Homemade Crunchy Chalupas
Satisfy your cravings with these delightful Homemade Crunchy Chalupas. Inspired by the beloved Taco Bell favorite, this recipe allows you to recreate the crispy, golden shells filled with savory seasoned beef and fresh toppings right in your own kitchen! These chalupas feature a soft, slightly chewy interior with a crispy exterior, complemented by a rich, flavorful filling and piled high with your favorite garnishes. Perfect for family dinners or casual parties, these chalupas are sure to impress everyone at the table.
N/A
Servings
600
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
2 1/2 cups (for dough and thickening beef)
baking powder
1 tablespoon (for dough)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (for dough and beef mixture)
vegetable shortening
1 tablespoon (cut into flour mixture)
milk
1 cup (for dough)
oil
as needed (for deep frying)
ground beef
1 lb (for filling)
flour
1/4 cup (for thickening beef mixture)
chili powder
1 tablespoon (for beef seasoning)
paprika
1 teaspoon (for beef seasoning)
dried onion flakes
1 tablespoon (rehydrated in water)
water
1/2 cup (for onion and beef mixture)
sour cream
as desired (for topping)
shredded lettuce
as desired (for topping)
shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
as desired (for topping)
diced tomato
as desired (for topping)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix well until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
2
Cut in 1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3
Gradually stir in 1 cup of milk until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough gently on a floured surface for a few minutes until smooth.
4
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then flatten into approximately 6-inch tortillas using your hands or a rolling pin.
5
Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Carefully fry each tortilla until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to drain and set aside on paper towels.
6
In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes with 1/2 cup of water and let stand for 5 minutes to rehydrate.
7
In a separate bowl, mix together 1 lb of ground beef with 1/4 cup flour, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon salt. Combine well.
8
Add the rehydrated onion and any remaining water to the beef mixture, stirring to combine thoroughly.
9
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the beef mixture, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Remove from heat and keep warm.
10
To assemble each chalupa, start with a fried shell, add a generous portion of the beef filling, then layer on sour cream, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, and diced tomatoes. If desired, finish with a drizzle of hot sauce or salsa.
Nutrition Information
35g
Fat
52g
Carbs
31g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Homemade Crunchy Chalupas?
Homemade Crunchy Chalupas are a copycat version of the Taco Bell favorite, featuring a fried, chewy, and crispy shell filled with seasoned beef and fresh toppings.
What ingredients are needed for the chalupa dough?
The dough is made using 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening, and 1 cup of milk.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is designed to make 8 equal pieces, resulting in 8 individual chalupas.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 600 calories.
How do I prepare the beef filling?
Combine 1 lb ground beef with 1/4 cup flour, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and rehydrated onions, then cook until browned.
What seasonings are used for the meat?
The beef is seasoned with chili powder, paprika, salt, and rehydrated dried onion flakes.
How long should I fry each shell?
Each tortilla shell should be fried for about 2-3 minutes per side until it is golden brown and crispy.
Why is flour added to the ground beef?
Flour acts as a thickening agent to help the beef mixture reach the desired consistency and hold the seasonings.
How do I rehydrate the onion flakes?
Mix 1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes with 1/2 cup of water and let it stand for 5 minutes before adding it to the beef.
What temperature should the oil be for frying?
The oil should be heated in a deep skillet over medium heat until it is hot enough to fry the dough quickly.
Can I use a different type of milk for the dough?
Yes, while the recipe calls for dairy milk, you can use a neutral-flavored non-dairy milk as a substitute.
What is the purpose of the baking powder in the dough?
Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, which helps the chalupa shells puff up and achieve a soft interior.
How big should I roll out the tortillas?
Each piece of dough should be flattened into a circle approximately 6 inches in diameter.
What are the recommended toppings for these chalupas?
Standard toppings include sour cream, shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, and diced tomatoes.
Can I substitute the vegetable shortening?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable shortening with cold butter or lard for similar results in the dough texture.
Is it necessary to knead the dough?
Yes, kneading the dough gently for a few minutes ensures it is smooth and that the ingredients are properly combined.
How much protein is in this recipe?
Each serving provides 31 grams of protein.
What kind of oil is best for frying chalupas?
A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, is best for deep frying.
Can I use pre-made taco seasoning instead of individual spices?
Yes, you can substitute the chili powder and paprika with about 1.5 tablespoons of your favorite taco seasoning blend.
How do I ensure the shells stay crispy?
Place the fried shells on paper towels immediately after removing them from the oil to drain excess fat.
Can I make the beef filling ahead of time?
Yes, the beef filling can be cooked in advance and kept warm or reheated just before assembling the chalupas.
What is the fat content of this dish?
There are approximately 35 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner protein substitute for the beef filling.
How do I assemble a chalupa?
Start with a fried shell, add a layer of cooked beef, and then pile on toppings like sour cream, lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes.
Are these chalupas similar to the ones at Taco Bell?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to replicate the taste and texture of the famous Taco Bell chalupa shell.
How much flour is needed in total?
The recipe uses 2 1/2 cups for the dough and an additional 1/4 cup to thicken the meat mixture.
What should the dough texture be like?
The dough should be soft and smooth, not sticky, after the kneading process is complete.
Can I add hot sauce to this recipe?
Yes, drizzling hot sauce or salsa over the finished chalupa is highly recommended if you enjoy extra spice.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 52 grams of carbohydrates.
Are these chalupas suitable for a party?
Yes, they are excellent for family dinners or casual parties as they are impressive and easy for guests to customize.