Chalupas, a beloved Mexican street food, offer a delicious and satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to make at home. These savory little boats of fried dough, brimming with flavorful fillings, are a fantastic alternative to tacos or quesadillas, offering a unique textural experience. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep times; this version prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing taste. The crispy, slightly chewy shell provides the perfect canvas for your favorite ground beef mixture, cheese, and toppings. Think of it as a fun, customizable culinary adventure that the whole family can enjoy.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, our quick and easy ground beef chalupa recipe is perfect for you. With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, you'll be enjoying these delectable treats in no time. Ready to dive in and create your own chalupa masterpiece? Let's get started with our step-by-step guide!
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Baking sheet
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef: 1 pound
- Cooking oil
- Beef bouillon powder: 1 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Chili powder: 2 teaspoons
- Ground cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dehydrated minced onion
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded lettuce
- Scallions
- Fresh tomato
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the seasoned ground beef
- Preheat a pan. Add a little cooking oil.
- Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the pan. Break it apart.
- Season the ground beef with 1 teaspoon beef bouillon powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Add dehydrated minced onion.
- Cook the ground beef until done. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Set aside.
Step 2. Fry the tortillas into chalupa shells
- Heat the oil in the pan for frying tortillas. Check the temperature by inserting a wooden spoon; it should bubble around the handle (around 350°F).
- Carefully place flour tortillas into the hot oil and fry until deep golden brown and crispy, shaping them into the chalupa form as they fry. Flip to ensure even cooking.
- Remove the chalupas from the oil and let them drain on a baking sheet.
Step 3. Assemble the chalupas
- Add the cooked ground beef, shredded lettuce, chopped scallions, fresh tomato, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
Tips
- Taste the ground beef for salt and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Use store-bought or homemade flour tortillas.
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-700
- Fat: 30-40g
- Carbs: 50-60g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded pork would work well as substitutes for ground beef.
2. What if I don't have corn tortillas?
Flour tortillas can be used, but they may not crisp up as nicely. You might need to cook them a little longer.
3. How can I make these ahead of time?
Prepare the meat filling and toppings in advance. Assemble the chalupas just before serving to maintain a crispy shell.
So there you have it – a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying ground beef chalupa recipe that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the fun of creating your own customized chalupa combinations. Happy cooking!