Taco Bell spent 2 years perfecting the recipe for its brand-new taco — and it was worth the wait

For the first time, Taco Bell fans can try the chain's new slow-braised shredded beef. Taco Bell has spent two years perfecting the recipe, which I first got to try when I visited its test kitchen in October.

Liz Matthews, Taco Bell's chief food innovation officer, said the rich and spicy flavors traditionally found in birria were "a major point of inspiration" for the 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," Matthews said in a statement sent to Insider. "This Mexican-inspired dish represents an evolution of what fans typically expect from Taco Bell."

Taco Bell's $3.49 Grilled Cheese Dippin Taco features shredded beef with a three-cheese blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack that's been melted on the inside and grilled on the outside of the freshly fried, white-corn shell.

A creamy jalapeño sauce is drizzled inside, and the taco is also served with two dipping sauces — Taco Bell's red sauce and a warm nacho-cheese sauce.

The grill marks and overflowing cheesiness reminded me of Taco Bell's Grilled Cheese Burrito, one of my favorite fast-food menu items that I recommend to every friend who's never tried Taco Bell, along with the Crunchwrap Supreme.

I've been writing about food (not just Taco Bell) for many years, and some first bites still stand out to me — like the tomatoes in Ina Garten's summer garden pasta and the eggs on Gordon Ramsay's breakfast sandwich. My first bite of Taco Bell's Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco is right up there.

It sounds hyperbolic, I know, but I couldn't have been more impressed with the Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco (and have been dying to tell people about it for the last 10 months). The shredded beef was tender and delicious; I couldn't believe how much flavor there was. It tasted great with all that cheese, and the jalapeño sauce added lovely creaminess and heat. I also loved the contrast of the crispy shell with the ooey-gooey cheese, and the taco paired perfectly with the dipping sauces.

Nancy and I went to Taco Bell's launch party for the Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco in Hollywood on Tuesday — and she loved it just as much as I did.

"The slow-braised shredded beef is crazy delicious," she said. "So much flavor."

And Nancy has a special tip for getting the most flavor out of each bite.

"I'd recommend double dipping in this order: nacho cheese, then the red sauce," she said. "My tip, by the way, was fully endorsed by Taco Bell executive chef Rene Pisciotti."

While I love many things at Taco Bell, the only menu item I've always included in my order, no matter the time or day, was a Crunchwrap Supreme — until now.

Taco Bell's Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco is so satisfying and delicious. It's the perfect snack or side and definitely something I'd love for a late-night fast-food run.

What I love most about Taco Bell is that the chain continues to find new ways to innovate and give us fresh twists on its classics. And its Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco is the perfect example of what you can make with time, creativity, and a love of cheese.