In the ever-evolving world of fast-food innovation, Taco Bell has a knack for turning fan favorites into something fresh, crunchy, and downright addictive. Remember the uproar when they axed the Mexican Pizza back in 2020? A petition with thousands of signatures later, it returned triumphantly in 2022—and sold out in a week. Now, the Irvine, California-based chain is doubling down on that cult-classic with a portable, deep-fried twist: the Mexican Pizza Empanada. Currently in limited testing at select Phoenix locations, these bite-sized beauties are stuffing nostalgia into a crispy shell, one golden pouch at a time.
First teased at Taco Bell’s annual Live Más Live event back in March 2025, the Mexican Pizza Empanadas represent the brand’s latest foray into handheld innovation. Unlike the original Mexican Pizza—a stacked masterpiece of seasoned beef, refried beans, three-cheese blend, diced tomatoes, and zesty Mexican Pizza sauce sandwiched between crispy tostadas—these empanadas strip it down to the essentials for on-the-go snacking.
Picture this: flaky, deep-fried pastry dough enveloping seasoned beef, a gooey three-cheese melty mix, and a bold, zesty sauce that nods to the pizza’s signature flavor profile. No beans or tomatoes here; it’s all about that concentrated punch of beefy, cheesy goodness. Served with a side of classic Mexican Pizza sauce for dipping, they’re designed to deliver the essence of the fan-favorite in a format that’s as easy to eat in the drive-thru as it is to share (or not).
Taco Bell’s Chief Food Innovation Officer, Liz Matthews, has been vocal about the chain’s mission to “create experiences that surprise, delight, and keep people coming back.” This test item fits right into that ethos, transforming a layered icon into portable perfection. And with the original Mexican Pizza still a menu mainstay, these empanadas could expand the family—or even inspire sweet counterparts, like the Salted Caramel and Toffee Cream Empanada Bites also unveiled at Live Más Live.
For now, Phoenix-area Taco Bell fans are the lucky guinea pigs. The empanadas launched in limited testing on November 20, 2025, and are available in 3-packs starting at $3.49 or 6-packs up to $5.99 (prices may vary by location). They’re also making a cameo in the $9 Discovery Luxe Cravings Box, bundled with items like Cinnamon Twists, a fountain drink, and combos featuring Steak Burrito Supreme or Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos Tacos—perfect for those craving a full fiesta.
But Taco Bell isn’t stopping at empanadas. This test phase coincides with other regional rollouts: Oklahoma City is getting the “Classic Chicken” and “Sriracha Chicken” Crunchadillas—crispy quesadillas loaded with grilled chicken, creamy jalapeño sauce, and reduced-fat sour cream for just $2. Meanwhile, Knoxville, Tennessee, is sipping on upgraded Refresca drinks like Limonada and Dream varieties. Nationally, the chain just dropped a Steak & Poblano Rolled Quesadilla, introducing poblano peppers for the first time. It’s a buffet of bold experiments, all aimed at boosting that crave factor.
