Hey y'all! If you've ever found yourself craving that irresistible, crispy, and fluffy Taco Bell Chalupa Supreme, this recipe is your dream come true. It's packed with savory beef, melty cheese, and all the fresh fixings, making it perfect for game nights, family dinners, or whenever you just need a taste of fast-food comfort at home. Grab your apron—let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Copycat Taco Bell Chalupa Supreme
- Satisfy your Taco Bell cravings at home with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Customizable for picky eaters with endless topping options.
- Fluffy, crispy shells that are so much better than store-bought alternatives.
- Ready in under 40 minutes—faster than takeout!
- Budget-friendly, making dinner for a crowd easy.
Ingredients for Copycat Taco Bell Chalupa Supreme
- For the Chalupa Shells:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus more for frying)
- ¾ cup whole milk
- For the Seasoned Beef:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade, see this recipe)
- ⅓ cup water
- For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
Directions: How to Make Copycat Taco Bell Chalupa Supreme
Step 1: Make the Chalupa Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Greek yogurt (or sour cream), vegetable oil, and milk. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover with a kitchen towel and let rest for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Shape and Fry the Chalupa Shells
- Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into 5-inch rounds with a rolling pin.
- In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat 1 inch of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry each dough round for 1-2 minutes per side until golden and puffed, using tongs to fold gently into a taco shape as it fries (see these frying tips).
- Drain shells on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Cook the Seasoned Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Assemble the Copycat Taco Bell Chalupa Supreme
- Fill each warm chalupa shell with a generous scoop of seasoned beef.
- Top with cheeses, lettuce, tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Serve immediately and enjoy that crispy, cheesy bite!
Notes & Helpful Tips for Copycat Taco Bell Chalupa Supreme
- For fluffier shells, don’t overwork the dough. Letting it rest is key!
- Use a thermometer to keep oil temperature steady for even frying (learn more).
- Double the dough for meal prep and freeze extra shells for later.

Variations of Copycat Taco Bell Chalupa Supreme
- Vegetarian: Sub black beans or crumbled tofu for beef.
- Chicken Chalupa Supreme: Use shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in taco seasoning.
- Spicy Chalupa: Add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the toppings.
Equipment Needed for Copycat Taco Bell Chalupa Supreme
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Large skillet or deep fryer
- Thermometer (for frying oil)
- Paper towels
- Slotted spoon or tongs
Storage & Reheating for Copycat Taco Bell Chalupa Supreme
- Shells: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Beef and toppings: Store separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat shells in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to regain crispiness.
Serving Recommendations for Copycat Taco Bell Chalupa Supreme
- Pair with Mexican rice, beans, or a fresh corn salsa.
- Serve with crunchy tortilla chips and a side of guacamole or salsa.
- For a fun twist, offer mini chalupas as appetizers at parties.
Pro Tips for the Best Copycat Taco Bell Chalupa Supreme
- Make the dough ahead to speed up dinner time (see more dough tips).
- Don’t skip the rest period for dough—it ensures fluffy, chewy shells.
- Top chalupas just before serving to keep shells crispy.
FAQ: Copycat Taco Bell Chalupa Supreme
- Can I make the chalupa shells ahead of time?
- Yes! Store cooled shells in an airtight container for up to 2 days, then crisp in the oven before serving.
- Can I bake the shells instead of frying?
- Baking won’t give quite the same texture, but you can brush with oil and bake at 425°F for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden and puffed.
- What’s the best cheese for Copycat Taco Bell Chalupa Supreme?
- A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts best and mimics the Taco Bell classic flavor perfectly.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 35-38 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus more for frying)
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
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1In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and milk, stirring until a soft dough forms.
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2Divide dough into 4 portions. Roll each into a 6-inch circle. Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each dough circle until golden and puffed, about 1-2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
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3In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning and cook according to package instructions.
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4To assemble, spread cooked beef onto each fried chalupa shell. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
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5Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Copycat Taco Bell Chalupa Supreme.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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