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Homemade Chalupa (Taco Bell Copycat)

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Recreate the iconic Taco Bell Chalupa at home with this foolproof recipe that delivers the same crispy, chewy shell and delicious filling you crave. This copycat version captures the essence of the original while allowing you to customize ingredients to your taste preferences.

How to Cook Homemade Chalupa

Ingredients

Ingredients Homemade Chalupa

For the Chalupa Shells:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening or lard
  • ¾ cup warm water
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Filling:

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • â…“ cup water
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup diced white onion (optional)
  • Hot sauce to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions Homemade Chalupa

Homemade Chalupa Nutritions

Prepare the Dough:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  2. Add the vegetable shortening and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add warm water while mixing with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 3-4 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.

Shape the Shells:

  1. Divide the rested dough into 8 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
  2. On a floured surface, roll each ball into a thin oval shape, approximately 6-7 inches long and 4-5 inches wide.
  3. The dough should be thin enough to see through but not so thin that it tears easily.

Fry the Shells:

  1. Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Carefully slide one dough oval into the hot oil using a slotted spoon.
  3. Immediately fold the dough in half using tongs, creating a taco shell shape while it fries.
  4. Hold the shape for 10-15 seconds until it begins to set, then release and let it finish frying.
  5. Fry for 2-3 minutes total, turning once, until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  7. Repeat with remaining dough ovals.

Prepare the Filling:

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
  2. Drain excess fat and add taco seasoning packet with â…“ cup water.
  3. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed and the meat is well-seasoned.
  4. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Assemble the Chalupas:

  1. Fill each fried shell with approximately 3-4 tablespoons of seasoned ground beef.
  2. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
  3. Add a dollop of sour cream and diced onions if desired.
  4. Serve immediately while the shells are still warm and crispy.

Tips for Perfect Chalupas

The key to authentic-tasting Chalupa shells lies in achieving the right texture. The dough should be pliable enough to fold without cracking but sturdy enough to hold the filling. Resting the dough is crucial as it allows the gluten to relax, making rolling easier and preventing tough shells.

When frying, maintain consistent oil temperature to ensure even cooking. If the oil is too hot, the shells will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining doughy inside. Too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil and become greasy.

For the filling, don’t skip draining the ground beef. Excess grease will make your Chalupas soggy and unappetizing. The taco seasoning should coat the meat evenly, creating that signature Taco Bell flavor profile.

Nutritional Benefits

While Chalupas are an indulgent treat, this homemade version allows you to control ingredients and portions. Using lean ground beef provides protein and iron, while fresh vegetables add vitamins and fiber. Consider using whole wheat flour for added nutrition or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.

Making Chalupas at home eliminates preservatives and artificial additives found in fast-food versions, giving you a cleaner ingredient list while satisfying those cravings for your favorite Taco Bell item.

Jennifer Glover
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