Homemade Taco Bell Chalupa Recipe
Introduction
The Taco Bell Chalupa is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines crispy, puffy bread with seasoned beef and fresh toppings. It’s a fun twist on traditional tacos and perfect for a quick, delicious meal at home.
Ingredients
- Flatbread or fry bread
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning with a little water according to the package instructions. Simmer until the beef is well coated and flavorful.
- Step 2: Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the flatbread or fry bread until it puffs up and turns golden brown on both sides. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Step 3: Fill each fried bread with the seasoned beef, then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- For added crunch, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top before serving.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier chalupa.
Storage
Store leftover seasoned beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Fry bread is best eaten fresh but can be kept in a sealed bag for 1 day. Reheat beef in a skillet or microwave; avoid reheating the fried bread to maintain its texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the chalupa gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flatbread or fry bread alternatives to make a gluten-free chalupa.
How do I keep the fry bread crispy?
Serve the chalupa immediately after frying. If you need to keep fry bread crispy longer, store it in a paper bag instead of plastic to avoid moisture buildup.
PrintHomemade Taco Bell Chalupa Recipe
A classic Taco Bell Chalupa recipe featuring crispy fried flatbread filled with seasoned ground beef and fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sour cream. This homemade version delivers the authentic chalupa experience with a crispy, puffy shell and flavorful filling perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 chalupas 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
Flatbread or Fry Bread
- 4 pieces flatbread or fry bread (approximately 6 inches in diameter)
Beef Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 ounce)
- 2/3 cup water
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, enough for frying (about 2 cups)
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoned beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in the taco seasoning along with 2/3 cup of water, simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and is well combined. Remove from heat.
- Fry the bread: In a deep pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry each piece of flatbread or fry bread one at a time for approximately 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until the bread puffs up and turns golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip carefully. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the chalupas: Take the fried bread and form a shallow pocket or taco shell shape while still warm. Fill each piece generously with the cooked seasoned beef, then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, shredded cheese, and finish with a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately while the bread is crispy.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, replace beef with seasoned black beans or plant-based meat substitutes.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough to puff up the bread but not too hot to burn it quickly.
- Serve chalupas with salsa or hot sauce for added flavor.
- Leftover beef can be refrigerated and used in other Mexican dishes.
Keywords: Taco Bell chalupa, homemade chalupa, fried bread taco, seasoned ground beef chalupa, Mexican fast food copycat
