Indian Fry Bread Tacos, also known as Navajo Tacos, are a delicious fusion of crispy, golden fry bread topped with flavorful taco ingredients. This dish has a deep cultural history, originating from Native American cuisine, and has become a beloved comfort food enjoyed at gatherings and celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The fry bread is light, crispy, and slightly chewy, making a perfect base for taco toppings.
- This dish is highly customizable—choose from classic ground beef, beans, cheese, and veggies or mix it up with different proteins and sauces.
- It’s a fun and interactive meal perfect for family dinners, parties, or casual weeknight meals.
- Easy to make with pantry staples, and the fry bread can be made ahead of time.
- A great way to explore Native American-inspired cuisine in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Warm water or milk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Ground beef or shredded chicken
- Taco seasoning
- Pinto beans or black beans
- Lettuce, shredded
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Tomatoes, diced
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Green onions, sliced
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add warm water or milk, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough lightly and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough into small portions and roll each into a flat circle.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Fry each dough round until golden brown on both sides, then drain on paper towels.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart.
- Add taco seasoning and a little water, stirring until the beef is well-coated.
- Warm the beans in a small saucepan.
- To assemble, top each fry bread with beans, seasoned beef, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, and green onions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 6 fry bread tacos
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and use seasoned beans or grilled vegetables instead.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce for extra heat.
- Different Proteins: Use shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even pulled pork.
- Sweet Version: Instead of savory toppings, sprinkle the fry bread with cinnamon sugar and drizzle with honey.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the fry bread.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover fry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or warm in a skillet over low heat.
- Freezing: Fry bread can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat before serving.
FAQs
How do I keep fry bread from becoming too tough?
Avoid over-kneading the dough and let it rest before rolling it out.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight before frying.
Why is my fry bread greasy?
The oil temperature may be too low. Make sure it’s heated to 350-375°F before frying.
What oil is best for frying fry bread?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or shortening work best for a crispy texture.
Can I bake the fry bread instead of frying?
Traditional fry bread is fried, but you can try baking at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes.
What toppings go best with fry bread tacos?
Classic toppings include beans, ground beef, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and sour cream, but you can customize as desired.
Can I make mini fry bread tacos for appetizers?
Yes! Just roll the dough into smaller circles and fry for a bite-sized version.
Is Indian Fry Bread the same as sopapillas?
No, but they are similar. Sopapillas are typically puffier and served with honey, while fry bread is flatter and used in savory dishes.
How do I make fry bread crispy?
Make sure the dough is rolled evenly and fry at the right temperature.
What other dishes pair well with fry bread tacos?
Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh corn salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Indian Fry Bread Tacos are a delicious and versatile meal that brings together crispy fry bread and flavorful taco toppings. Whether you stick to the traditional toppings or get creative with your own variations, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next meal. Try making them today and enjoy a taste of this cultural classic!
Print
Indian Fry Bread Tacos (Navajo Tacos)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Native American, Southwestern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indian Fry Bread Tacos are a classic Native American dish made by topping crispy, fluffy fry bread with taco-style toppings. The fry bread is deep-fried until golden brown and puffy, creating the perfect base for savory ground beef, refried beans, cheese, lettuce, and other toppings. This dish is a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Fry Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water or milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for softer dough)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Taco Topping:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15 oz) can refried beans or pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (optional)
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
Make the Fry Bread:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add warm water (or milk) and mix until a soft dough forms. If using, add the 1 tbsp oil for softer fry bread.
- Knead the dough for about 2-3 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 4-6 equal pieces. Roll each into a ¼-inch thick circle.
- In a deep skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry each piece of dough for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown and puffed up. Drain on paper towels.
Prepare the Taco Filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Simmer for 5 minutes, until thickened.
- Add the beans and stir until heated through.
Assemble the Tacos:
- Place a piece of fry bread on a plate.
- Spoon some beef and bean mixture over the top.
- Add desired toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and double the beans.
- Fry bread can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container. Reheat in an oven before serving.
- To make a sweeter version, sprinkle the fry bread with powdered sugar and honey instead of using savory toppings.
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