
The Chili Cheese Burrito, also known as the Chilito, was a Taco Bell menu item introduced in 1990 as part of the chain's budget offerings. It featured a warm flour tortilla filled with beef, refried beans, and shredded cheddar cheese. While Taco Bell discontinued the Chili Cheese Burrito in the mid-90s, it remains a fan favorite, with some locations still offering it. For those unable to find it at their local Taco Bell, recreating the recipe at home is an option, with various recipes available online.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Chili Cheese Burrito, Chilito |
| Ingredients | Beef, shredded cheddar cheese, refried beans, cayenne pepper, salt, chili powder, tomato sauce, water, flour tortilla |
| Preparation | The ingredients are mixed and wrapped in a tortilla, then steamed |
| Availability | Widely available in the Midwest, limited availability in other regions |
| Discontinuation | Removed from the national menu in the mid-90s but not fully discontinued, availability depends on franchisees |
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What You'll Learn

Chili Cheese Burrito locations
The Chili Cheese Burrito, also known as the Chilito, was introduced by Taco Bell in 1990 as part of its budget menu. It was a large burrito filled with gooey cheese and chili, and it was steamed before serving. Despite being discontinued in the mid-1990s, it remains a fan favorite.
Today, the Chili Cheese Burrito is reportedly still available at select Taco Bell locations, particularly in the Midwest, specifically in Ohio. It seems that the availability of this menu item is decided by franchisees, based on its regional popularity.
If you are unable to find a Taco Bell that carries the Chili Cheese Burrito, you can try making it at home. There are recipes available online that claim to recreate the flavors of this beloved burrito.
For those seeking the convenience of a quick Taco Bell run, the Living Más website provides a map of locations that still serve the Chili Cheese Burrito.
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Ingredients and recipe
The Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito, also known as the Chilito, is no longer available at most Taco Bell locations. However, you can recreate this delicious dish at home with the following ingredients and recipe.
To make your own Chili Cheese Burritos, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Yellow onion
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt
- Chili powder
- Water
- Tomato paste
- Refried beans
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Tomato sauce (optional: use El Pato tomato sauce for extra flavour)
You can also add salsa at the end if you want to use the mixture as a chip dip.
Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own Chili Cheese Burritos:
- Brown the ground beef with the diced onions in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the beef is cooked, drain the fat and add cayenne pepper, salt, and chili powder to the skillet.
- Pour in water and mix until the seasonings are dissolved.
- Add in the tomato paste and stir until combined.
- Put in the refried beans and stir until the mixture thickens. You can use canned refried beans or make your own.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet and mix until fully combined and thick.
- If the mixture is too thick, you can add a small amount of water to thin it out.
- Warm up flour tortillas in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Spoon the beef and cheese mixture onto the tortillas and wrap them up.
- Enjoy your homemade Chili Cheese Burritos!
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Chilito vs Chili Cheese Burrito
The Chilito, also known as the Chili Cheese Burrito, was a Taco Bell menu item that was discontinued in the late 1990s. The item consisted of a steamed flour tortilla packed with ground beef, refried beans, gooey chili, and melted shredded cheddar cheese.
The name "chilito" in Spanish means something different from what Taco Bell intended, which may have prompted the name change to Chili Cheese Burrito. Despite the name change, many customers still refer to the item as the Chilito. The Chilito holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of many customers, with some claiming to have eaten one or two every day during their high school years.
The Chili Cheese Burrito was a large burrito, and its discontinuation disappointed many fans. Some claim that the item is still available in certain regions of the country, while others believe it is on Taco Bell's secret menu. The burrito's recipe is also widely available online, allowing fans to recreate the flavours at home.
The recipe for the Chili Cheese Burrito, or Chilito, is straightforward. It involves browning ground beef with diced onions, draining the fat, and adding spices like cayenne pepper, salt, and chili powder. Some recipes also call for refried pinto beans, flour, and ground cumin to enhance the flavour and texture. The key to achieving the signature "chilito" texture is to soften the tortilla with warm water and microwave it to create a steamed effect. The tortilla is then filled with the hot chili filling, folded, and served.
The Chilito, or Chili Cheese Burrito, remains a beloved menu item from Taco Bell's past, with many customers expressing a desire for its return to the menu.
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Taco Bell discontinuation
The Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito, also known as the Chilito, was initially introduced in 1990 as part of the chain's budget menu. This burrito was a fan favorite, filled with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and sometimes refried beans, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. However, by the mid-90s, Taco Bell had removed the Chilito from its national menu, leaving the decision to continue carrying it to individual franchisees, based on regional popularity.
This decision led to a mix of emotions among loyal customers, with some disappointed by the discontinuation and others delighted to find that their local Taco Bells still offered the cherished item. The burrito's availability became somewhat of a mystery, with rumors circulating about its presence on secret menus and in specific regions. Some claimed that it could still be found in certain areas of the country, particularly in the Midwest, while others lamented their inability to locate it anywhere nearby.
The exact reasons behind Taco Bell's decision to discontinue the Chili Cheese Burrito from its national menu are not publicly known. However, one speculated reason could be the product's name. Initially introduced as the "Chilito," it was speculated that this name had a different meaning in Spanish than what Taco Bell intended. This could have led to a marketing challenge, prompting the name change to "Chili Cheese Burrito."
Despite the burrito's official discontinuation from the national menu, it appears that its legacy persists. Some customers have shared their recipes for recreating the beloved Chili Cheese Burrito at home, often with added ingredients like beans and onions. These recipes allow fans to relive the flavors they loved and customize their burritos to their preferences.
Although the Chili Cheese Burrito may no longer be officially listed on Taco Bell's menus across the nation, it has left an indelible mark on the palates and memories of its fans. Its popularity has sparked interest in recreations and inspired people to embark on culinary adventures to satisfy their cravings.
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Homemade alternatives
If you can't get your hands on a Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burrito, you can make your own at home. The recipe is simple and only requires a few ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Diced yellow onion
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt
- Chili powder
- Water
- Flour tortillas
- Refried beans (optional)
- Tomato sauce (optional)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Method:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onions.
- Once browned, drain the fat and add cayenne pepper, salt, and chili powder to the pot.
- Pour in water and ensure that the seasoning is well mixed and dissolved.
- (Optional) Add refried beans and tomato sauce to the mixture.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully combined and thick.
- Warm up flour tortillas in the microwave. Cover with a slightly damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Fill the tortillas with the beef and cheese mixture, adding more cayenne pepper or chili powder to taste.
Tips:
- You can add or remove ingredients to suit your taste. For example, some people prefer to omit the onions or beans.
- If you want a thinner consistency, you can add water to the mixture.
- This recipe makes a large batch, so you can use any leftovers as a chip dip by stirring in some salsa.
- You can freeze any leftover burritos for up to 3 days by wrapping them in parchment paper and storing them in an airtight container.
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Frequently asked questions
The Chili Cheese Burrito, initially introduced as the Chilito, is a normal-sized burrito filled with cheddar cheese, seasoned beef, and a special hot chili sauce containing beef.
The Chilito was introduced in 1990 and was discontinued in the mid-90s. However, it was not fully discontinued and is still available at some locations. It is widely available throughout the Midwest of the United States but has limited availability in other regions.
The ingredients in the Chili Cheese Burrito include ground beef, diced onions, cayenne pepper, salt, chili powder, refried beans, tomato sauce, water, taco seasoning, and shredded cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
To make the burrito at home, cook ground beef and diced onions in a skillet over medium heat. Add cayenne pepper, salt, and chili powder. In a separate bowl, mix refried beans, tomato sauce, water, and taco seasoning. Combine the beef mixture with the bean mixture and add shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until fully combined and thick. Serve the mixture on a warm flour tortilla.
You can find a map of locations that still serve the Chili Cheese Burrito on LivingMas.com. Additionally, a community-sourced map of all locations where the burrito is available can be found on the Taco Bell Fandom website.
























