Description
Navajo Tacos, also known as Indian Fry Bread Tacos, are a hearty and flavorful dish featuring crispy, golden fry bread topped with seasoned ground beef, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. This traditional Native American and Southwestern recipe combines homemade fried dough with classic taco toppings for a satisfying main course perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Fry Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- vegetable oil for frying (about 1 inch deep)
Taco Meat and Toppings
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 2/3 cup water (for seasoning mix)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced red onion (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Gradually add 3/4 cup warm water while stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Shape the Fry Bread: Divide the rested dough into 4 to 6 equal portions. Using a rolling pin, roll each portion into a flat disk approximately 1/4 inch thick. Ensure even thickness for uniform frying.
- Fry the Bread: In a large skillet, pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place one dough disk into the hot oil and fry for 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until the bread turns golden brown and puffs up. Use tongs to flip gently. Remove the fried bread and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Repeat for all dough pieces.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a separate skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound ground beef until thoroughly browned. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness. Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning and 2/3 cup water, then simmer for 5 minutes or until the sauce reduces and thickens to coat the meat evenly.
- Assemble the Navajo Tacos: Place one piece of warm fry bread on each serving plate. Top each with a generous portion of the seasoned ground beef. Layer with 1 cup shredded lettuce, 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup sour cream. Optionally, add 1/4 cup sliced black olives and 1/4 cup diced red onion for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or black beans for a vegetarian version.
- Fry bread can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven before assembling.
- Adjust seasoning and toppings according to personal preference for spiciness or texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Native American, Southwestern
