Taco Bell today announced its new grilled cheese dipping taco featuring slow-braised shredded beef – a new protein offering from the chain. The taco is filled with a creamy jalapeno sauce and a three-cheese blend of cheddar, mozzarella and pepper jack inside and outside of a white corn shell fried daily. It also comes with two sauces – warm nacho cheese sauce and a savory red sauce –for dipping. It is available starting Aug. 3 for a limited time only for the suggested price of $3.49.
Taco Bell notes that its new slow-braised shredded beef is inspired by birria, which is in high demand. Consumer research firm Datassential reported that birria’s appearance on menus has grown by 144% in the past four years. The protein’s debut comes after two years of testing.
“The rich and spicy flavors often found in birria were a major point of inspiration as we created the new grilled cheese dipping taco. By combining slow-braised shredded beef with the two dipping sauces, our fans can enjoy a new range of flavors they may have never had from Taco Bell before,” Liz Matthews, global chief food innovation officer, said in a statement. “This Mexican-inspired dish represents an evolution of what fans typically expect from Taco Bell. We’re excited to bring this menu item nationwide after an incredibly successful test in 2022.”
The new taco is also an extension of Taco Bell’s grilled cheese platform that includes a grilled cheese burrito, first introduced in 2020, and a double steak grilled cheese burrito.
To celebrate the new product launch, Taco Bell has partnered with Los Angeles-based marketing company The h.wood Group on an event happening Aug. 1 called Taco Bell | Bootsy Bellows Presents: Tacos: The Next Chapter. The first 20 Fire! Tier Rewards members and their plus-ones who sign up for the event will receive exclusive access, which includes a tasting of the new taco, specialty cocktails and musical performances.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]