Description
Navajo Tacos with Indian Fry Bread is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring crispy, homemade fry bread topped with seasoned ground meat, refried beans, fresh vegetables, cheese, and creamy toppings. This recipe combines the satisfying texture of golden-fried dough with classic taco flavors, making it a perfect meal for gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup Warm Water (Lukewarm to activate yeast)
- 1 packet Active Dry Yeast (Can substitute with instant yeast)
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour (Gluten-free flour blend works as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Essential for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Can be omitted if yeast is active)
- 1 tablespoon Sugar (Optional for less sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (for dough) (Olive or melted coconut oil works too)
Frying Oil
- 2 cups Vegetable Oil (for frying) (Any neutral oil like canola or peanut)
Meat and Toppings
- 1 pound Ground Beef or Turkey (Substitute with shredded chicken or meat alternative)
- 1 medium Onion (finely chopped) (Omit for milder taste)
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning (Homemade seasoning is a lower sodium option)
- 1 can Refried Beans (Black beans can be tried for variety)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Dairy-free cheese for vegan options)
- 1 cup Shredded Lettuce (Any salad greens can work)
- 1 medium Diced Tomato (Mix with other veggies if desired)
- 1 cup Sour Cream (Greek yogurt as a tangy substitute)
- 1 cup Salsa (optional) (Guacamole is a great choice too)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, which indicates the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar to combine evenly.
- Form Dough: Pour the yeast mixture and vegetable oil into the dry ingredients. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Cook Onions: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped onions for about 3 minutes until translucent.
- Cook Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey and taco seasoning to the skillet with the onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully browned and cooked through.
- Divide Dough: After the dough has risen, divide it into 6-8 equal portions and shape each into a flat disc.
- Fry Bread: Heat 2 cups of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry each dough disc for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Assemble Tacos: Spread a layer of refried beans on each piece of fry bread. Top with the cooked meat, shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomato, sour cream, and additional toppings such as salsa or guacamole as desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for different variations.
- Omit the onion if you prefer a milder flavor or have dietary restrictions.
- Using gluten-free flour blend allows this recipe to be made gluten-free.
- Baking powder can be omitted if you ensure your yeast is fresh and active for the best rise.
- Sour cream can be replaced with Greek yogurt for a healthier or tangier option.
- For vegan options, use dairy-free cheese and omit sour cream or use a vegan alternative.
- Adjust taco seasoning salt content by making your own low sodium blend or buying reduced sodium packets.
- Always fry in neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil for best frying results.
- The fry bread is best enjoyed fresh and warm immediately after frying.
