Description
This Homemade Navajo Taco recipe features soft, golden fry bread topped with a flavorful mixture of seasoned ground beef and pinto beans, complemented by fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and green onions. A classic Native American and Southwestern dish that’s perfect as a hearty main course, easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm water
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Beef and Toppings
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- Optional: pickled jalapeños, salsa, or hot sauce for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead gently until smooth, about 2–3 minutes. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions, roll each into a ball, and flatten into discs about 6–7 inches in diameter.
- Fry the Bread: In a deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry each dough disc one at a time for 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden and puffed. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: While the bread is frying, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, approximately 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and pinto beans, cooking for an additional 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Assemble the Navajo Tacos: Place each piece of fry bread on a plate. Top generously with the beef and bean mixture, followed by shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions. Add optional toppings such as pickled jalapeños, salsa, or hot sauce as desired.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your Navajo tacos while the fry bread is still warm and fresh.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for beef or use black beans instead of pinto beans for a lighter version.
- Fry bread can be made ahead and kept warm in the oven at 200°F until ready to serve.
