thursday as it begins testing the Crispy Chicken Sandwich Taco Thursday in Nashville, Tennessee, and Charlotte, North Carolina, for a nationwide release later in 2021.

Taco Bell Rewards members get early access Wednesday to the Quesalupa on the Taco Bell mobile app for in-store or drive-thru pickup orders at participating locations, while supplies last. To join Taco Bell Rewards, download the app and register for an account.