Taco Bell’s New Grilled Steak Burritos: A Complete Taste Test and Review
A detailed breakdown and honest review of Taco Bell’s latest grilled steak burritos, their flavor, value, and main differences.
Taco Bell’s Limited-Time Grilled Steak Burritos: Worth the Hype?
Taco Bell has refreshed its Cravings Value Menu with two new limited-time burritos: the Cheesy Melt Grilled Steak Burrito and the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Steak Burrito. With an enticing $3 price tag, these additions promise to deliver value-packed flavor with every bite. As fast food innovation continues to roll out new versions of classics, how do these fresh burritos stand up—especially for steak fans?
What’s New—and Why Does It Matter?
For many, Taco Bell is synonymous with affordable, filling meals that arrive hot, cheesy, and customizable. Despite the already robust burrito line-up (which includes the Beefy 5-Layer and Cheesy Bean & Rice), these new steak burritos stand out for a few reasons:
- They are part of the updated Cravings Value Menu, which is known for limited-time deals and attractive pricing.
- Both feature grilled, marinated steak rather than standard beef or vegetarian fillings.
- Unique sauces—like creamy jalapeño and chipotle ranch—set them apart from long–standing menu items.
We sent a food editor with a critical palate to a local Taco Bell to put both burritos to the test, providing a side-by-side analysis for anyone debating which to try—or whether they’re worth breaking your routine.
Meet the New Burritos: Cheesy Melt vs. Chipotle Ranch
| Burrito | Main Fillings | Distinct Sauce | Texture | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheesy Melt Grilled Steak Burrito | Grilled steak, seasoned rice, three-cheese blend, reduced fat sour cream | Creamy jalapeño sauce | Rich, gooey, creamy | ~$3 |
| Chipotle Ranch Grilled Steak Burrito | Grilled steak, fiesta strips, shredded cheddar, lettuce, pico de gallo | Avocado ranch + creamy chipotle | Creamy, crunchy, tangy | ~$3 |
Note: Actual availability and prices may vary by location.
A Quick Look at Taco Bell’s Burrito Staples
Before diving into each new burrito, it’s worth noting that Taco Bell’s burritos leverage a familiar palette of ingredients—cheese, rice, tortillas, various meats, and signature sauces. What sets each innovation apart is the combination of textures, sauces, and a few key extras. The grilled steak burritos are designed to deliver a more elevated, satisfying experience without breaking the bank.
Taste Test: Cheesy Melt Grilled Steak Burrito
The Cheesy Melt Grilled Steak Burrito is built on the promise of pure comfort— oozy cheese, juicy steak, and just a touch of heat, all wrapped in a warm tortilla:
- Main Ingredients: Marinated, grilled steak; seasoned rice; three-cheese blend (mozzarella, pepper jack, cheddar); reduced-fat sour cream; creamy jalapeño sauce; warm flour tortilla.
- Caloric Load: About 500 calories— making it a moderately filling option for the price.
- Texture and Appearance: Generously stuffed; gooey and cheesy; heavier mouthfeel due to sour cream and cheese blend.
- Flavor Highlights: The creamy jalapeño sauce offers a mild, agreeable heat— enough to notice, but not overwhelming. Cheese is the star here, both in volume and flavor. The steak is tender, and the rice soaks up all the saucy goodness, delivering a classic Taco Bell burrito experience with a twist.
- Who Will Love It? Cheese-lovers and classic burrito fans who crave comfort food above all.
Reviewer’s Note: The creamy jalapeño sauce is likely the only genuinely ‘new’ component; the other elements revisit well-trodden territory for Taco Bell regulars. Still, for $3, the hearty portion and rich, comforting flavor rank it as a satisfying, value-packed pick.
Taste Test: Chipotle Ranch Grilled Steak Burrito
Taking the experience in a slightly fresher and tangier direction is the Chipotle Ranch Grilled Steak Burrito. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Main Ingredients: Marinated, grilled steak; crunchy fiesta strips; shredded cheddar cheese; shredded iceberg lettuce; pico de gallo; creamy avocado ranch; creamy chipotle sauce; warm flour tortilla.
- Texture and Appearance: Far crunchier than its cheesy cousin—thanks to the fiesta strips. Visually, it’s more colorful with fresh pico and crisp lettuce.
- Flavor Highlights: The star is the synergy of avocado ranch and chipotle sauce, which brings brightness, tang, and a little heat. The crunchy fiesta strips provide a contrast to the creamy sauce and tender steak, making this burrito feel both more substantial and lively on the palate.
- Who Will Love It? Fans of smoky, tangy flavors and anyone who enjoys contrast in their burrito—especially that well-loved Taco Bell textural crunch.
Reviewer’s Note: This option leans more adventurous, with the chipotle and avocado ranch combining for a burst of flavor that differentiates it from more conventional burritos. The fresh pico and lettuce counterbalance the richness of the sauces and steak.
Comparing the Two: Which Is Best?
| Feature | Cheesy Melt Grilled Steak | Chipotle Ranch Grilled Steak |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor profile | Creamy, ultra-cheesy, mellow spice | Tangy, smoky, balanced crunch and sauce |
| Best for | Comfort seekers, cheese fans | Adventurous eaters, fans of bold/smoky flavors |
| Texture | Smooth, thick, cohesive | Crisp, layered, fresh |
| Appearance | Classic, golden-brown wrap | Colorful, with visible veggies and chips |
For those prioritizing rich comfort, the Cheesy Melt Grilled Steak Burrito delivers on all fronts. But if you’re craving complexity and (literal) crunch, the Chipotle Ranch is the clear winner.
Portion Size and Value: Do They Deliver?
- Hefty portions: Both burritos are impressively packed for the price, with a decent steak-to-filler ratio. Few will feel short-changed with a single burrito—and two could easily be a satisfying meal.
- Filling ingredients: Both protein and carbs at the forefront, plus enough cheese and sauce to feel decadent.
- Minimal mess: Thanks to firm wrapping, both travel well and are less likely to fall apart during eating.
- Price consistency: While officially promoted as $3, prices may creep slightly above depending on location (e.g., $3.29 in some markets).
How Do They Compare to Other Taco Bell Classics?
Taco Bell’s regular burritos (like the Beefy 5-Layer or Chicken Burrito Supreme) differ mainly in their bases (beef vs. steak, beans vs. chips, etc.) and sauces. What makes these grilled steak burritos stand out:
- Premium steak as main filling, instead of seasoned beef or beans
- Layered sauces—especially the combination of avocado ranch and chipotle in the Chipotle Ranch
- Crunch elements (fiesta strips) missing from most standard burritos
- Part of the Cravings Value Menu at a price point often reserved for less premium options
If you routinely opt for value beef or chicken burritos but have wanted to try steak without a big upcharge, this is your moment. Regulars will notice these burritos feel a notch above the basics—without entering pricier territory.
Expert Tips: Getting the Most Out of Your Burrito
- Add-ons and substitutions: Both burritos can be further customized. Consider adding jalapeños for kick, swapping out sauces, or loading on extra lettuce for crunch.
- Pair with other value items: These burritos combine well with sides like chips and guacamole, or a value drink, if you want a larger meal at a low price.
- Check for local deals: Taco Bell’s app sometimes offers bundled discounts or rewards for repeat Value Menu orders—check before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are the steak burritos available everywhere?
A: Availability may vary by location and may be limited by region—check with your nearest Taco Bell for details.
Q: Are these grilled burritos on the permanent menu?
A: No, both the Cheesy Melt and Chipotle Ranch Grilled Steak Burritos are limited-time offerings as part of the Cravings Value Menu promotions.
Q: Are there vegetarian versions available?
A: While these two burritos are steak-based, Taco Bell offers several vegetarian burritos, including the Cheesy Bean & Rice or the classic Bean Burrito from its regular menu.
Q: How spicy are the sauces?
A: The creamy jalapeño and chipotle sauces add subtle heat but are generally mild enough for most palates. The main heat comes from the chipotle sauce in the Chipotle Ranch variant.
Q: Can I customize these burritos with extra toppings?
A: Absolutely—Taco Bell is known for customization. You can add, remove, or swap ingredients when ordering both in person and online, including extra sauce, veggies, or different proteins.
Final Verdict: Top Pick and Recommendations
Summary:
- Cheesy Melt Grilled Steak Burrito: Best for cheese lovers and those who value classic comfort and gooey texture.
- Chipotle Ranch Grilled Steak Burrito: Best for bold flavor seekers who want crunch, tang, and something a bit fresher.
- Both earn high marks for portion size, overall value, and taste diversity at the $3 price point—making them some of the best deals currently available on the Taco Bell menu.
Our guest editor’s top pick: The Chipotle Ranch Grilled Steak Burrito for its dynamic flavor profile and textural complexity. Both are recommended, but adventurous eaters may find the Chipotle Ranch burrito an instant favorite, while cheese devotees will cozy up with the Cheesy Melt.
With Taco Bell’s ongoing commitment to mixing up the Value Menu and frequent introduction of creative variations, there’s never been a better time to break out of your order routine and try something new—for less than the price of a fancy coffee.
