Navajo Taco

The Navajo Taco has a special place in my heart, as it takes me back to family gatherings where we would all gather around the table, eager to dig into this delicious dish. Picture fluffy fry bread topped with a flavorful blend of seasoned meat, beans, and your favorite toppings. This dish is more than just food; it’s a celebration of culture, family, and the comfort of home-cooked meals. Each bite reminds me of those warm summer evenings spent laughing and sharing stories with loved ones. Making Navajo Tacos is as much about the process as it is about the end result, and I can’t wait to share this journey with you.

Key Ingredients for Navajo Taco

The ingredients for Navajo Tacos combine to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering the right flavors and textures. The standout player in this recipe is undeniably the fry bread, which serves as a fluffy canvas for all the other ingredients.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: A base for sautéing meat, adding a touch of richness and flavor.
• 1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty protein that forms the filling, seasoned to perfection.
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth and aroma to the filling.
• 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning: The key ingredient that brings all the spices together for a robust flavor.
• 1/2 cup mild picante sauce: Adds a tangy flavor and moisture to the filling.
• 1 (16-ounce) can chili beans: Provides additional texture and flavor, bringing a comforting element to the dish.
• Toppings as desired: Customize with ingredients like shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and olives for freshness.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Used in the dough for richness and flavor.
• 2-1/3 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the fry bread, giving it structure.
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the fry bread to rise and be light and fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast: Adds a little extra fluffiness to the fry bread.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dough.
• 1 cup milk: Provides moisture and richness to the dough.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Used for frying, giving the fry bread its crispy texture.

How to Cook Navajo Taco

Cooking Navajo Tacos is a delightful experience that combines creating the dough and preparing the filling. Follow these steps to enjoy this comforting dish.

1. Start by preparing the dough. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter carefully. Ensure it cools to room temperature; this step is crucial to avoid cooking the yeast.

2. Next, warm milk in the microwave until just warm (not hot). Test the temperature by dropping a few drops on your wrist; it should feel comfortable. Combine the melted butter and warmed milk in a bowl and set aside.

3. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, yeast, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure they’re evenly combined.

4. Slowly add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon to stir until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. Don’t worry if it seems messy; this is normal!

5. Lightly flour your hands and gently knead the dough a few times until it forms a rough ball. Be careful not to overwork it, as this can make the fry bread tough.

6. Drizzle vegetable oil into the bowl and turn the dough to coat it lightly. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel and let it rest while you prepare the filling.

7. In a large pan over high heat, add olive oil. Once it shimmers, add the ground beef. Let it sear without stirring for a couple of minutes, then crumble it with a wooden spoon until fully browned.

8. Reduce the heat to medium and add the taco seasoning and minced garlic. Stir for about a minute until fragrant, then pour in the picante sauce and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful bits. Add the chili beans (do not drain) and cook until warmed through.

9. While the filling simmers, prepare for frying the dough. In a large cast-iron pot, heat 1 inch of oil to 350°F. Portion the rested dough into 8 equal pieces.

10. With floured hands, work each piece into a rough circle, about 5 to 6 inches wide, keeping it rustic. Do not use a rolling pin. The thinner, the better—they cook up crispy!

11. Carefully drop one piece of dough at a time into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 30 seconds to 1 minute per side, flipping with two forks.

12. Once golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer the fry bread to a paper-towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining dough.

13. To serve, top each piece of fry bread with a generous portion of the meat filling and your chosen toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, or guacamole. Enjoy your homemade Navajo Tacos immediately for the best experience!

Tips for Success

To ensure you create the best Navajo Tacos, keep these tips in mind:

• Storage: Store leftover meat and bean filling in an airtight container in the fridge for 5 to 7 days. The fry bread is best served fresh.
• Freezing: You can freeze the meat mixture in portions. Thaw before reheating for quick meals.
• Fry Bread Freshness: Fry bread is best hot and crispy. If you need to reheat, do so in an oven to regain crispness.
• Side Pairings: Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad to balance the meal.
• Ingredient Quality: Use fresh ingredients, especially for toppings, to enhance the overall flavor.
• Adjust Spiciness: If you prefer a spicier filling, opt for a hotter taco seasoning or add jalapeños to the mix.

What Goes Well With This Navajo Taco

When enjoying Navajo Tacos, consider these fantastic pairings:

• Mexican Rice: A side of fluffy Mexican rice complements the richness of the tacos beautifully.
• Fresh Salad: A crisp salad with a simple vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch to your meal.
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole not only serves as a topping but as a delicious dip on the side.
• Chips and Salsa: Start your meal with crunchy tortilla chips paired with fresh salsa for a delightful appetizer.
• Occasions: Whether it’s casual dinner with family or a summer cookout, Navajo Tacos are sure to impress.
• Storage Tips: The meat filling stores well, but fry bread is best enjoyed fresh for the best texture.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Navajo Tacos are a delightful dish that combines fluffy fry bread with savory toppings, making it a memorable meal for any occasion. This recipe captures the essence of comfort food, bringing together flavors that are sure to please everyone at your table. I encourage you to try making Navajo Tacos at home and experience the joy it brings. You won’t be disappointed!

Navajo Taco

The ultimate comfort food, Navajo Taco is a delightful blend of crispy fry bread topped with savory meat and beans. Perfect for any occasion, this easy weeknight dinner will satisfy all cravings. Make it tonight for a delicious journey into flavor!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 8 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large pan
• Large cast-iron pot

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 pound Lean ground beef
• 2 teaspoons Minced garlic
• 1 ounce Taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup Mild picante sauce
• 16 ounce Chili beans
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 2-1/3 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons Baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Instant yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Milk
• 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil

Instructions

 

• Start by preparing the dough. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter carefully. Ensure it cools to room temperature; this step is crucial to avoid cooking the yeast.
• Next, warm milk in the microwave until just warm (not hot). Test the temperature by dropping a few drops on your wrist; it should feel comfortable. Combine the melted butter and warmed milk in a bowl and set aside.
• In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, yeast, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure they're evenly combined.
• Slowly add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon to stir until a shaggy, sticky dough forms. Don’t worry if it seems messy; this is normal!
• Lightly flour your hands and gently knead the dough a few times until it forms a rough ball. Be careful not to overwork it, as this can make the fry bread tough.
• Drizzle vegetable oil into the bowl and turn the dough to coat it lightly. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel and let it rest while you prepare the filling.
• In a large pan over high heat, add olive oil. Once it shimmers, add the ground beef. Let it sear without stirring for a couple of minutes, then crumble it with a wooden spoon until fully browned.
• Reduce the heat to medium and add the taco seasoning and minced garlic. Stir for about a minute until fragrant, then pour in the picante sauce and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful bits. Add the chili beans (do not drain) and cook until warmed through.
• While the filling simmers, prepare for frying the dough. In a large cast-iron pot, heat 1 inch of oil to 350°F. Portion the rested dough into 8 equal pieces.
• With floured hands, work each piece into a rough circle, about 5 to 6 inches wide, keeping it rustic. Do not use a rolling pin. The thinner, the better—they cook up crispy!
• Carefully drop one piece of dough at a time into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 30 seconds to 1 minute per side, flipping with two forks.
• Once golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer the fry bread to a paper-towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining dough.
• To serve, top each piece of fry bread with a generous portion of the meat filling and your chosen toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, or guacamole. Enjoy your homemade Navajo Tacos immediately for the best experience!

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftover meat and bean filling in an airtight container in the fridge for 5 to 7 days. The fry bread is best served fresh.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the meat mixture in portions. Thaw before reheating for quick meals.
• Tip 3: Fry bread is best hot and crispy. If you need to reheat, do so in an oven to regain crispness.
• Tip 4: Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad to balance the meal.
• Tip 5: Use fresh ingredients, especially for toppings, to enhance the overall flavor.
• Tip 6: If you prefer a spicier filling, opt for a hotter taco seasoning or add jalapeños to the mix.

Keyword comfort food, Fry Bread, Mexican cuisine, Navajo Taco

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Meet Sienna Blake

I’m Sienna, the detail-obsessed cook of the group! I specialize in baking and perfecting technical recipes so you never have to guess in the kitchen. I have tested this specific recipe multiple times adjusting the measurements and timing to guarantee it is absolutely foolproof and ready for your table. Trust the process, and I promise you’ll get amazing results!