Switch up taco night and try some of these other Mexican-inspired recipes next: molletes, tostadas, or chile relleno!
What is a Chalupa?
If you’ve never had one from Taco Bell before, here’s what a chalupa is and why they’re so great! Chalupas are a tasty Mexican dish known for crispy fried tortillas topped with various delicious ingredients. (You can customize them however you like!) This recipe makes fresh chalupa wraps by mixing flour, baking powder, and milk to create the dough. After frying, you fill them with seasoned ground beef, pico de gallo, sour cream, avocado, lettuce, and cheese. Give making chalupas at home a shot – it’s easier than you’d think! You’ve got basic ingredients and straightforward directions to whip up these mouthwatering Mexican goodies right in your own kitchen. So whip up a fresh batch of fry bread, grab your toppings, and get ready to create a dinner the whole family will love!
For the Chalupa Shells:
Chances are you have everything in your pantry to whip up the delicious fried wraps. From there, all you need is some taco meat, fresh veggies, and any sauces or dressings you’d like to add!
All-Purpose Flour: To give your chalupa wraps structure. Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the chalupa wraps rise and become nice and airy. Salt: So the wraps don’t taste bland! Whole Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the dough. Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the chalupa wraps until they’re crispy and golden.
Toppings
Ground Beef: The main protein for the chalupa filling. You can also use ground pork, turkey, minced chicken, or chorizo if you wish! Diced White Onion: Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor to the ground beef filling. Taco Seasoning: So the meat has the perfect amount of flavor. Use packaged taco seasoning or try making your own! Water: So the meat mixture stays moist. Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. You can also use any other kind of salsa you prefer, or omit it entirely. Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor to the chalupas. Diced Avocado: For some creamy goodness. Lettuce: Shredded to add crunchy texture. Sour Cream: A creamy, tangy topping that complements the flavors of the chalupas.
How to Make Homemade Chalupas
I know it can be intimidating to fry your own chalupa wraps, but trust me, it’s actually pretty simple! The dough is super easy to make, and each wrap only needs to be fried for a couple minutes in a skillet or saucepan. No deep fryer needed!
Chalupa Wrap
Fillings
Roasted Tomato Salsa (Salsa Tatemada)
15 mins
Pico de Gallo
10 mins
Guacamole
15 mins
Homemade Refried Beans
15 mins
Leftover Wraps: If possible, store your wraps separately from the toppings so they don’t make the bread soggy. In an airtight container, your wraps will stay good for about 3 days at room temperature. Meat and Toppings: My general rule of thumb is to keep taco meat in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge. Reheat over the stove on medium heat with a splash of water if needed to add moisture. Avocados are best served the same day to keep them from turning brown, but pico de gallo and other veggies can be stored in separate containers in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Mexican Chorizo Tacos
15 mins
Easy Carne Asada Nachos
10 mins
Easy to Make Tostadas
30 mins
Pork Carnitas Tacos
8 hrs 10 mins
