Craving a Mexican-inspired dish that's quick, delicious, and guaranteed to impress? Look no further than these mouthwatering Beefy Chalupas Compuestas! In just 30 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to a vibrant Mexican street food market. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner or looking to spice up your weeknight meal routine, these chalupas are about to become your new culinary obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 4 chalupa shells
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa
Instructions
- Prepare your cooking workspace by gathering all ingredients and necessary kitchen tools: skillet, spatula, measuring cups, and serving plates.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it apart with a spatula, cooking until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet, then sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning over the cooked beef. Stir thoroughly to ensure the meat is evenly coated with seasoning.
- Add 1/4 cup of water to the seasoned beef, stirring and simmering for an additional 2-3 minutes until the liquid reduces and the meat is well-coated.
- While the beef is simmering, warm the refried beans in a separate small saucepan or microwave until heated through.
- Prepare the chalupa shells by briefly heating them in an oven at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to ensure they are crisp and warm.
- Begin assembling the chalupas by spreading a layer of warm refried beans on each chalupa shell as the base.
- Top the refried beans with the seasoned ground beef, distributing it evenly across the shells.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the hot beef, allowing it to slightly melt.
- Add fresh diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce on top of the cheese.
- Finish by garnishing each chalupa with a dollop of sour cream and a spoonful of salsa.
- Serve immediately while the beef is hot and the shells are crisp. Recommend pairing with Mexican rice or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Choose high-quality ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20) for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the beef to prevent soggy chalupas.
- Toast the chalupa shells briefly in the oven to enhance their crispiness and prevent them from getting soft under the toppings.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
- Prep all your toppings in advance to make the assembly process smooth and quick.
- Warm your plates before serving to keep the chalupas hot and appetizing.
- For a spicier version, use a hot taco seasoning or add some diced jalapeños to the beef.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 75mg
