Taco Bell's Quad Steak Burrito and Quesadilla Reviewed

by Erik R. Trinidad, Posted Feb 8th 2011 @ 1:00PM

Taco Bell's Quad Steak Burrito Photo: Erik R. Trinidad

A few weeks ago, the nation found out about a California class-action lawsuit against Taco Bell, in which it was alleged that the Mexican-inspired fast food empire was serving a "meat mixture" containing less than 35 percent meat. In response, Taco Bell fought back with a very public statement (and full-page ads). Additionally, they rolled out the Quad Steak Burrito (and Quad Steak Quesadilla) to showcase the fact that they do, in fact, serve real USDA Select beef. Here's how they rate:

The Claims: The Quad Steak Burrito is a burrito with four times the amount of steak pieces than the Steak Burrito Supreme, all wrapped in a flour tortilla filled with seasoned rice, "fire-roasted" salsa, reduced-fat sour cream and cheddar cheese. Its quesadilla counterpart has the same ingredients -- with four times the amount of beef than a Steak Quesadilla -- although it's flatter and not as filling as the burrito. (Both contain 610-660 calories, according to a menu poster.)

The Price: $4.99 each. (Prices may vary depending on location.)

The Verdict: Grade C+. This "new" burrito and quesadilla may pack more meat, but it is not inventive on any other front. It is what it is, and "what it is" is an obvious attempt at damage control, a food item to remind the public that you can get actual beef chunks -- and plenty of them -- at Taco Bell. Sure, the Quad Steak items are filling and have that familiar fast-food Mexican-inspired taste you expect from Taco Bell, with a spiciness you can control via your preference of thier Mild, Hot, or Fire Sauce. To be fair, the abundance of steak pieces does alter the texture of the burrito, with more beef per bite during your eating experience, rather than the mouthfuls of mostly rice you get with the regular steak burrito. But apart from that, this "new" burrito is nothing new at all. Taco Bell may claim to "think outside the bun," but they didn't think much further than that in this one.

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Filed Under: Taste Test, Fast Food
Tags: fast food, FastFood, taco bell, TacoBell

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

2-08-2011 @3:03PM dave goldBernard said... Taco Bell sucks anyways having
been there since
they had the dog
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2-08-2011 @3:22PM AnnSometimesY said... I don't know what's really going on here, but, every since the news report came out about the "Beef" issue, the local Taco Bell in our area, has acquired a staff of "Hispanics Only" in their business. I engaged in a little bit of difficulty with language while placing my order. I wonder, if this was a personnel move all over the country as a result of the negative press, or, if it was just in our locale???
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2-08-2011 @3:28PM JAUN said... SE

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2-08-2011 @3:34PM JAUN said... ESCRIBA UNA ORACION O FRAE TAL VEZ USTED PODRIA ALIMENTOS PARA SUEN ESPANOL!

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2-08-2011 @4:39PM Church Lady said... If you have a problem with Spanish being spoken at the Taco Bell, maybe you'd be better served BY NOT EATING 'MEXICAN' FOOD.
Sheesh!

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2-09-2011 @1:06PM VEGANFIREBIRD said... Really, Church Lady...we are in America, yes? Taco Bell is an American corporation, not a Mexican one!

Looks like management did not thoroughly train his (or her) spanish-speaking employees.

Sheesh yourself.

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2-08-2011 @3:26PM TINA said... taco bell rocks.. it always has!!! if people complain about what they get, then they need to go to a real restuarant where real mexican food is served. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR...
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2-08-2011 @3:54PM Joni said... I also have to agree that you go to Taco Bell for what Taco Bell serves, fast food. And it isn't bad as fast food goes. I have loved their regular cripsy tacos and plain old bean burritos forever (and I do mean forever, I have been eating at the Bell for at least 30 years). I don't expect real Mexican food, I just expect what I get, a nice filling lunch or quick dinner. We have become a nation of lawsuit happy people. Get over yourselves, if you want real Mexican food, go somewhere else. And yes, I do know the difference, I live in Arizona and can get really great Mexican food when I want it. And when I want Taco Bell, I get Taco Bell.
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2-08-2011 @6:07PM Melinda said... Hello people ..... the flogging that Taco Bell received was for the "beef" not the steak. Gosh, I hope they use real steak (at some grade level) and not pigeon with steak flavoring added? By putting out this new steak burrito its just a slap in the face to the consumer and a cover-up to the real problem - fake ground beef (beef powder/add water/and fluff with fork consistency).
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2-08-2011 @6:18PM Jasmine said... You are so right Mel! They are forgetting it was "the beef" not "the steak" that got them into trouble!
But to be quite honest I'm sure Taco Bell is not the only fast food serving sub-par food with extra fillers. I try to eat healthy but on occasion I cheat and grab that cheeseburger or taco. I wonder what Jack in the Box puts in their tacos??? Them are my favorite!!! :)

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2-08-2011 @6:13PM Jimmy said... You're Right Melinda! This steak burrito is an attempt to cover the truth, that they don't want to admit to using less than 35% BEEF in their BEEF tacos NOT STEAK! They can't pull the wool over everyone's eyes!
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2-08-2011 @6:13PM Gary said... Maybe the should offer a Michael Vick burrito with extra meat. It could be a great dog gone deal....
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2-08-2011 @6:32PM VaGena Smiley said... How many times can you mince that meat! It's just sawdust and water... Pounds of lettuce but who can say if that's real either! We all knew that taco bell was a cheap place to eat, but we didn't know how CHEAP!
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2-08-2011 @7:30PM chris said... xxl chalupa gone? howmygonnalive?
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2-09-2011 @1:01AM Bob Roberts said... I like TB, they are my first choice when driving cross country. It's a nice break from the usual. But, FWIW, I saw an add last week touting their "Beefy Taco". I'm sure it was a concession suggested by their lawyers, but it is almost an admission. That said, I still like them and will eat there when I need a fast fix.
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2-09-2011 @3:17AM AnnSomtimesY said... Okay Juan and Church Lady!! I was not trying to start a food fight when I mentioned MY personal experience at Taco Bell's the other day. I was just stating the fact that the young lady had a language barrier when I placed my order. I ended up speakiing to the new manager, (who was also Hispanic), to get clarification of my order of refried beans, and the new crunchy burrito! We repeated the order three times before he assisted me. I only speak limited Spanish, and she apparently speaks limited English. I don't have a problem with visiting Taco Bell per se, I simply wanted to know if all of the Bell's have changed to "Hispanic Only" staff members?
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2-09-2011 @11:38AM gobo said... No. They haven't. They hire who they hire. If your server can't understand your order, talk to the manager. You're free to eat in other fast food restaurants if you're intimidated by Hispanic people working at a tex-mex joint.