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Taco Bell adds slow-braised shredded beef as part of new birria-inspired dipping tacoTaco Bell adds slow-braised shredded beef as part of new birria-inspired dipping taco

Taco Bell’s new grilled cheese dipping taco was inspired by birria, which has experienced a 144% increase on menus in the past four years.

Alicia Kelso, Executive Editor

July 27, 2023

2 Min Read
grilled cheese dipping taco taco bell
Taco Bell's new grilled cheese dipping taco features slow-braised shredded beef – a new protein offering from the chain.Photo courtesy of Taco Bell

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.”

Related:Taco Bell recruits Paris Hilton to promote Volcano Menu’s return

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]

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About the Author

Alicia Kelso

Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News

Alicia Kelso is the executive editor of Nation's Restaurant News. She began covering the restaurant industry in 2010 for QSRweb.com, FastCasual.com and PizzaMarketplace.com. When her son was born, she left the industry to pursue a role in higher education, but swiftly returned after realizing how much she missed the space. In filling that void, Alicia added a contributor role at Restaurant Dive and a senior contributor role at Forbes.
Her work has appeared in publications around the world, including Forbes Asia, NPR, Bloomberg, The Seattle Times, Crain's Chicago, Good Morning America and Franchise Asia Magazine.
Alicia holds a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University, where she competed on the women's swim team. In addition to cheering for the BGSU Falcons, Alicia is a rabid Michigan fan and will talk about college football with anyone willing to engage. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her wife and son.

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