The Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito is one of those fast-food items that refuses to fade away. Known for its cheesy, spicy, and hearty filling, this burrito has achieved a cult-like status among Taco Bell fans. While not always on the official menu, it continues to resurface through secret menu hacks, regional offerings, and DIY recipes. Let’s explore everything about this legendary burrito — from its history to how you can enjoy one today.
🌯 What’s Inside the Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito?
At its core, the Chili Cheese Burrito is simple, yet irresistibly satisfying:
- Seasoned chili: A hearty mix of ground beef, beans, and Taco Bell spices.
- Melted cheddar cheese: The creamy element that balances the spice.
- Flour tortilla: Soft and warm, wrapping everything together.
Some locations used to add onions, sauces, or jalapeños, but the original version stuck to the basics: chili + cheese + tortilla.
🤫 The Secret Menu Chili Cheese Burrito
Even though it disappeared from Taco Bell’s nationwide menu, the burrito lives on as a secret menu hack. Depending on where you order, you can:
- Ask for it by name: Some Taco Bells in the Midwest and South still recognize and serve it.
- Customize another burrito: Order a Beefy Melt Burrito or Beef Burrito, then request chili substitution and extra cheese.
- Use the Taco Bell app: In rare cases, you can add chili and cheese as customizations to mimic the classic.
Pro tip: Employees in certain regions are very familiar with the “Chilito” — the old-school nickname for this burrito.
📜 Did Taco Bell Used to Have a Chili Cheese Burrito?
Yes! Introduced in the early 1990s, the Chili Cheese Burrito was marketed under the name “Chilito.” It was an affordable, filling option that quickly became a staple on value menus.
However, by the 2000s, Taco Bell phased it out of most U.S. restaurants. Still, in states like Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and parts of the South, franchise owners chose to keep it because of its strong local following. To this day, many Midwest Taco Bells still serve it officially.
🔮 Will Taco Bell Bring Back the Chili Cheese Burrito Nationwide?
Taco Bell has a history of listening to fan demand. Just look at the Mexican Pizza, which made a huge comeback after viral petitions.
While Taco Bell hasn’t confirmed a full return for the Chili Cheese Burrito, fan campaigns have been growing louder. Social media groups, Reddit threads, and Change.org petitions show that the demand is very real. If enough noise is made, there’s a strong chance Taco Bell could bring it back as a limited-time nationwide release.
🍴 How to Make a Chili Cheese Burrito at Home
If you can’t track one down, here’s a homemade copycat recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can chili beans or refried beans
- 1 taco seasoning packet (or mix of cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4–6 medium flour tortillas
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, then drain excess grease.
- Stir in beans and seasoning; let simmer until thick.
- Warm tortillas on a skillet or in the microwave.
- Spoon chili mix into the center, top with shredded cheddar.
- Roll tightly into a burrito.
Optional extras: diced onions, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce for added kick.
🧀 What Cheese Does Taco Bell Use in Burritos?
Taco Bell primarily uses shredded cheddar cheese and a three-cheese blend (cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack). For the Chili Cheese Burrito, cheddar is the most authentic choice, since it melts perfectly into the chili filling.
📊 Nutritional Facts (Approx.)
While exact numbers vary, an average Chili Cheese Burrito is:
- Calories: ~370
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 46g
- Fat: 14g
- Sodium: ~1,000mg
It’s not the healthiest menu item, but it’s a comfort-food classic.
🌎 Regional Availability
- Available: Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, parts of Kentucky and Arkansas
- Rare/Secret Menu: Texas, Oklahoma, and some southern states
- Unavailable: Most West Coast & East Coast Taco Bells
Checking Taco Bell’s mobile app by location is the easiest way to confirm if your local store still sells it.
🏆 Final Thoughts
The Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito is more than just a fast-food item — it’s a nostalgic piece of Taco Bell history. Whether you find it through a secret menu hack, discover it in a Midwest Taco Bell, or make it yourself at home, this cheesy, chili-filled burrito is proof that some classics never truly die.
And who knows? With enough fan love, we just might see Taco Bell officially bring it back nationwide. 🌯🔥