Tired of tacos? Here’s an exciting Mexican recipe that’s sure to become your new favorite. Chalupas are the ultimate comfort food – they’re warm and crispy on the outside and filled with tasty toppings like flavorful ground beef and melted cheddar cheese. You won’t believe how easy it is to recreate this famous Mexican street food at home!
Although tacos and chalupas are quite similar when it comes to fillings, the shell makes all the difference. Chalupa shells are boat-shaped and much thicker and “breadier” than taco shells. Traditionally, they have a concave “dip” that you can fill with all your favorite toppings. This makes the chalupa an incredibly filling and wholesome meal.
Ready to take home the taste of Oaxaca? There’s no need to book a plane ticket to enjoy this authentic Mexican meal. All you need is some dough and your favorite fillings.
Table of Contents
What is Chalupa?
A chalupa is a popular Mexican street food that could be described as a thick taco. They’re named after small boats that are often used as water taxis in Mexico. Chalupas are made by creating a crispy, boat-shaped shell and piling it high with toppings like meat, cheese, veggies and sauces. In Mexico, dishes like chalupas, quesadillas, and empanadas are known as antojitos, which translates to “little cravings.” After one bite, you’ll definitely be craving more!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- salt
- shortening
- milk
- vegetable oil
- ground beef
- sharp cheddar cheese
- lettuce
- diced tomatoes
- diced onions
- sour cream
- taco sauce
(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)
How to Make Chalupas
- Combine the dry ingredients and shortening in a large mixing bowl. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the milk until you have a doughy consistency.
- Use enough vegetable oil to cover the surface of your skillet or frying pan, and heat over medium-high heat.
- Sprinkle some flour onto a flat surface for rolling. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and lump-free. Use a dough cutter or knife to divide the dough in half, then split each half into quarters. Do this once more and you’ll have eight pieces. Work each piece into a ball, then use a rolling pin to create flat circles about 4.5 inches in diameter.
- By now, the oil should be hot and ready. Carefully use a pair of tongs to dip half of the circle of dough. Fry for just a few seconds, without allowing it to turn brown. Flip the chalupa bread to fry the other side. You can choose to fold the bread like a taco, or you can create a “dip” on the bottom for your fillings. Either way, your chalupas will be delicious!
- Here comes the fun part. Top the fried chalupa bread with seasoned beef, cheese, diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce. Add sour cream, guacamole, or taco sauce and enjoy.
Can I Make Chalupas With Pita Bread?
Want to know a secret? In a pinch, store-bought pita bread can be used to make a satisfying serving of chalupas. Simply brush oil or melted butter on the outside of the bread and fry for a few seconds. Fold the pita in half to create a taco shell shape, then continue frying each side until golden and crispy.
You know what comes next! Load up the boat with all your favorite fillings like seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese and shredded lettuce. It’s the perfect shortcut for a lazy work-from-home lunch.
Can I Use Butter Instead Of Shortening To Make The Bread?
Shortening isn’t an ingredient that most people have lying around. To save yourself a trip to the store, go ahead and substitute with butter. You may find that you prefer using butter due to its richer, creamier taste and texture. Butter and shortening can be used interchangeably in a 1:1 ratio.
What Spices Can I Use To Make My Own Taco Seasoning?
There are many perks to making your own taco seasoning. You can make it as spicy or as mild as you like, and you’ll know exactly what’s going into your food. For the most authentic flavor, try this homemade blend. Start with a tablespoon of chili powder and combine 1 teaspoon each of sea salt, black pepper and ground cumin. Next, add a ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. For more heat, add an extra ½ teaspoon of chili powder and pepper flakes.
This should be enough seasoning for up to three pounds of ground beef.
Mexican Chalupas Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 ounce shortening
- 1 cup milk
- vegetable oil for frying
For the Chalupas
- 1 pound ground beef cooked
- sharp cheddar cheese
- lettuce
- diced tomatoes
- diced onions
- sour cream
- taco sauce
Instructions
Make The Bread
- Combine the dry ingredients and shortening in a large mixing bowl. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the milk until you have a doughy consistency.
- Use enough vegetable oil to cover the surface of your skillet or frying pan, and heat over medium-high heat.
- Sprinkle some flour onto a flat surface for rolling. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and lump-free. Use a dough cutter or knife to divide the dough in half, then split each half into quarters. Do this once more and you’ll have eight pieces. Work each piece into a ball, then use a rolling pin to create flat circles about 4.5 inches in diameter.
- By now, the oil should be hot and ready. Carefully use a pair of tongs to dip half of the circle of dough. Fry for just a few seconds, without allowing it to turn brown. Flip the chalupa bread to fry the other side. You can choose to fold the bread like a taco, or you can create a “dip” on the bottom for your fillings. Either way, your chalupas will be delicious!
Make Chalupas
- Here comes the fun part. Top the fried chalupa bread with seasoned beef, cheese, diced tomatoes, diced onions and shredded lettuce. Add sour cream, guacamole, or taco sauce and enjoy.
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