Chalupa - A Chili Style Stew
A hearty chili-style stew with tender pork and flavorful spices, perfect for comforting meals and shared with friends over nacho chips and toppings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash pinto beans and roast.
- Put all ingredients into a large crock-pot.
- Add water to almost the rim.
- Cook overnight.
- Stir once or twice during cooking.
- Serve over nacho chips with shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato, and sour cream if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, sear the pork roast before adding it to the crock-pot. If you don’t have pinto beans, black beans can be a great substitute. Adjust the chili powder to your desired spice level, and consider adding diced bell peppers for extra texture. Pair this dish with a side of Southwestern Pinto Beans for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chalupa over crispy nacho chips, topped with shredded cheese, fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a side salad or some homemade cornbread. This dish also works well as a filling for tacos or burritos.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the stew in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chalupa - A Chili Style Stew contains roughly 210 calories, with 14g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (94% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and calcium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 670mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pork is traditional, you can substitute chicken or beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may require varying lengths of time to become tender.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the pork and using vegetable broth instead of water. Add more beans or vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
Can I freeze the chalupa?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).