Description
Navajo Tacos, also known as Indian Fry Bread Tacos, are a delicious Native American dish featuring crispy, golden fry bread topped with seasoned ground beef, beans, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and creamy sour cream. This hearty and flavorful recipe blends traditional fry bread with classic taco toppings for a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Fry Bread Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Toppings
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2/3 cup water (for taco meat)
- 1 can (15 ounces) pinto or black beans, drained and warmed
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, diced onions, salsa, guacamole
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the warm water and stir until a dough forms. Knead for a few minutes until smooth, then cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Shape the fry bread: Divide the rested dough into 4 equal balls and flatten each into a disc about 1/4-inch thick to prepare for frying.
- Fry the bread: Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each dough round for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and puffed. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Cook the taco meat: In another skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and 2/3 cup water. Simmer the mixture until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly.
- Assemble the Navajo Tacos: On each piece of fry bread, layer warmed beans, seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Add optional toppings such as sliced jalapeños, diced onions, salsa, or guacamole to taste. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and double the amount of beans.
- Fry bread can be prepared ahead of time and kept warm in a low oven until ready to serve.
- To make the dough softer, add a tablespoon of milk or yogurt to the mixture.
