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Crispy, boat-shaped corn shells fried to golden perfection, then loaded with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and fresh toppings. A true Tex-Mex comfort food classic that's fun to assemble and eat.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Seasoned Beef Filling
Make the Masa Dough
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Crispy, boat-shaped corn shells fried to golden perfection, then loaded with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and fresh toppings. A true Tex-Mex comfort food classic that's fun to assemble and eat.
This tex_mex recipe takes 50 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 1008.85 calories per serving with 53.39g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for dinner or lunch.
Shape and Fry the Chalupa Shells
Warm Beans and Assemble
Instead of ground beef, use shredded chicken (pollo deshebrado), pulled pork (carnitas), or seasoned black beans for a vegetarian option.
Substitute cheddar with a Mexican cheese blend, crumbled Cotija cheese, or queso fresco for a more authentic flavor.
Add other toppings like sliced jalapeños, pickled red onions, fresh cilantro, or a scoop of guacamole.
If you're short on time, you can use store-bought thick corn tortillas or tostada shells and fry them until they are puffier and can be shaped.
The combination of ground beef and refried beans provides a significant amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Refried beans, lettuce, and tomatoes contribute dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps you feel full and satisfied.
Ground beef is a rich source of heme iron, a form of iron that is easily absorbed by the body and is crucial for preventing anemia and maintaining energy levels.
The corn-based masa harina shells provide complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy.
Chalupas Compuestas are a delicious comfort food but are generally high in calories, fat, and sodium due to the fried shell, ground beef, and cheese. To make them healthier, you could try baking the shells, using leaner ground turkey, and loading up on fresh vegetable toppings.
A typical serving of two Chalupas Compuestas contains approximately 850-950 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and amounts of toppings used. This estimate includes the beef, beans, shell, cheese, and sour cream.
The main difference is the shape and texture of the shell. A chalupa shell is typically thicker, boat-shaped or concave, and has a softer, chewier texture inside its crispy exterior. A tostada is a flat, thin, and uniformly crispy fried corn tortilla.
Yes, you can fry the shells a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. To restore their crispiness, reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes before assembling.
While frying provides the classic texture, you can bake them for a lighter version. Press the masa into boat shapes or over an inverted muffin tin, brush lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and crisp. The texture will be more like a cracker than a traditional chalupa.