Taco Bell tests carne asada protein across Cantina menu items

Taco Bell is expanding its Cantina lineup with a new premium carne asada protein. Beginning Nov. 12, the limited-market test will launch in Nashville, Tennessee, and Minneapolis-St. Paul, according to a press release.

The protein will be featured in six menu items:

1. Cantina Carne Asada Chalupa Lime Bowl: A bed of seasoned rice topped with marinated carne asada and slow-simmered black beans with crisp lettuce, purple cabbage slaw, guacamole, a blend of mozzarella, cheddar and pepperjack cheeses, pico de gallo, reduced-fat sour cream and Spicy Ranch sauce. Then topped with Chile Lime seasoned Chalupa Chips. Served with an Avocado Verde Salsa packet.
2. Cantina Carne Asada Burritto: A Sonora-style flour tortilla with marinated carne asada, purple cabbage slaw, crisp lettuce, Spicy Ranch sauce, a blend of mozzarella, cheddar and pepperjack cheeses, and pico de gallo, wrapped up and grilled to go. Served with an Avocado Verde Salsa packet.
3. Cantina Carne Asada Crispy Taco:A freshly fried white-corn shell with marinated carne asada, Spicy Ranch sauce, a melty blend of mozzarella, cheddar and pepperjack cheeses on the inside and grilled cheese on the outside. Served with an Avocado Verde Salsa packet.
4. Cantina Carne Asada Soft Taco: A Sonora-style flour tortilla with marinated carne asada, topped with Spicy Ranch sauce, purple cabbage slaw, a blend of mozzarella, cheddar and pepperjack cheeses, and freshly prepared pico de gallo. Served with an Avocado Verde Salsa packet.
5. Cantina Carne Asada Rolled Quesadilla: A smooth, Sonora-style flour tortilla loaded with boldly marinated carne asada, a melty blend of mozzarella, cheddar and pepperjack cheeses, and Spicy Ranch sauce, rolled, grilled, cut and wrapped to go. Served with an Avocado Verde Salsa packet.
6. Cantina Carne Asada Street Chalupa: A street-sized fried Chalupa shell with a crispy layer of cheese baked on the inside, loaded with marinated carne asada and topped with Spicy Ranch sauce and a blend of mozzarella, cheddar and pepperjack cheeses. Served with an Avocado Verde Salsa packet.

The test builds on Taco Bell's introduction of Cantina slow-roasted chicken and signals the brand's continued investment in premium proteins, elevated menu builds and new interpretations of familiar favorites. The limited rollout also will help the chain explore the future of its steak offerings across the menu.