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
Scale
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.
