1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Chalupas Copycat

Perfectly Crispy Chalupas

Featured in Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion.

DIY Taco Bell chalupas with golden fried shells and all the classic taco fillings. No waiting in line!
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Mena
Updated on Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:50:19 GMT
Close-up of a taco loaded with seasoned beef, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and tasty sauces on a plate. Pin it
Close-up of a taco loaded with seasoned beef, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and tasty sauces on a plate. | delishdocket.com

The authentic crunch and flavor of restaurant-style chalupas can now be recreated right in your own kitchen. When that fresh dough hits the hot oil and transforms into a perfectly crispy shell, the results are truly remarkable. These homemade chalupas deliver exceptional taste with quality ingredients you control.

The Perfect Homemade Shell

Making chalupas from scratch allows complete control over ingredients and portions. The process of crafting each shell and selecting toppings creates an engaging cooking experience. Fresh preparation makes all the difference in texture and taste.

Essential Ingredients

  • All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups, unbleached
  • Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon for proper rise
  • Vegetable Shortening: 2 tablespoons, chilled
  • Ground Beef: 1 pound, 80/20 blend
  • Taco Seasoning: 2 tablespoons, mixed spices
  • Fresh Toppings: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese
  • Oil: For frying, vegetable or canola
  • Fresh Cilantro: Optional garnish
  • Additional: Whole milk, kosher salt

Preparation Steps

  1. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in shortening until crumbly. Add milk gradually to form soft dough.
  2. Divide dough into portions. Roll each to 6-inch diameter.
  3. Heat oil to 350°F. Fry shells until golden and puffy.
  4. Brown meat, drain excess fat, stir in seasonings.
  5. Assemble with meat and fresh toppings.
A plate of colorful tacos filled with ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and a creamy sauce, accompanied by a bowl of salsa in the background. Pin it
A plate of colorful tacos filled with ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and a creamy sauce, accompanied by a bowl of salsa in the background. | delishdocket.com

Customization Options

The versatility of homemade chalupas allows endless topping combinations. Traditional garnishes work perfectly, while creative additions provide new flavor profiles.

Crucial Temperature Tips

Maintaining proper oil temperature is essential for perfect shells. Watch for gentle bubbling around the dough. The shells should turn golden brown within 2-3 minutes per side.

Storage Guidelines

Store cooled shells in an airtight container. Reheat briefly in a 350°F oven or air fryer to restore crispness. Fresh toppings should be stored separately.

Recommended Sides

Serve alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, or fresh guacamole. Traditional aguas frescas or citrus-based beverages complement these perfectly.

Two tacos filled with ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream are served on a wooden plate, with additional toppings in the background. Pin it
Two tacos filled with ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream are served on a wooden plate, with additional toppings in the background. | delishdocket.com

Healthier Variations

Create lighter versions using lean turkey, increased vegetables, and reduced-fat dairy. The shells can be made with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.

Protein Options

Experiment with different proteins like shredded chicken, fish, or seasoned beans. Each brings unique flavors while maintaining the signature crispy shell.

Entertainment Serving

Create an interactive dining experience with a topping bar. Prepare shells fresh while guests customize their combinations for maximum enjoyment.

Authentic Experience

The satisfaction of creating chalupas from scratch brings restaurant quality to your kitchen. Simple ingredients transform into an impressive, crowd-pleasing meal.

Three loaded tacos with ground meat, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream are served on a dark plate, with bowls of shredded cheese and other toppings in the background. Pin it
Three loaded tacos with ground meat, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream are served on a dark plate, with bowls of shredded cheese and other toppings in the background. | delishdocket.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the point of folding the shell while frying?
This gives it that classic chalupa shape that hugs all the fillings perfectly.
→ How small should I roll out the dough?
Aim for a 5-6 inch circle to hit the sweet spot for size and thickness.
→ What’s the best oil temp for frying?
Keep the oil at 350°F to get them puffy and golden without scorching them.
→ Can I prep the shells ahead of time?
They taste best fresh and warm but can be reheated quickly in the oven if needed.
→ What if my dough doesn’t come together?
Add a teaspoon of milk at a time until the dough holds its shape but doesn’t feel sticky.

Chalupas Copycat

A homemade twist on Taco Bell-inspired chalupas with crispy shells, spiced beef, and your favorite toppings.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Mena

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: Mexican-American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 chalupas)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour.
02 1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening.
03 A pinch of salt, about half a teaspoon.
04 1 full tablespoon of baking powder.
05 1 cup of fresh milk.
06 Cooking oil, for frying.
07 1 pound of ground beef.
08 A small packet (1 ounce) of taco spices or seasoning blend.
09 1 Roma tomato, chopped into small pieces.
10 Half a cup of finely shredded lettuce.
11 Half a cup of grated cheese, your favorite kind.
12 1 tablespoon of fresh cilantro, chopped.
13 1/4 cup of salsa for topping.

Instructions

Step 01

Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Work the shortening in until crumbly, then add milk to form a soft dough.

Step 02

Cut the dough into 8 portions. Roll each one into flat circles about 5-6 inches wide.

Step 03

Heat oil to 350°F. Hold half of each circle in the oil, folding it as it fries until it’s golden for a taco shape.

Step 04

Fry the beef in a pan until cooked, then mix in the taco seasoning.

Step 05

Stuff the shells with the cooked meat, some lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, cilantro, and a scoop of salsa.

Notes

  1. If the dough seems too dry, slowly add more milk until it’s just right.
  2. Eat them as soon as you make them so the shells stay nice and crunchy.

Tools You'll Need

  • A deep frying pan for cooking.
  • Tongs to flip and handle the shells.
  • A couple of mixing bowls for ingredients.
  • A rolling pin to shape the dough.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat.
  • Contains dairy products.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 18 g