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Homemade Taco Bell Chalupa Recipe

4.6 from 109 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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