The Navajo Tacos Recipe is a soulful fusion of golden, crispy fry bread topped with savory seasoned beef, hearty beans, fresh veggies, and melty cheese. This dish captures the essence of Native American and Southwestern flavors in every bite, delivering a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that feel both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or some inventive taco night fun, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Navajo Tacos Recipe is simple yet crucial, coming together to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. From the crispy fry bread base to the flavorful toppings, each component has a role that elevates the overall experience.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base for the fry bread with a soft yet sturdy texture.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Adds just the right amount of fluffiness to the dough for that light, airy crust.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors while balancing the dough.
- 3/4 cup warm water: Helps bring the dough together smoothly and makes it easy to work with.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Essential for crisping the bread to golden perfection without absorbing too much oil.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein that’s seasoned and cooked for rich taco filling.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix: Brings in that classic taco flavor that spices up the beef beautifully.
- 1/2 cup water: Used to simmer the beef and seasoning for a saucy, well-coated filling.
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto or black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds that creamy texture and a boost of fiber and protein.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce: Provides fresh crispness and color on top of the warm ingredients.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts delightfully and adds a rich, tangy flavor.
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes: Adds juicy bursts of sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Lends a subtle bite and freshness to balance the richness.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Offers a cool, creamy contrast with a subtle tanginess.
- Salsa or hot sauce for serving (optional): Perfect for those who love an extra kick of heat and zesty flavor.
How to Make Navajo Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fry Bread Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Slowly pour in the warm water and stir until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 2 to 3 minutes on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover it with a towel and let it rest for 30 minutes — this resting time helps the dough relax making it easier to roll out.
Step 2: Shape and Fry the Bread
Divide the rested dough into four equal pieces, then roll each piece into a 6-inch circle. Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully fry each dough circle for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until beautifully golden brown and puffed. Drain the fry bread on paper towels to remove excess oil — fresh fry bread is the crispy, tender foundation of your Navajo Tacos Recipe.
Step 3: Cook the Seasoned Beef
In another skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water. Lower the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes, ensuring every bite of meat is packed with bold taco flavor.
Step 4: Warm the Beans
While the beef simmers, warm the drained beans in a small saucepan over low heat. This step adds softness and warmth to complement the meat and fry bread layers perfectly.
Step 5: Assemble Your Navajo Tacos Recipe
Now for the fun part: assemble your tacos by layering warm beans and seasoned beef on each piece of fry bread. Top with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and a generous dollop of sour cream. Add salsa or hot sauce if you want a little extra sizzle. Every bite is a beautiful blend of textures and flavors that will have you smiling from the first taste.
How to Serve Navajo Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, green onions, and sour cream brighten this hearty dish while adding layers of texture and richness. Each element plays a vital role, whether it’s crunch, creaminess, or acidity, making your Navajo Tacos Recipe truly come alive on the plate.
Side Dishes
Pair these tacos with a simple side salad, Mexican rice, or even some grilled vegetables to balance the indulgence of the fry bread. For a fun twist, serve with a side of corn chips and guacamole, which complements the bold flavors without overshadowing the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a casual gathering, consider setting up a taco bar where everyone can customize their own. Serving the fry bread tacos open-faced on a platter with bowls of toppings encourages sharing and adds a festive vibe. You can even cut the assembled tacos in halves or quarters for bite-sized appetizers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover fry bread and meat fillings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps the fry bread from getting soggy and the fillings fresh, so you can enjoy your Navajo Tacos Recipe again without losing any of that delicious texture.
Freezing
The dough for the fry bread can be made ahead and wrapped tightly, then frozen for up to one month. Thaw it slowly in the refrigerator before using. However, the assembled tacos are best enjoyed fresh and not frozen as the fry bread texture won’t hold up well after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat fry bread, place it in a warm oven for a few minutes or in a skillet to crisp it back to life. Rewarm your beef and beans on the stove or microwave, then assemble just before serving. This approach keeps your Navajo Tacos Recipe tasting as close to fresh as possible.
FAQs
Can I make Navajo Tacos Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the ground beef and use spiced beans, lentils, or even sautéed vegetables instead for a satisfying vegetarian version that still packs all the flavor.
What type of beans work best?
Pinto or black beans are traditional and both work wonderfully. Just be sure to drain and rinse them well before warming to reduce any excess salt or canning liquid.
Is there a way to bake the fry bread instead of frying?
While fry bread is traditionally fried for that signature crispy exterior and tender inside, you can bake the dough circles at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes until golden. The texture will be a bit different but still delicious.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling and frying for best results.
What is the best oil for frying the bread?
Vegetable oil is great for frying fry bread because it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, allowing the bread to become crispy without burning.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making and sharing this Navajo Tacos Recipe. It’s more than just a meal — it’s a celebration of vibrant flavors and comforting textures wrapped in golden fry bread. I encourage you to dive in and make this dish your own, relishing every delicious bite with friends or family. Once you try it, I bet this recipe will become a joyful tradition that brings everyone back around the table time and time again.
Print
Navajo Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Native American, Southwestern
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Navajo Tacos, a delicious Native American and Southwestern inspired dish, feature crispy homemade fry bread topped with seasoned ground beef, beans, fresh vegetables, cheese, and sour cream. This hearty main course combines the satisfying crunch of deep-fried dough with flavorful taco ingredients, perfect for a comforting and family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- Vegetable oil for frying
Taco Toppings
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto or black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Salsa or hot sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add warm water and stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth, then cover and let it rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten and make rolling easier.
- Shape the Fry Bread: Divide the rested dough into 4 equal pieces and roll each piece into a 6-inch circle using a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking.
- Fry the Bread: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully fry each dough circle for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and puffed. Remove the fry bread and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a separate skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning mix and 1/2 cup water. Simmer the mixture until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Warm the Beans: Heat the drained and rinsed pinto or black beans in a small saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
- Assemble the Navajo Tacos: Place each piece of fry bread on a plate and top with a layer of warm beans, followed by seasoned ground beef. Add shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions. Finish with a dollop of sour cream and optional salsa or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
- Fry bread is best served fresh for optimal crispness and flavor.
- You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before frying.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and substitute with spiced beans or lentils for protein.
