Taco Bell's new carne asada lineup is put to the test
TLDR:
Taco Bell is testing new carne asada in Nashville, Tennessee, and throughout Minneapolis-St. Paul beginning November 12, giving local fans an early taste of the premium protein that could help shape the future of the growing Cantina Menu – and earn a permanent spot on menus.
The new carne asada features lime-paprika marinated steak that is sous vide for tenderness and seared for a craveable finish.
The limited-time test levels up the Cantina experience with new components including a Sonoran-style tortilla, and a purple cabbage slaw, bringing even more texture, flavor and variety to the lineup.
Carne asada assets can be found here.
Irvine, Calif. (Nov. 12, 2026) – Taco Bell is turning up the flavor with a bold new take on steak as its Cantina lineup continues to evolve. The new premium protein features bold, citrusy, savory marinated carne asada that is sous vide for tenderness, seared for a craveable finish, then cut into cubes for the perfect bite. Beginning November 12, fans in Nashville, Tennessee, and Minneapolis-St. Paul markets, will be among the first to try the new protein as part of a limited-market test.
Building on the introduction of Cantina slow-roasted chicken, Taco Bell is continuing to expand its Cantina lineup with premium ingredients, elevated builds and craveable takes on familiar favorites. This carne asada test marks the next step in bringing more variety and elevated protein choices to fans while exploring what the future of steak offerings could look like across Taco Bell.
The Next Chapter of Cantina
Carne asada will be featured across six Cantina offerings, each designed to bring the premium protein to life in a different way — from new favorites to craveable indulgences, all paired with Cantina’s delicious Avocado Verde Salsa Sauce Packet. This test also introduces new components across the Cantina lineup, including the Sonoran tortilla, and purple cabbage slaw bringing added texture, freshness and dimension to the experience.
Cantina Carne Asada Chalupa Lime Bowl*: A bed of seasoned rice topped with boldly marinated carne asada and slow-simmered black beans with crisp lettuce, purple cabbage slaw, guacamole made with Hass avocados, a blend of mozzarella, cheddar and pepperjack cheeses, freshly prepared 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.
Cantina Carne Asada Burrito*: A buttery, smooth, Sonora-style flour tortilla with boldly marinated carne asada, purple cabbage slaw, crisp lettuce, Spicy Ranch Sauce, a blend of mozzarella, cheddar and pepperjack cheeses, and freshly prepared pico de gallo, wrapped up and grilled to go. Served with an Avocado Verde Salsa packet.
Cantina Carne Asada Crispy Taco*: A freshly fried white-corn shell with boldly 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.
Cantina Carne Asada Soft Taco*: A buttery, smooth, Sonora-style flour tortilla with boldly 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.
Cantina Carne Asada Rolled Quesadilla*: A buttery, 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 to perfection, cut and wrapped to go. Served with an Avocado Verde Salsa packet.
Cantina Carne Asada Street Chalupa*: A street-sized chewy fried Chalupa shell with a crispy layer of cheese baked on the inside. We load it up with boldly marinated carne asada and top it with Spicy Ranch Sauce and a blend of mozzarella, cheddar and pepperjack cheeses. Served with an Avocado Verde Salsa packet.
Raising the Bar on the Everyday
For Taco Bell, innovation isn't just about creating something entirely new. It's also about finding fresh ways to elevate the menu items fans already know and love. Carne Asada puts that approach into action with a more premium steak experience rooted in the flavors and textures of taco shops and taco stands. Its citrus-forward marinade, darker sear and taco-shop inspired cut distinguish it from Taco Bell’s current steak while delivering a more charred, savory eating experience.
While the test starts as a limited-time Cantina offering, carne asada has the potential to become a permanent part of the platform.
About Taco Bell Corp.
Since 1962, Taco Bell has brought innovative, craveable Mexican-inspired food to generations of fans. As one of the world’s leading restaurant brands, Taco Bell serves millions of customers each week across nearly 10,000 restaurants in more than 40 countries. Known for its cultural impact, fan-first mindset, and history of defying expectations, Taco Bell has been recognized as one of Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies and one of TIME’s Most Influential Companies. For more information about Taco Bell, visit www.TacoBell.com and www.TacoBell.com/news. Stay up to date on all things Taco Bell by following us on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and YouTube.
*Available at participating Nashville, Tennessee and Minneapolis-St. Paul Taco Bell locations while supplies last. Contact local restaurant for prices, hours and participation, which vary. Taxes extra. Prices higher with delivery.