If you've ever wished you could recreate Taco Bell Chalupas Supreme at home, you're in luck. This copycat recipe delivers the same crispy outside, soft and chewy inside, and all of the classic toppings you love. The best part is that it can be as easy or as homemade as you want.
I recently found the Mission Chalupa Shells at Walmart, and they make this recipe incredibly simple for busy weeknights. Just warm the shells, cook the seasoned beef, pile on your favorite toppings, and dinner is ready in minutes. If you enjoy making everything from scratch, you can also prepare homemade chalupa flatbread for an even more authentic experience.
Whether you choose the convenient shortcut or make your own flatbread, these Taco Bell Chalupas Supreme are packed with seasoned beef, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, shredded cheese, and cool sour cream. They taste just like the fast food favorite, but you can customize every bite exactly how you like it.
If you like copy cat recipes try out these - Salted Caramel Cold Brew (Starbucks Copy Cat), Jersey Mikes Chicken Salad Recipe, Sub in a Tub Recipe, or Cookie Butter Latte Dunkin Donuts (Copy Cat Recipe)!
Jump to:
Why This Works
- Tastes just like the Taco Bell favorite.
- Mission Chalupa Shells make dinner quick and easy.
- Homemade flatbread is an option if you prefer cooking from scratch.
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
- Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Family friendly and budget friendly.
Ingredients Needed
- Mission Chalupa Shells: These ready-made chalupa shells create the perfect crispy outside with a soft center. They are a convenient shortcut that saves time. That's one of the coolest things about grocery stores now, they've started carrying a lot of products that let you recreate fast-food favorites at home.
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef makes a flavorful filling while keeping excess grease to a minimum.
- Taco Seasoning: A packet of taco seasoning gives the beef that classic Taco Bell-inspired flavor.
- Water: Helps create a rich, saucy beef filling when combined with the seasoning.
- Shredded Lettuce: Crisp iceberg lettuce provides freshness and crunch.
- Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add color and a juicy bite.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar melts beautifully and adds plenty of cheesy flavor.
- Sour Cream: A generous dollop of sour cream completes the classic Chalupa Supreme.
- Optional Homemade Flatbread: If you prefer making everything from scratch, substitute homemade chalupa flatbread for the Mission shells.
How to Make Taco Bell Chalupas
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon until it is fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning and the amount of water called for on the packet. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
While the beef simmers, heat a thin layer of vegetable oil in a separate skillet over medium heat.
Fry each chalupa shell for about 20–40 seconds per side, or until lightly golden and crispy on the outside while still soft in the center. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Fill each warm chalupa shell with the seasoned ground beef.
Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or your favorite taco toppings.
Serve immediately while the shells are warm and crispy.
While the beef cooks, prepare your toppings by shredding the lettuce, dicing the tomatoes, shredding the cheese, and placing the sour cream in a serving bowl.
Warm the Mission Chalupa Shells according to the package directions. They should become lightly crisp on the outside while remaining soft enough to fold slightly. If not frying. This is what it looks like without it fried.
Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
Serve immediately while the shells are still warm and crisp.
Pro Tips for Taco Bell Chalupa Supreme
Toast the chalupa shell in frying pan instead of microwaving so it becomes nice and toasted.
Use lean ground beef for less grease and easier cleanup.
Warm the chalupa shells just before serving so they stay crisp.
Don't overfill the shells or they can become difficult to eat.
Set up a topping bar if serving guests so everyone can build their own chalupa.
For extra flavor, add sliced jalapeños, diced onions, avocado, guacamole, or your favorite hot sauce.
Storage
Store leftover seasoned beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
The chopped lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sour cream should all be stored separately to keep everything fresh.
Reheat the beef in a skillet or microwave until hot.
Warm fresh chalupa shells before assembling. It is best not to store fully assembled chalupas because the shells will soften from the toppings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Taco Bell Chalupas Supreme with Mexican rice, Spanish rice, or cilantro lime rice for a complete meal.
Refried beans, black beans, or Mexican street corn also make delicious side dishes.
Add tortilla chips with salsa, queso, or guacamole for an easy appetizer.
Pair your chalupas with homemade horchata, fresh lemonade, or iced tea for a refreshing drink.
Finish the meal with churros, cinnamon sugar tortilla chips, or sopapilla cheesecake bars for dessert.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Cook the taco meat ahead of time and store the toppings separately. Assemble the chalupas just before serving.
Absolutely. Ground turkey or ground chicken are both excellent substitutes.
Many Walmart stores carry them in the tortilla aisle alongside taco shells, burrito tortillas, and wraps.
Yes. Homemade flatbread creates a more authentic chalupa and is a great option if you enjoy cooking from scratch. You can also offer both methods so readers can choose the one that fits their schedule.
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Recipes Diaries.
Taco Bell Chalupa Supreme
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10-15min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Skip the drive-thru and make these Taco Bell Chalupas Supreme right at home. Crispy chalupa shells are filled with seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a copycat version that's every bit as satisfying.
Ingredients
1 package (4 count) Mission Chalupa Shells
Oil for pan frying - canola or vegetable
1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
⅔ cup water
2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup sour cream
Instructions
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Add the taco seasoning and water according to the package directions. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer until thickened.
While the beef cooks, prepare your toppings by shredding the lettuce, dicing the tomatoes, shredding the cheese, and placing the sour cream in a serving bowl.
Warm the Mission Chalupa Shells according to the package directions. They should become lightly crisp on the outside while remaining soft enough to fold slightly.
If making homemade chalupa flatbread, prepare and cook the dough until lightly golden and puffed before assembling the chalupas.
Fill each warm shell with a generous spoonful of seasoned beef.
Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
Serve immediately while the shells are still warm and crisp.
Notes
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon until it is fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning and the amount of water called for on the packet. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
While the beef simmers, heat a thin layer of vegetable oil in a separate skillet over medium heat.
Fry each chalupa shell for about 20–40 seconds per side, or until lightly golden and crispy on the outside while still soft in the center. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Fill each warm chalupa shell with the seasoned ground beef.
Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or your favorite taco toppings.
Serve immediately while the shells are warm and crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
Leave a Reply