The Taco Bell menu is a living, breathing entity. Items come, items go, and sometimes items enter a strange purgatory where they are technically available but nowhere to be found on the physical menu board above the register. Perhaps no item better exemplifies this “secret” status than the Quesarito.
A legendary mashup of a quesadilla and a burrito, the Quesarito gained a cult following for its cheesy, decadent construction. However, if you walk into a Taco Bell and try to point at a picture of one, you might find yourself staring at a blank space. Here is everything you need to know about the current state of the Quesarito and exactly how to get your hands on one.
Understanding the Quesarito Legacy
Before we get into the mechanics of the order, it is important to understand what makes this item special. The Quesarito isn’t just a burrito with extra cheese; it is a structural marvel. It consists of a beef burrito wrapped inside a cheese quesadilla.
Traditionally, it features seasoned beef, premium Latin rice, chipotle sauce, and reduced-fat sour cream. This core is then wrapped in a flour tortilla that has been layered with a melted 3-cheese blend. It is then grilled to achieve that signature crunch on the outside while maintaining a molten, gooey interior.
In 2020, Taco Bell made the controversial decision to remove the Quesarito from their in-store menus. This wasn’t a total “retirement” like the Mexican Pizza (which eventually returned), but rather a digital migration. Taco Bell shifted the item to be a “Digital Exclusive,” meaning it became a ghost to those ordering at the counter or through the drive-thru speaker without the right strategy.
The Most Reliable Method: The Taco Bell App
The absolute easiest way to order a Quesarito is to use the official Taco Bell mobile app or the website. Because the item is classified as a digital exclusive, it is hard-coded into the digital interface even though it is missing from the physical boards.
Step-by-Step Digital Ordering
First, download the Taco Bell app and create an account. Once you have selected your preferred location, navigate to the “New” or “Online Exclusives” section. In most regions, the Quesarito lives permanently in this category.
- Simply select the item, choose your protein—you can usually swap the beef for shredded chicken, steak, or even black beans for a vegetarian option—and add it to your cart.
- When you arrive at the store, you can check in via the app or give your name at the drive-thru speaker.
Since the order is already in their system, the kitchen staff will see the Quesarito on their prep screens and fulfill it without question.
Customization in the App
One of the benefits of using the app to order your Quesarito is the ability to customize it without the pressure of a line behind you. You can “Make it Grilled” (though the Quesarito should be grilled by default), add extra nacho cheese sauce, or swap the rice for potatoes. The app provides a transparent view of what is actually possible within the Taco Bell kitchen.
How to Order at the Drive-Thru or Counter
If you find yourself at the restaurant without the app, things get a little more complicated. If you simply ask for a “Quesarito,” the employee might tell you it has been discontinued. This is often because it is no longer a button on their primary point-of-sale (POS) screen.
However, many seasoned Taco Bell employees know exactly what a Quesarito is and are willing to help you out if they aren’t in the middle of a massive rush. You have two options here: the “Direct Ask” or the “Custom Build.”
The Direct Ask
Some franchises still have a legacy button for the Quesarito buried in their system. You can politely ask, “I know it’s an online exclusive, but is there any way you can still ring up a Quesarito at the register?” If they say yes, you’re golden. If they say no, do not despair. You can move to the Custom Build.
The Custom Build Strategy
To “reconstruct” a Quesarito from the standard menu, you need to start with a base item that most closely resembles the internal components. The 5-Layer Burrito is your best starting point.
Order a Beefy 5-Layer Burrito and ask for the following modifications:
- Remove the beans (unless you like them, but they aren’t in the original recipe).
- Add seasoned rice.
- Add chipotle sauce.
- Ask them to grill it.
While this doesn’t perfectly replicate the “quesadilla-wrapped-around-a-burrito” technique, it gets the flavor profile almost identical. If you want to go the extra mile, you can ask them to add a layer of melted three-cheese blend between two tortillas, but this can be confusing for the staff and may result in a “no.”
Why the Quesarito is Worth the Effort
You might be wondering why anyone would jump through these hoops for a fast-food burrito. The answer lies in the texture. Most burritos rely on the tortilla simply as a vessel. The Quesarito treats the tortilla as a feature.
When the cheese is melted between two layers of flour tortilla and then grilled, it creates a structural integrity that prevents the burrito from getting soggy. The heat from the grill, which usually reaches internal temperatures around 160 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the beef is safe and the cheese is molten, creates a smoky, toasted aroma that elevates the entire experience.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Quesarito Experience
To truly master the art of the Quesarito, keep these insider tips in mind:
- The Steak Upgrade While the seasoned beef is the classic choice, the Quesarito is widely considered to be at its best when ordered with steak. The heartiness of the steak pairs perfectly with the creamy chipotle sauce and the double-layered cheesy shell. It turns a snack into a very substantial meal.
- Watch the Timing Since the Quesarito involves more labor than a standard taco (it requires two tortillas and a specific steaming/grilling process), try to avoid ordering a complex custom version during the peak lunch or dinner rush. Your chances of a perfectly constructed Quesarito go up significantly during “off-peak” hours when the kitchen staff has the time to ensure the cheese is perfectly melted and the wrap is tight.
- Check Your Rewards If you use the Taco Bell app, the Quesarito often qualifies for “Fire Tier” rewards or specific “Digital Exclusive” challenges. Sometimes, you can even snag a Quesarito for free by redeeming your loyalty points, making the digital ordering process even more rewarding.
Final Thoughts on the Hidden Menu Hero
The Quesarito represents a shift in the fast-food industry toward digital loyalty. By keeping a fan-favorite item “hidden” on the app, Taco Bell encourages customers to engage with their digital platform. For the savvy fan, it’s a small price to pay for access to one of the most caloric and delicious items in the history of the “Live Mas” lifestyle.
Whether you choose the convenience of the app or the daring path of the custom register order, the Quesarito remains a crown jewel of the Taco Bell experience. It is a testament to the fact that with a little bit of knowledge and the right digital tools, the menu is never truly limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Quesarito officially discontinued at Taco Bell? The Quesarito was removed from the physical in-store menus in 2020 and became a digital exclusive. While it is no longer available to order via the traditional walk-up or drive-thru menu boards, it remains a permanent fixture on the Taco Bell mobile app and website for most locations.
- What is the difference between a Quesarito and a Beefy 5-Layer Burrito? The primary difference is the construction. A Quesarito uses a cheese-filled quesadilla as its outer layer and includes seasoned rice and chipotle sauce. A Beefy 5-Layer Burrito uses a layer of nacho cheese between two tortillas but includes beans and lacks the rice and chipotle sauce found in the Quesarito.
- Can I still order a Quesarito in the drive-thru? Technically, no, unless you have already placed the order through the app. Most employees are instructed that the item is “online only.” However, if you have the app, you can select “Drive-Thru” as your pickup method, and they will hand it to you at the window just like any other order.
- What is the best protein swap for a Quesarito? Steak is the most popular upgrade for the Quesarito, as it complements the melted three-cheese blend and chipotle sauce exceptionally well. For vegetarians, swapping the beef for black beans or potatoes is a common and delicious modification that maintains the item’s signature textures.
- Why did Taco Bell make the Quesarito an online exclusive? Taco Bell transitioned several items to digital-only status to streamline their kitchen operations and encourage customers to use their mobile app. By removing labor-intensive items from the main menu boards, they can reduce wait times for the majority of customers while still offering the item to dedicated fans who are willing to order digitally.