Easy Dinner Recipes: Chalupa Recipe for Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is just a few weeks away and what better way to celebrate the upcoming holiday than with a fun Chalupa recipe that makes out list for the top easy dinner recipes. This isn’t even so much a recipe as a “how-to” cook chalupas as they are one of the easiest things you can make. These are so easy, in fact, that this Chalupa recipe is part of our short rotation of meals.
We make chalupas at least once a week. The best part of this recipe is that you can completely customize the toppings to each family members specific tastes and preferences so even your pickiest eaters can’t complain too much! I actually shared this chalupa recipe two years ago but it’s back and with pictures, too!
Chalupa Recipe
- Corn Tortillas
- Olive or Vegetable Oil
- Refried Beans
- Cheese, grated
- Tomatoes, diced
- Onions, diced
- Sour Cream
- Cilantro
- Jalepnos
- Lettuce or Spinach
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Preparing your Chalupa
First, you will fry up corn tortillas in about a half an inch of olive or vegetable oil. Plan to prepare 1-2 shells per child and 2-3 per adult. We use a small 6″ frying pan that works well to not waste a ton of extra oil. You will want your oil to be hot before you start, and watch your shells carefully so they don’t burn. You will flip the tortilla shells over once to cook both sides. Watch for the shell to start to look slightly golden and crispy. Once the shell is crispy you can take it out of the oil and allow it to cool. Add salt to the tortilla shell, if desired. Then, spread warm refried beans onto the fried corn tortilla. Next, top with cheese, tomatoes, onions, lettuce/spinach and then sour cream, based on preferences. All of the toppings are optional. Finally, add a bit of salt and pepper. Enjoy!
My 2 and 4 year old boys enjoying their Chalupa!
The History of this Chalupa Recipe
This recipe was handed down from my in-laws. They learned this chalupa recipe while traveling through Mexico doing service. While it is an authentic Mexican recipe, the toppings may be more of an American adaption. This recipe may not look like a Taco Bell Chalupa like you were expecting but I think you will be absolutely pleasantly surprised if you give it a try! It’s like eating delicious toppings all on top of a big tortilla chip! Everyone we have ever prepared this recipe for has always loved their chalupa and usually ask for more!
Print or Save this Chalupa Recipe
- 12 Corn Tortillas
- Olive or Vegetable Oil
- 1 can Refried Beans
- 1 cup Cheese, grated
- 1 Tomato, diced
- ½ Onions, diced
- Sour Cream
- Cilantro
- Jalapenos
- Lettuce or Spinach
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Fry up corn tortillas in about a half an inch of olive or vegetable oil in a 6" frying pan. Plan to prepare 1-2 shells per child and 2-3 per adult. You will want your oil to be hot before you start, and watch your shells carefully so they don’t burn. You will flip the tortilla shells over once to cook both sides. Watch for the shell to start to look slightly golden and crispy.
- Once the shell is crispy you can take it out of the oil and allow it to cool. Add salt to the tortilla shell, if desired.
- Spread warm refried beans onto the fried corn tortilla.
- Top with cheese, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapenos, lettuce/spinach and sour cream, based on preferences. All of the toppings are optional. Finally, add a bit of salt and pepper. Enjoy!
Try our Chicken Tacos Recipes

I love calupas! thanks for the recipe. Gonna pin this.
Love the look of those homemade tortillas!
I love Mexican food, and I would love to try this.
We love Mexican food at our house. I don’t know why I have never made Chalupa’s. I love how easy they are to make. Thanks for the recipe!
You’re welcome, enjoy!
Yummy! Thanks again for hosting the fun party on Wednesday 🙂 Owen and I had a great time!
I’m so glad you were able to make it! It was great to get to know you!
that looks so delicious! the family would love these for dinner
Oh wow, that looks delish! I am totally going to make this, thanks bunches for sharing the recipe! Nom!
My daughter is a chalupa fanatic. I will share this recipe with her and tell her how easy it is to make them ourselves instead of buying them already made. 🙂