Navajo Taco Fry Bread Recipe – Quick Delicious Meals Recipe
This Navajo Taco Fry Bread recipe combines crispy, golden fry bread with a hearty and flavorful ground beef and bean topping seasoned with chili spices, complemented by fresh toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, and avocado. It’s a quick and delicious meal that brings together a perfect blend of textures and Southwestern flavors, ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
- Author: Rita Bennet
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying and sautéing
- Cuisine: Native American / Southwestern
- Diet: Halal
For the Beef Mixture
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 teaspoons ground chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/8 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can mild diced green chilies
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
For the Fry Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 3 cups oil (for frying)
Toppings
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced Roma tomatoes
- Shredded iceberg lettuce
- Sliced black olives
- Sliced ripe avocado
- Fresh pico de gallo
- Chopped cilantro
- Prepare the beef mixture: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3-5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and chipotle chili powder. Mix well and let the spices bloom for 2-3 minutes. Add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and corn kernels. Stir everything together and allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Make the fry bread dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Gradually add the warm water while stirring, then knead lightly with your hands for 1-2 minutes until you have a soft, smooth dough that is not sticky.
- Shape and fry the bread: Divide the dough into six equal pieces. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll each piece into a circular shape about 1/4 inch thick. Heat 3 cups of oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking (around 350°F or 175°C). Carefully place each dough circle into the oil and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip. Once cooked, transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Assemble the Navajo Tacos: Place each piece of fry bread on a plate. Spoon a generous amount of the warm beef and bean mixture onto the bread. Top with your choice of sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced black olives, ripe avocado slices, fresh pico de gallo, and chopped cilantro for extra freshness and flavor. Serve immediately for best texture and taste.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by varying chili powder and crushed red pepper flakes.
- The fry bread is best served fresh and crispy; leftovers can be reheated in an oven but will lose some crispiness.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend and modify baking powder accordingly.
- Feel free to add other toppings like jalapeños or hot sauce if you like extra heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Navajo taco (1 fry bread with toppings)
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Navajo taco, fry bread, ground beef taco, Native American recipe, chili spiced beef, quick meal, Southwestern cuisine