Description
Crispy, golden chalupas bring Mexican street flavors straight to home kitchens with this irresistible Taco Bell-inspired recipe. Packed with zesty seasonings and fresh ingredients, these handheld delights will satisfy cravings and impress dinner guests with authentic southwestern flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Shell Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or blend)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Taco sauce or salsa
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Create a soft, pliable dough by combining flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Incorporate shortening until the texture resembles coarse sand, then gradually introduce milk to form a cohesive dough.
- Divide the dough into 8 uniform portions. Roll each segment into thin, circular shapes on a lightly dusted work surface.
- Heat oil to 375F in a deep skillet. Carefully lower each dough round into the hot oil, frying for 1-2 minutes per side until they transform into puffy, golden chalupa shells. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a separate skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until it browns completely. Eliminate any accumulated fat.
- Enhance the meat with taco seasoning and a splash of water. Allow the mixture to simmer, reducing and thickening for approximately 10 minutes.
- Construct each chalupa by layering the seasoned beef onto the crisp shells. Generously top with fresh, crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, dollops of creamy sour cream, and a drizzle of zesty taco sauce.
- Serve immediately to maintain the shells’ ideal crispness and temperature.
Notes
- Deep-fry shells carefully to prevent burning, maintaining consistent oil temperature ensures crispy golden texture.
- Experiment with alternative proteins like shredded chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based crumbles for diverse dietary preferences.
- Pat meat dry before browning to achieve better caramelization and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Use a thermometer when frying to guarantee precise oil temperature, preventing soggy or overly greasy shells.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg