Description
A quick and easy recipe for crispy Indian fry bread topped with seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and melty cheese, perfect for a comforting Navajo taco in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm water (180ml)
- About 2 cups vegetable oil (480ml) for frying
- 1 pound lean ground beef (450g)
- 1 medium onion, diced (150g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup refried beans (250g) (optional)
- 2 cups shredded lettuce (60g)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (150g)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (100g)
- Sour cream for topping
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough (5 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly pour in warm water, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead gently on a floured surface for about 2 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest.
- Cook the Meat Mixture (10 minutes): Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook until browned, 5-7 minutes. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Roll and Fry the Indian Fry Bread (10-12 minutes): Divide dough into 6 portions, roll each into a 6-inch circle. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (around 350°F). Fry each dough round 2-3 minutes per side until golden and puffed. Drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the Navajo Tacos (3-5 minutes): Place fry bread on a plate. Spread refried beans if using, then top with ground beef mixture, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cilantro. Serve immediately warm.
Notes
Keep oil temperature steady around 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt bread. Knead dough gently and roll evenly about ¼ inch thick. Store fry bread separately from toppings to prevent sogginess. Reheat fry bread gently in a skillet, avoid microwaving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Native American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Navajo taco
- Calories: 480
- Sodium: 520
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 22
Keywords: Navajo taco, Indian fry bread, homemade fry bread, ground beef taco, quick Navajo taco, crispy fry bread, easy taco recipe