TL;DR
Taco Bell is testing a new carne asada protein in Nashville and Minneapolis‑St. Paul, introducing six menu items as the chain considers expanding its permanent Cantina lineup. The test includes six menu items featuring the new protein and could become a permanent addition to the Cantina menu depending on results.
Taco Bell is testing a new carne asada protein in Nashville and Minneapolis-St. Paul, introducing six menu items as the chain considers expanding its permanent Cantina lineup.
New carne asada protein
The new carne asada features lime-paprika marinated steak prepared sous vide for tenderness and seared for a charred finish. Inspired by traditional taco shop flavors, the protein combines citrus and savory seasonings.
Menu items featuring the protein
The test includes six menu items featuring the new protein:
- Cantina Carne Asada Chalupa Lime Bowl
- Cantina Carne Asada Rolled Quesadilla
- Cantina Carne Asada Crispy Taco
- Cantina Carne Asada Soft Taco
- Cantina Carne Asada Burrito
- Cantina Carne Asada Street Chalupa
Additional ingredients
The lineup also introduces new ingredients, including a Sonora-style flour tortilla and purple cabbage slaw. Each item is served with an Avocado Verde Salsa packet.
Context and future plans
The test builds on Taco Bell’s introduction of Cantina slow-roasted chicken as the company continues exploring premium protein options.
Depending on the results of the Nashville and Minneapolis-St. Paul tests, the new carne asada could eventually become a permanent addition to Taco Bell’s Cantina menu.
In this story
This story was originally published by Ben Coley in QSR Magazine on November 12, 2026. Burnaze summarizes and links to the original reporting.
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