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
Scale
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.
