Taco Bell Chalupa Copycat Recipe
This Taco Bell Chalupa Copycat recipe recreates the iconic fast-food chalupa with a crispy tortilla shell filled with seasoned ground beef, fresh lettuce, shredded cheese, and a tangy sauce. Perfect for a flavorful, easy-to-make Mexican-inspired meal at home.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Tortilla and Shell
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade equivalent)
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Taco Bell-style sauce or salsa
- Prepare the Chalupa Shells: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Gently fold each flour tortilla into a chalupa shape by pinching opposite edges, then fry one at a time until golden and crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning and water, and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Chalupas: Place each crispy shell on a plate. Spoon the seasoned beef into each shell, then top with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, and a generous drizzle of Taco Bell-style sauce or salsa.
- Bake Briefly: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled chalupas on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes to slightly melt the cheese and warm the assembly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes
- You can substitute shredded mozzarella or a Mexican cheese blend for cheddar if preferred.
- If you prefer a lighter option, bake the tortillas instead of frying for a less oily shell, but frying gives the authentic crispy texture.
- Adjust taco seasoning amount to your taste for spiciness.
- The sauce can be replaced with your favorite salsa or hot sauce.
- Leftover chalupa shells can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in an oven to retain crispiness.
Keywords: Taco Bell Chalupa copycat, chalupa recipe, Mexican fast food, fried tortilla, ground beef chalupa