If you have never experienced the comforting and hearty joy of Navajo Tacos, you are in for a real treat with this Navajo Tacos Recipe. This classic dish features golden, crispy fry bread topped with savory seasoned ground beef, beans, fresh vegetables, and melty cheese, all crowned with a dollop of creamy sour cream. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors that brings a taste of Native American and Southwestern traditions right to your table in a way that feels both familiar and exciting. Once you try this recipe, I promise it will become one of your go-to crowd-pleasers for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward and each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect Navajo taco. From the fluffy fry bread dough to the rich, spiced beef and fresh toppings, every component works together for a satisfying and colorful meal.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for our soft and pillowy fry bread, giving it structure and chew.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Adds lightness to the dough, making it rise beautifully when fried.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the simple flavors in the bread and balances the savory toppings.
- 3/4 cup warm water: Activates the baking powder and binds the dough together for kneading.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Essential for that perfect crispy exterior on the fry bread.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein base, packed with flavor when seasoned.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix: Instills that familiar Southwestern spice character in the meat.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps simmer the seasoned beef into a luscious topping.
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto or black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds fiber and a creamy texture, complementing the beef.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce: Offers a crisp, refreshing crunch to balance the rich fillings.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully over warm ingredients, adding gooeyness and sharp flavor.
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes: Brings a juicy burst of freshness and color.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Adds a mild oniony zing and a lovely green pop.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Provides cool creaminess that ties all the flavors together.
- Salsa or hot sauce for serving (optional): For those who love an extra kick, these add vibrant heat and zing.
How to Make Navajo Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fry Bread Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Slowly pour in the warm water while stirring, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s smooth and pliable, giving it that perfect texture for frying. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes—you’ll notice it’s easier to roll out after this brief downtime.
Step 2: Shape and Fry the Bread
Divide the rested dough into four equal pieces, then roll each into a 6-inch circle. Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully fry each piece of dough for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they puff up and turn a gorgeous golden brown. Drain the fried bread on paper towels to remove excess oil. This fry bread is the soul of the Navajo Tacos Recipe, so don’t rush and aim for that ideal crispy-yet-soft texture.
Step 3: Cook the Seasoned Beef
In a separate skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat for a cleaner flavor, then stir in the taco seasoning packet along with 1/2 cup of water. Allow this to simmer gently until the sauce thickens and coats the beef nicely, about 5 minutes. This spicy, savory ground beef mixture is what makes the Navajo taco so mouthwatering.
Step 4: Warm the Beans
Heat the drained and rinsed pinto or black beans in a small saucepan over low heat until warmed through. Beans add a creamy texture and earthy flavor that perfectly complements the seasoned beef and fry bread.
Step 5: Assemble Your Navajo Tacos
Now comes the fun part! Spread a generous layer of warm beans over each piece of fry bread, then spoon on the seasoned beef. Top with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions. Finish each taco with a dollop of cool sour cream, and if you like a little heat, add salsa or hot sauce. Enjoy immediately while the fry bread is still warm and crispy.
How to Serve Navajo Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
While sour cream and salsa are classic garnishes, don’t be afraid to experiment with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or avocado slices to add even more flavor and texture. The fresh toppings bring brightness to the rich beef and beans, making every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
Navajo Tacos pair beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, Spanish rice, or roasted corn on the cob. For a true Southwestern experience, serve alongside a cooling cucumber and tomato salad dressed in lime juice and fresh herbs. These sides complement the flavors without overpowering the star dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve the fry bread in a shallow wooden bowl or on a rustic platter that evokes the traditional origins of this dish. You could also slice the assembled tacos into smaller portions for a fun appetizer platter. The vibrant colors of the fillings make Navajo Tacos a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the fry bread separately from the toppings in airtight containers. Fry bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be kept at room temperature for a few hours or refrigerated up to a day. The toppings can be refrigerated in a separate container to preserve freshness.
Freezing
While fry bread is not ideal for freezing due to texture changes, you can freeze the cooked seasoned beef and beans in separate freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. This makes it easy to pull together a quick Navajo Tacos Recipe whenever cravings hit.
Reheating
To reheat fry bread, briefly warm it in a hot skillet or in the oven at 350°F to restore some of its crispiness. Reheat the beef and beans on the stove or microwave until hot. Then assemble the tacos fresh for the best eating experience.
FAQs
Can I make Navajo Tacos vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can skip the ground beef and use spiced beans, lentils, or even a plant-based meat substitute. The beans provide great flavor and protein, making it an easy meat-free variation of this beloved recipe.
What kind of beans work best?
Pinto or black beans are the traditional choices for Navajo Tacos as they complement the spices and fry bread well. You can use canned beans for convenience, just be sure to drain and rinse them before warming.
Can I bake the fry bread instead of frying?
Frying is key to achieving that signature golden, crispy exterior contrasted with soft inside. Baking is an option for a lighter version, but the texture and flavor won’t be quite the same as classic Navajo Tacos Recipe calls for.
How can I make the fry bread less oily?
Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying—around 350°F—to prevent excessive oil absorption. Drain the fried bread on paper towels to remove any leftover oil. Using the right frying temperature is the secret to light, crispy fry bread.
Is Navajo Tacos Recipe suitable for kids?
Yes! This recipe is very kid-friendly with its familiar taco flavors and fun, handheld presentation. You can adjust the spice level or skip hot sauce to keep it mild for young eaters.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about sharing Navajo Tacos Recipe with friends and family. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of culture, comfort, and vibrant flavors all wrapped into one delicious fry bread taco. Whether you’re new to this dish or revisiting a cherished favorite, I hope you enjoy making and savoring every bite as much as I do. Give it a try soon, and watch how it brings everyone around the table together in pure happiness.
Print
Navajo Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Native American, Southwestern
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Navajo Tacos are a delicious Southwestern favorite featuring crispy, golden fry bread topped with seasoned ground beef, beans, fresh vegetables, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. This recipe combines simple dough fried to perfection with savory toppings for a hearty and iconic Native American dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
For the Fry Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the 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
- Make 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 2–3 minutes until smooth, then cover it and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Shape the Fry Bread: Divide the rested dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-inch circle, preparing them for frying.
- Fry the Bread: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each dough circle for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed. Remove 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. Drain any excess fat, then add taco seasoning mix and 1/2 cup water. Simmer the mixture until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Warm the Beans: In a small saucepan, gently warm the drained and rinsed beans until heated through.
- Assemble Your Tacos: Place each piece of fry bread on a plate. Top with warm beans, seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Add salsa or hot sauce if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Fry bread is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
- The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before frying.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use spiced beans or lentils instead.
