There’s an unmistakable joy that fills the kitchen as the tantalizing scent of frying dough wafts through the air. The moment I heard about Navajo Tacos, I knew I had to try making them at home—it’s not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that brings together rich tradition and comfort food. The contrast of the delicate, airy fry bread against a hearty filling of seasoned ground beef and beans makes for a delightful harmony that my whole family adores.
Each taco is topped with crisp lettuce, melty cheese, juicy tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream, transforming a simple dinner into a celebration of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a new family favorite or a dish to impress guests, these Navajo Tacos promise to captivate everyone at the table, offering a bite of comfort with every mouthful. Let’s dive into this incredible recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home!
Why are Navajo Tacos so irresistible?
Unique Flavors: The harmony of seasoned ground beef and creamy beans brings a savory explosion in every bite.
Homemade Fry Bread: Soft and slightly chewy, this fry bread is utterly addictive and elevates your taco game like nothing else.
Endless Customization: Feel free to switch up proteins or toppings to suit your taste—vegetarian or meat-lover, there’s something for everyone!
Quick Prep Time: With a simple assembly process, you can whip these up in just under an hour, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, Navajo Tacos will have your guests coming back for seconds and thirds.
Ready to make these delicious tacos? Don’t miss out on discovering how to effortlessly add your twist to this classic dish!
Navajo Tacos Ingredients
Get ready to create a flavor-packed meal that will delight your family and friends!
For the Fry Bread
- All-Purpose Flour – Essential for crafting the signature, airy texture of fry bread.
- Baking Powder – Helps the dough puff up beautifully when fried.
- Salt – Enhances all flavors in the bread; don’t omit!
- Water – Adjust as needed to bring the dough together; use warm water for better results.
For the Taco Filling
- Olive Oil – Used for sautéing onion and garlic; switch to avocado oil for a different flavor twist.
- Yellow Onion – Adds a sweet depth to the filling; substitute with shallots if needed.
- Garlic – Provides aromatic flavor; fresh minced garlic gives the best taste.
- Lean Ground Beef – The main protein; ground turkey or chicken can make it lighter.
- Chili Powder – Adds heat and depth; adjust according to your spice preference.
- Ground Cumin – Infuses earthy flavor into the filling, making it irresistible.
- Paprika – Adds color and a mild smokiness; smoked paprika can deepen the flavor.
- Dark Red Kidney Beans – Contributes creaminess and texture; can use black beans as a substitute.
- Petite Diced Tomatoes – Helps moisten the filling; fresh tomatoes can be used if preferred.
- Diced Green Chilis – Adds a subtle heat; opt for mild or regular based on your taste.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings to balance flavors; adjust to your liking.
For Toppings
- Romaine or Iceberg Lettuce – Adds a refreshing crunch; choose based on preference.
- Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese – Provides creaminess; dairy-free cheese can be used if desired.
- Roma Tomatoes – Adds freshness and visual appeal; optional but recommended.
- Sour Cream – Adds richness; Greek yogurt can be an alternative for a tangy twist.
- Sliced Black Olives and Chopped Cilantro – Optional garnishes for extra flavor and pop!
Crafting these Navajo Tacos is just a step away—get your ingredients ready and immerse yourself in a culinary tradition that’s sure to warm your heart and fill your belly!
How to Make Navajo Tacos
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Prepare the Taco Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant. Stir in the lean ground beef, cooking until browned. Season the mixture with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, then incorporate the kidney beans, petite diced tomatoes, and green chilis. Cook until heated through.
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Make the Fry Bread: (It’s best to prepare this just before serving for the freshest taste.) In a bowl, mix all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add warm water, kneading the mixture briefly until a dough forms. Roll the dough into circles and deep fry in hot oil until golden brown and puffy, flipping once for even cooking—this should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Assemble Tacos: Place the delicious meat mixture generously onto each fried bread. Top your tacos with crisp lettuce, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream. Feel free to add optional toppings like black olives or chopped cilantro to enhance the flavor.
Optional: Serve immediately while the fry bread is still warm for the best experience.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Navajo Tacos Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to customize your Navajo Tacos to fit your palate and dietary needs—delicious options await!
- Dairy-Free: Use cashew cream or dairy-free cheese instead of traditional cheese and sour cream for a lighter option.
- Protein Swap: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a different protein source without losing flavor.
- Plant-Based: Use lentils or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option that’s still satisfying and full of protein.
- Bean Mix-Up: Substitute dark red kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans for a new flavor twist that’s equally delicious.
- Extra Heat: For those who crave spice, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make your fry bread without the guilt.
- Herb-Infused Tacos: Mix herbs like cilantro or oregano into the filling for an aromatic boost that brightens every bite.
- Sweet Pepper Addition: Add roasted red bell peppers or sautéed poblano peppers into the filling for added texture and flavor.
Let your creativity shine through as you transform these tacos into your very own masterpiece!
Expert Tips for Navajo Tacos
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Fresh Fry Bread: Fry the bread right before serving to ensure the best texture—golden and puffy, just like they should be!
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Season Generously: Don’t shy away from seasoning your beef and bean filling; a properly seasoned mixture makes all the difference in your Navajo Tacos.
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Temperature Matters: Make sure the oil is hot enough for frying the dough; if it’s too cool, the bread will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
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Avoid Overfilling: While toppings add flavor, be careful not to overload your tacos; this guarantees a mess-free and delicious experience!
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Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, prepare the taco filling in advance and just reheat before serving for a quick meal.
Enjoy crafting your Navajo Tacos, and happy cooking!
How to Store and Freeze Navajo Tacos
Fridge: Store leftover taco filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving on fresh fry bread.
Freezer: Freeze the taco filling in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before assembling.
Fry Bread: While best enjoyed fresh, leftover fry bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day. Reheat in a skillet for crispiness.
Reheating: When reheating, consider re-frying the fry bread briefly to regain its crispy texture, enhancing your meal experience!
Make Ahead Options
Navajo Tacos are perfect for busy weeknights and can save you time with some prep work! You can prepare the seasoned beef and bean filling up to 3 days in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the filling on the stove until hot. While the fry bread is best made fresh for the best texture, you can mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) up to 24 hours ahead. Just add water and fry right before you’re ready to assemble your tacos. Following these steps means you’ll enjoy delicious, hassle-free Navajo Tacos without compromising on flavor or quality!
What to Serve with Navajo Tacos?
Creating the perfect meal means finding delightful accompaniments that elevate your Navajo Tacos into a full-fledged feast.
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Crispy Cornbread: The sweet, buttery flavor of cornbread balances the savory tacos, adding a satisfying crunch that’s simply irresistible.
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Refried Beans: Creamy and comforting, refried beans make a hearty side that complements the flavors of your tacos beautifully.
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Guacamole: A fresh and creamy guacamole adds a cool contrast. The creamy avocado with lime enhances every bite of the spicy taco filling.
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Mexican Street Corn Salad: This vibrant, tangy salad brings a burst of flavor and freshness to your table, pairing perfectly with the richness of the tacos.
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Tortilla Chips with Salsa: The crunch of tortilla chips and the zing of a fresh salsa create a dynamic contrast, perfect for snacking while the tacos are being enjoyed.
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Margaritas: A tangy margarita brings a lovely citrusy kick that complements the flavors of the tacos while providing a refreshing sip with each bite.
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Churros: End your meal on a sweet note! These fried-dough pastries dusted with cinnamon sugar create a fun and delightful dessert experience.
Navajo Tacos Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best ingredients for my Navajo Tacos?
Absolutely! When selecting ingredients, look for ground beef that’s bright red and has a uniform fat content, ideally around 80% lean. For the fry bread, you want all-purpose flour that feels soft to the touch, without any clumps. Fresh produce, like lettuce and tomatoes, should be crisp and vibrant, avoiding any that show dark spots or wilting.
How should I store leftover Navajo Tacos?
The filling can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing. For the fry bread, it’s best to store it at room temperature in a paper towel-lined container for up to 1 day. However, if it’s not consumed immediately, reheat it in a skillet for a couple of minutes to regain crispiness.
Can I freeze the taco filling for later use?
Very! To freeze your taco filling, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove until heated through.
What if my fry bread turns out greasy?
If your fry bread absorbs too much oil, it’s most likely due to the frying oil not being hot enough. Make sure your oil is preheated to around 350°F (175°C) before adding the dough. You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough in; if it sizzles right away, it’s ready to go!
Are Navajo Tacos suitable for dietary restrictions?
While traditional Navajo Tacos are not gluten-free, you can easily adapt the recipe to accommodate dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend for the fry bread. If you have concerns about lean beef, substituting with ground turkey or plant-based proteins can also work beautifully, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy this comforting dish!
Navajo Tacos: Flavor-Packed Comfort Food You’ll Crave
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the lean ground beef, cooking until browned. Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; incorporate beans, tomatoes, and green chilis.
- For the fry bread, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add warm water, kneading until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into circles and deep fry in hot oil until golden brown and puffy, about 2-3 minutes, flipping once.
- Assemble tacos with the meat mixture on fried bread and top with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and sour cream, adding optional toppings as desired.