Description
Navajo Tacos on Fry Bread Bliss is a delightful traditional Native American dish featuring soft, golden fry bread topped with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef and beans. Loaded with fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and salsa, this hearty meal brings a perfect balance of crispy texture and robust flavors. Ideal for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, these tacos are sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food with a twist.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Fry Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm water
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 cups)
For the Beef Topping:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto or black beans, drained
Toppings (as desired):
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Sour cream
- Salsa
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add warm water while stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth, then cover and let it rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten and improve texture.
- Shape the Dough: Divide the rested dough into 4 equal portions. Flatten each ball into a round disc approximately 6 inches in diameter, ensuring even thickness for consistent frying.
- Fry the Bread: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F). Carefully fry each dough disc, flipping once, until golden brown and puffed on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a separate skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning and drained beans, stirring well. Simmer for 5 minutes until the flavors meld and the mixture is heated through.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place each piece of fry bread on a plate. Spoon a generous amount of the beef and bean mixture on top. Add your choice of toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Navajo Tacos warm as a satisfying meal that combines crispy fry bread with a savory, hearty topping.
Notes
- You can substitute beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For a vegetarian version, omit ground beef and add sautéed vegetables or additional beans.
- Ensure oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy bread.
- Leftover fry bread can be reheated in a skillet to retain crispiness.
- Adjust taco seasoning amount to control spice level according to preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Native American
