The grilled stuffed burrito was a popular menu item at Taco Bell for many years. This burrito was filled with a variety of ingredients that made it a tasty and satisfying option. In this article, we’ll take a look at what exactly was inside the grilled stuffed burrito and why it became such a beloved menu choice for so many Taco Bell fans.
History of the Grilled Stuffed Burrito
The grilled stuffed burrito first appeared on the Taco Bell menu in November of 2007. It was part of a new “Cantina Bell” menu that was meant to provide more premium and upscale options compared to Taco Bell’s typical inexpensive fare. The Cantina Bell menu was discontinued in 2015, but the grilled stuffed burrito remained on the regular Taco Bell menu up until August of 2020 when it was ultimately discontinued.
During its 13 years on the menu, the grilled stuffed burrito gained quite a loyal following. Fans loved the combination of ingredients wrapped up in a warm grilled tortilla. Over the years, Taco Bell experimented with different fillings and versions like the XXL Grilled Stuffed Burrito and the Steak Grilled Stuffed Burrito. However, the original chicken version remained the most popular.
Ingredients in the Grilled Stuffed Burrito
Here are the ingredients that could be found inside each grilled stuffed burrito:
- Flour tortilla – The burrito was wrapped in a soft, warm flour tortilla.
- Mexican rice – The burrito contained a portion of seasoned rice.
- Black beans – Taco Bell’s signature black beans were added for more substance.
- Chicken – The burrito was filled with marinated grilled chicken for protein.
- Reduced fat sour cream – A creamy element.
- Pico de gallo – A fresh salsa added flavor and moisture.
- Cheese – A three cheese blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and pepper jack.
- Avocado ranch sauce – The special creamy and tangy signature sauce.
- Fiesta salsa – An extra dose of zesty tomato flavor.
As you can see, the grilled stuffed burrito contained a variety of ingredients that offered great textures and flavors. The combination of the seasoned chicken, beans, rice, sauces, salsa, and cheese made every bite packed with bold Mexican-inspired taste.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for the standard grilled stuffed burrito according to Taco Bell:
| Amount Per Serving | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 burrito | 790 | 20g | 103g | 37g |
As you can see, the grilled stuffed burrito was quite high in calories, fat, carbs, and protein. This was definitely an indulgent menu option loaded with all the satisfying fixings.
Prices Through the Years
Here is a look at the price of the grilled stuffed burrito from when it debuted in 2007 up until it was discontinued in 2020:
| Year | Price |
|---|---|
| 2007 | $2.99 |
| 2008 | $3.19 |
| 2009 | $3.29 |
| 2010 | $3.49 |
| 2011 | $3.59 |
| 2012 | $3.69 |
| 2013 | $3.79 |
| 2014 | $3.99 |
| 2015 | $4.19 |
| 2016 | $4.29 |
| 2017 | $4.49 |
| 2018 | $4.59 |
| 2019 | $4.69 |
| 2020 | $4.79 |
As you can see, the price steadily increased over the years to keep up with inflation. But it remained under $5 for most of its run even as other menu items exceeded that benchmark. The reasonable price point added to its ongoing appeal.
Regional Pricing Variations
While the national price hovered between $3-$5, there were some regional pricing variations on the grilled stuffed burrito based on local costs of living and supply chain factors. Here are some of the regional price differences observed over the years:
- West Coast – Prices ran about $.50 higher than national average
- Northeast – Prices ran about $.50 higher than national average
- Midwest – Prices were typically close to the national prices
- Southeast – Prices were generally $.20 to $.50 lower than national average
So customers on the coasts paid a bit of a premium for the burrito, while those in the Southeast enjoyed lower prices. But the differences evened out over time as national pricing caught up.
Why the Grilled Stuffed Burrito Was Discontinued
In August 2020, Taco Bell officially discontinued the grilled stuffed burrito along with some other menu items like the 7-layer burrito and the quesarito. According to Taco Bell, the reason for discontinuing these beloved options came down to speed and efficiency. The grilled stuffed burrito took over 2 minutes to prepare when you accounted for grilling the tortilla and assembling all the ingredients. That was quite slow compared to items like tacos that take under a minute to make. With drive-thru times being a major focus, Taco Bell wanted to streamline the menu to feature items that could be prepared more quickly.
Customer demand and profits also reportedly played a role. While the grilled stuffed burrito had a cult following, it had waned in popularity over the years as newer menu innovations took center stage. And it was less profitable compared to more expensive items like the Doritos Locos tacos. So while discontinuing it upset some fans, the move made strategic sense for the fast food giant from a business perspective.
Why People Loved the Grilled Stuffed Burrito
So why did the grilled stuffed burrito resonate so deeply with Taco Bell fans for over a decade? There are several reasons this menu item was so beloved:
- Unique taste profile – The special blend of flavors and textures was unlike anything else on the Taco Bell menu. From the seasoned rice to the avocado ranch sauce, it was a flavor explosion in burrito form.
- Satisfying heartiness – With protein, beans, cheese, sauces, and more, it was an extremely filling and satisfying burrito.
- Grilled tortilla – The grilled, crispy flour tortilla added an extra level of warmth and textural interest.
- Customization – Fans loved that they could customize it with add-ons like extra chicken, guacamole, Fritos, and more.
- Nostalgia – Many customers had been ordering it since childhood, so it was nostalgic comfort food.
- Decent value – At under $5 even at the end of its run, it was more affordable than many other Taco Bell combos.
For those reasons and more, the grilled stuffed burrito developed a loyal fanbase over the years that was sad to see it go in 2020. It offered a truly unique experience customers couldn’t find anywhere else.
Could It Ever Return?
Since saying goodbye to the grilled stuffed burrito in 2020, Taco Bell has given no indication so far that it could return. The company seems focused on continuing to streamline operations and introduce more modern innovations and limited time offers.
However, fans still cling to a bit of hope that the burrito could make a comeback someday. Taco Bell has been known to bring back popular retired legacy items in limited runs, like the Enchirito. The company is rumored to be bringing back the Mexican pizza in 2022 after a huge customer demand. Perhaps if fans make enough noise, the grilled stuffed burrito could find its way back on the menu for a special limited engagement. It likely wouldn’t return permanently given the preparation time and profit margins. But a temporary reprisal would delight longtime customers.
For now, fans of the grilled stuffed burrito will need to follow copycat recipes and visit online fan communities to get their fix. But its legacy lives on as one of Taco Bell’s most craveworthy innovations.
Conclusion
With its warm grilled tortilla, flavorful chicken, melty cheese, and creamy sauces all stuffed inside, the grilled stuffed burrito became a fast food favorite that customers couldn’t get enough of. Its 13-year run on the Taco Bell menu proved its staying power as a uniquely tasty and hearty option. While efficiency needs eventually led Taco Bell to discontinue it, the grilled stuffed burrito remains one of the brand’s most legendary menu items to date. Fans will certainly be requesting its return for years to come.