If you’ve never tried this hearty and flavorful dish, you are in for a treat with this Navajo Tacos Recipe. It’s a wonderful blend of crispy, golden fry bread topped with a savory mix of spiced ground beef and black beans, finished with fresh toppings and creamy accents. The combination of textures and vibrant flavors makes these Navajo tacos a beloved feast that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe brings a warm smile to the table and a delicious taste of Southwestern tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Navajo Tacos Recipe come together simply but with purpose. Each element plays a key role in building that perfect balance—the soft yet crispy fry bread, the richly flavored beef and beans, and the fresh, colorful toppings that contrast with every bite.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your fry bread, giving it structure and texture.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: This helps the dough rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the flavor of the fry bread.
- 3/4 cup water: This hydrates the flour to form a workable dough.
- vegetable oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil that can withstand high temperatures.
- 1 pound ground beef: The star protein for your tacos, providing a hearty filling.
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans: Drained and rinsed, adds protein and fiber.
- 1 small onion: Finely chopped, adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced, offers a robust flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder: Provides a warm, spicy undertone.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds an earthy, aromatic flavor.
- salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors.
- 2 cups shredded lettuce: Adds a refreshing crunch.
- 1 cup diced tomatoes: Provides a juicy, tangy contrast.
- 1 cup shredded cheese: Cheddar or a Mexican blend adds creaminess.
- sour cream or Greek yogurt: Enhances flavors and adds a cooling effect.
- salsa or pico de gallo: For a zesty kick.
How to Make Navajo Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fry Bread Dough
Start by mixing the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Slowly add the water, stirring as you go, until you form a soft, workable dough. Knead it gently for 1 to 2 minutes until it’s smooth. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes – this downtime will make sure your fry bread cooks up just right: fluffy on the inside and crisp on the outside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
While the dough rests, heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onions become translucent and fragrant. Toss in the black beans along with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper – stir everything well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to marry those bold flavors together.
Step 3: Make the Fry Bread
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Divide the rested dough into 6 to 8 portions. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten into a disc shape, about the size of your palm. Fry each disc in hot oil for approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed up beautifully. Place your fry bread on paper towels to drain any excess oil – this is when you’ll start craving these Navajo Tacos even more!
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Lay a piece of warm fry bread on a plate and pile on the flavorful beef and bean mixture. Next, add shredded lettuce for crunch, diced tomatoes for freshness, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese that will melt slightly into the warm toppings. Finally, dollop some sour cream or Greek yogurt and add a spoonful of salsa or pico de gallo for that perfect finishing touch. Your Navajo tacos are almost ready to enjoy!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these Navajo tacos warm, encouraging everyone to customize their toppings just the way they like. The combination of crispy fry bread with spicy, hearty filling and cool, fresh garnishes makes every bite an absolute joy. It’s a dish that brings people together and fills the room with amazing aromas and happy smiles.
How to Serve Navajo Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or even a squeeze of lime can elevate your Navajo tacos to the next level. These little touches add brightness and zing that perfectly complement the rich, savory beef and the crispy fry bread.
Side Dishes
Consider pairing your Navajo Tacos Recipe with classic Southwestern sides such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or a colorful corn salad. These sides bring more texture and flavor to your meal, making it both satisfying and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Navajo tacos on a wooden board or a large platter for a family-style meal. You can also turn it into a taco bar with bowls of different toppings, so everyone can personalize their own tacos. This turns a simple dinner into an interactive and festive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Navajo tacos keep well in the refrigerator if you store components separately. Place the fry bread in an airtight container wrapped with a paper towel to maintain crispness, and store the beef mixture and fresh toppings in separate containers to preserve their freshness.
Freezing
While fry bread is best enjoyed fresh to keep its perfect texture, the seasoned ground beef and bean filling freezes beautifully. Portion the meat mixture into freezer-safe bags or containers and thaw overnight before reheating. This makes for a quick and satisfying meal anytime!
Reheating
Reheat the fry bread in a warm oven or a skillet to bring back some of its original crispness. The beef mixture can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave. Assemble the tacos just before serving to keep everything fresh and delicious.
FAQs
What makes Navajo tacos different from regular tacos?
Navajo tacos use fry bread as their base instead of a traditional corn or flour tortilla. This creates a crispy, puffy, and slightly chewy foundation that adds a unique texture and flavor dimension to the toppings.
Can I make the fry bread without deep frying?
Traditional fry bread is deep-fried to achieve its characteristic texture, but you could try skillet frying with less oil or baking it. However, the taste and crispiness might not be quite the same as the classic deep-fried version.
Is this Navajo Tacos Recipe spicy?
This recipe has a mild to moderate spice level due to the chili powder and cumin, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or including fresh jalapeños in the toppings.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative and will work well with the spices and beans. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust seasoning as needed.
What are some good vegetarian options for this recipe?
You can skip the ground beef and increase the amount of black beans or add cooked lentils, mushrooms, or seasoned tofu as protein substitutes. The key is to layer plenty of flavorful spices so the filling remains satisfying.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so heartwarming about making and sharing this Navajo Tacos Recipe that goes beyond just feeding the stomach. It’s a celebration of comfort, tradition, and bold flavors all wrapped up in one incredible bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how this dish can quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too. Enjoy every delicious moment!
Print
Navajo Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Native American
Description
Navajo Tacos are a delicious and hearty Native American dish featuring crispy, golden fry bread topped with a savory ground beef and black bean mixture, fresh vegetables, and rich toppings like cheese and sour cream. This recipe combines simple pantry staples with flavorful spices to create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Fry Bread Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup water
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Beef and Bean Topping
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Salsa or pico de gallo
Instructions
- Prepare the Fry Bread Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add water while mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 1-2 minutes until smooth. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten and improve texture.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Drain the excess fat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onions become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the drained black beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for another 5 minutes until heated through and the flavors meld.
- Make the Fry Bread: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Divide the rested dough into 6 to 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten into discs roughly 6 inches in diameter. Carefully fry each disc in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and puffy. Remove fry bread from oil and drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place a piece of warm fry bread on a plate as the base. Spoon a generous amount of the ground beef and black bean mixture over it. Add a layer of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese on top. Finish by adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a spoonful of salsa or pico de gallo for added zest.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Navajo Tacos while warm. Allow everyone to enjoy them as is or add extra toppings as desired. These tacos make a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for sharing.
Notes
- Resting the dough is crucial for tender fry bread texture.
- Use neutral vegetable oil for frying to prevent flavor interference.
- Drain the cooked beef fat to avoid greasy tacos.
- Customize toppings according to preference, such as adding jalapeños or avocado.
- For a vegetarian version, omit beef and add extra beans or vegetables.
