Taco Bell-Style Chalupa

This version swaps deep-fried shells and industrial oils for artisan corn tortillas and avocado oil, offering a cleaner, wholesome meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb organic grass-fed ground beef
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil
  • 1 1/2 cups cassava flour
  • 1 tsp aluminum-free baking powder
  • 3/4 cup plain organic Greek yogurt (for the dough)
  • 1 cup shredded grass-fed cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1/4 cup plain organic Greek yogurt (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup diced organic tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • Sea salt

Clean swaps

How we upgrade the restaurant version with better ingredients.

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Shop the clean pantry

Reorder the shelf-stable staples for this recipe.

What you'll need

Instructions

  1. Make the chalupa dough: whisk the cassava flour, baking powder, and 1/2 tsp sea salt, then stir in 3/4 cup Greek yogurt (adding a tablespoon of water at a time if needed) until a soft dough forms. Divide into 8 pieces and pat each into a 4–5 inch oval about 1/4 inch thick.
  2. In a small bowl, combine cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of sea salt.
  3. Heat 1 tbsp of the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  4. Reduce heat to medium, stir in the spice mixture and 2 tbsp of water, and simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from the pan.
  5. Heat the remaining avocado oil in the skillet over medium heat and fry the dough ovals 2–3 minutes per side until puffed and golden. While still warm, fold each gently into a taco shape — this fried, pillowy shell is the chalupa.
  6. Mix diced tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice in a small bowl to make a fresh salsa.
  7. Fill the warm shells with the seasoned beef, cheese, lettuce, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and the salsa.

FAQ

What makes this recipe clean-eating friendly?

The recipe uses organic, whole-food ingredients without added sugars, artificial additives, or unhealthy seed oils.

Can I use another type of cheese besides cheddar?

Yes, you can substitute with other organic, non-GMO cheeses like monterey jack or colby-jack for a similar effect.

How does the avocado oil affect the recipe?

Avocado oil adds a rich flavor to the seasoned ground beef and is a heart-healthy alternative to traditional seed oils found in fast food restaurants.

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