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The Chili Cheese Burrito (initially introduced as the Chilito) is a normal sized burrito filled with cheddar cheese and a special hot chili sauce containing beef. The sauce is not topical; the beef is mixed with the sauce beforehand, making it impossible to order a Chicken or Steak Chilito. This burrito is steamed before serving.
The "Chilito" was introduced in 1990 as a part of the ¢59/79/99 budget menu. It was one of two offerings in the ¢79 category—the other being the MexiMelt. By the mid 90s, the Chilito had been removed from the National menu.
The Chili Cheese Burrito was not fully discontinued, however. Rather than removing it completely, it was instead left to franchisees to decide whether to continue carrying it, a decision that is usually decided by its relative regional popularity.
Today, the Chili Cheese Burrito is widely available throughout the Midwest of the United States, but has very limited availability West of the Rockies and East of the Appalachians. A community-sourced, complete map of all locations where Chili Cheese Burritos are available can be found here.
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As an enthusiast with in-depth knowledge about fast food history and cultural significance, I've extensively researched and engaged with the evolution of various fast-food items, including the Chili Cheese Burrito from Taco Bell.
The Chili Cheese Burrito, initially known as the Chilito upon its introduction in 1990, holds a unique place in Taco Bell's menu history. It is a regular-sized burrito filled with cheddar cheese and a distinctive hot chili sauce that incorporates beef. The key distinction lies in the preparation: the beef is already combined with the sauce before filling the burrito, preventing customization with other proteins like chicken or steak.
During its initial launch, the Chilito was part of Taco Bell's budget menu, offered at prices of ¢59/79/99. It occupied the ¢79 category alongside another item, the MexiMelt. However, despite its popularity, by the mid-90s, the Chilito was removed from the National menu.
Interestingly, instead of complete discontinuation, the Chili Cheese Burrito's fate was left to franchisees. The decision to continue carrying it was based on regional popularity, leading to varied availability across different parts of the United States. Presently, the Chili Cheese Burrito enjoys widespread availability in the Midwest but has limited presence both West of the Rockies and East of the Appalachians.
To further delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Chili Cheese Burrito (Chilito): The primary focus of the article, outlining its ingredients, preparation method, and historical significance within Taco Bell's menu.
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Budget Menu Offerings: Mentioned in relation to the Chilito's initial launch, showcasing Taco Bell's pricing strategy and the different tiers offered at ¢59/79/99.
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MexiMelt: Another item mentioned in relation to the Chilito within the ¢79 category, but distinct in its composition and appeal.
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Franchisee Decision-making: The article touches upon how franchisees had the discretion to continue offering the Chili Cheese Burrito based on regional popularity, showcasing how fast-food chains often delegate certain menu decisions to individual franchise owners.
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Regional Availability: Discusses the geographical availability of the Chili Cheese Burrito, highlighting its prevalence in the Midwest compared to its limited availability in other parts of the United States.
Understanding these concepts provides insight into the fast-food industry's dynamics, including menu choices, pricing strategies, and regional preferences that influence the availability and popularity of specific items like the Chili Cheese Burrito.
