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–+ servings

Homemade Taco Bell-Style Chalupas

Transform your kitchen into a Taco Bell haven with homemade chalupas, but discover the secret twist that takes them to the next level!
Servings 4
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Frying Pan
  • Slotted Spoon
  • Paper towels
  • Spatula
  • Rolling Pin

Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour (all-purpose)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup water
  • oil (for frying)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion (small, finely chopped)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning mix)
  • 1 cup lettuce (shredded)
  • 1 cup tomatoes (diced)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • jalapeños (sliced, optional)

Instructions

  • Mix Flour, Baking Powder, Salt
    To get started on your chalupa shells, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. You might be wondering why these particular flour types matter. Well, all-purpose flour is your best bet here—it's versatile and gives that perfect texture. As you mix, picture those crispy, golden shells just waiting for delicious toppings!
    Next, gradually add water to your dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. This part's essential; it's where your baking techniques come into play. Kneading the dough for just a minute helps develop gluten, which gives your chalupas that lovely chewiness.
    After kneading, cover the dough with a towel and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period softens it, making it easier to roll out later.
    While you wait, take a moment to imagine the flavors you'll layer on top. The anticipation makes it even more exciting! When the time's up, you'll be ready to shape your dough into perfect circles. So, roll up your sleeves, and let's create those amazing chalupa shells together!
  • Cook Beef and Onion Mixture
    As you heat a frying pan over medium heat, add the ground beef and finely chopped onion. The sizzling sound is music to your ears, isn't it?
    You'll want to break the meat apart with a spatula, letting it brown while the onion flavor melds beautifully into the beef. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent—this should take about five to seven minutes.
    Once the meat's cooked, drain any excess fat—nobody likes a greasy chalupa!
    Now, stir in your beef seasoning. If you're using a packet, follow those instructions, but don't hesitate to get creative. A splash of water helps everything come together, so let that simmer for a few minutes.
    This is where the magic happens—your kitchen will start smelling like Taco Bell, and trust me, it's hard to resist stealing a bite!
  • Fry the Chalupa Shells
    Once your dough has rested, it's time to fry the chalupa shells to perfection. This step is where the magic happens! With roots in Mexican cuisine, chalupas have a rich history, and using the right frying techniques will make your homemade version shine.
    Start by heating oil in a frying pan to about 350°F (175°C). You want it hot enough for that delightful puff, but not so hot that your shells burn. Carefully roll each dough portion into a circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
    Once the oil is ready, gently place a dough circle in the pan and watch it come to life! In just 2-3 minutes per side, it'll puff up and turn golden brown.
    Isn't it satisfying to see your hard work transform into crispy, delicious shells? Use a slotted spoon to carefully lift them out, letting excess oil drain off.
    Repeat this process for each shell, and soon you'll have a batch of perfectly fried chalupa shells, ready to hold all those tasty toppings. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone enthusiastic to dig in!
  • Drain Fried Chalupa Shells
    After frying each chalupa shell to a golden brown, it's essential to drain them properly to keep them crispy. Trust me, no one wants a soggy shell!
    Grab your slotted spoon and carefully lift each shell from the oil, letting any excess oil drip back into the pan. Place them on a stack of paper towels; this will help absorb the remaining oil. You'll notice as they sit, they'll maintain that delightful crispy texture you're aiming for.
    Make sure to leave some space between the shells on the paper towels, so air can circulate around them. If you stack them too closely, moisture can sneak in and ruin all your hard work.
    Now, while you're waiting, take a moment to appreciate the beautiful golden-brown color of your creations. Doesn't it feel rewarding?
    Once you've drained all the shells, they're ready for the next step—filling them up with that seasoned beef! But remember, the real magic happens when you load them up with your favorite toppings, so stay tuned for that.
    Enjoy this moment of crispy perfection; you've earned it!
  • Add Toppings of Choice
    Now that your chalupa shells are perfectly fried and crispy, it's time to pile on your favorite toppings! This is where the magic happens, so let your creativity shine. Start with that savory seasoned beef you prepared, spooning a generous amount into each shell.
    But don't stop there—what are your go-to toppings?
    Add a handful of shredded lettuce for that satisfying crunch. Then, sprinkle some diced tomatoes on top for a burst of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream adds that creamy goodness we all crave. And let's not forget about cheese! A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or a Mexican blend will melt into the warm beef, making each bite irresistible.
    Feeling adventurous? Why not throw in some sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick?
    Or mix and match your topping combinations—maybe some refried beans, or guacamole if you're feeling extra indulgent. The beauty of these chalupas is that they're all about personal preference.
    Encourage everyone to customize theirs with their favorite toppings, and enjoy the delicious chaos that follows! Who knew a meal could be so much fun?
  • Garnish With Fresh Cilantro
    Adding a touch of freshness to your chalupas, garnishing with fresh cilantro elevates their flavor profile. You'll be amazed at how this vibrant herb can transform your meal! Not only does cilantro add a pop of color, but it also brings unique cilantro benefits, like aiding digestion and providing antioxidants.
    To garnish, simply chop a handful of fresh cilantro leaves. Make sure you give them a rinse first to wash away any dirt.
    Once finely chopped, sprinkle the cilantro generously over your assembled chalupas. Isn't it delightful how such a simple addition can make everything taste fresher?
    Cilantro pairs beautifully with the seasoned beef, creamy sour cream, and those juicy tomatoes. You might even want to toss in some diced avocados for a creamy contrast or squeeze a bit of lime juice for a zesty kick.
    Have you ever thought about how a single herb can tie all these flavors together? It's like the cherry on top of your culinary masterpiece!

Nutrition

Calories: 643kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 31gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 930mgPotassium: 574mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1085IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 203mgIron: 6mg
Calories: 643kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Customizable taco night meals, DIY Taco Bell chalupas, Fun dinner ideas for families, Homemade fast food favorites, Homemade Taco Bell-style chalupa recipe, Quick family dinner ideas