---
title: "Taco Bell Tests New Carne Asada Protein in Nashville and Minneapolis-St. Paul Markets"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/f11c22c2-6d5c-4889-9162-0c9ba393937c
source: "QSR Magazine"
original_url: https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/taco-bell-tests-new-carne-asada-protein-in-nashville-and-minneapolis-st-paul-markets/
author: "Ben Coley"
category: "Mexican"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Mexican"
published: 2026-11-12T18:02:35.000Z
modified: 2026-11-13T12:01:39.541Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1555396273-367ea4eb4db5?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Taco Bell Tests New Carne Asada Protein in Nashville and Minneapolis-St. Paul Markets

**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.

*By Ben Coley, originally published in QSR Magazine on 2026-11-12. [Read the original](https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/taco-bell-tests-new-carne-asada-protein-in-nashville-and-minneapolis-st-paul-markets/).*

## Key facts

- Taco Bell is testing a lime‑paprika marinated, sous‑vide carne asada protein in Nashville and Minneapolis‑St. Paul.
- Six menu items—Chalupa Lime Bowl, Rolled Quesadilla, Crispy Taco, Soft Taco, Burrito, Street Chalupa—feature the new protein.
- Items include a Sonora‑style flour tortilla, purple cabbage slaw, and an Avocado Verde Salsa packet.

## Story

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.

## Entities

- Restaurants (sector)
- Taco Bell (company)
- Nashville (location)
- Minneapolis-St. Paul (location)
- menu testing (topic)
- protein innovation (topic)
- cantina lineup (topic)
- regional testing (topic)

---
Originally reported by Ben Coley, QSR Magazine (https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/taco-bell-tests-new-carne-asada-protein-in-nashville-and-minneapolis-st-paul-markets/). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/f11c22c2-6d5c-4889-9162-0c9ba393937c).