Navajo Tacos Recipe with Authentic Indian Fry Bread

By:

Basil Anne

Published:

September 13, 2025

Why You’ll Love This Navajo Tacos

Navajo Tacos are a delicious way to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal that brings together crispy Indian Fry Bread with flavorful toppings. This recipe is simple and quick, making it ideal for home cooks, busy parents, and anyone seeking a tasty dish without much fuss. You’ll appreciate how it combines ease, nutrition, and adaptability into one delightful package.

One reason to try this recipe is its health benefits. Loaded with ingredients like lean ground beef, beans, and fresh vegetables, these tacos provide a good dose of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins that support overall wellness. For instance, the beans add fiber, while the vegetables contribute vitamins that make this dish a smart choice for diet-conscious individuals like students or working professionals.

Another appeal is the versatility of Navajo Tacos. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or watching calories, this recipe adapts easily with simple swaps. You can use plant-based options or alternative flours, ensuring it’s suitable for a wide range of people, from families to party hosts looking for crowd-pleasers. Overall, the unique blend of flavors and textures makes Navajo Tacos a standout meal that anyone can enjoy.

To expand on their distinctive flavor, Navajo Tacos feature Indian Fry Bread that’s crispy outside and soft inside, topped with a seasoned ground beef and bean mix. This combination offers a memorable taste that’s both savory and fresh. It’s perfect for food enthusiasts and travelers wanting to explore cultural recipes at home.

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Essential Ingredients for Navajo Tacos

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making authentic Navajo Tacos. This section lists everything you need for the Indian Fry Bread, the main taco filling, and the toppings. Remember to use the precise measurements for the best results.

Ingredients for Indian Fry Bread

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
3 cups oil for frying

Ingredients for Navajo Tacos Filling

1 tablespoon oil
1/2 yellow onion diced
1 pound ground beef
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/8 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1 (15-ounce) can dark red kidney beans rinsed and drained
1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes drained
1 (4-ounce) can mild diced green chilies

Toppings

Sour cream (amount not specified)
Shredded cheese (amount not specified)
Diced tomatoes (amount not specified)
Shredded lettuce (amount not specified)
Sliced black olives (amount not specified)
Sliced avocado (amount not specified)
Pico de gallo (amount not specified)
Cilantro (amount not specified)

These ingredients ensure a comprehensive recipe that’s easy to follow. For special dietary needs, you can swap items like using gluten-free flour for the bread or plant-based crumbles for the ground beef. For more ideas on adapting recipes, check out our best smoothie recipes for similar substitution tips.

How to Prepare the Perfect Navajo Tacos: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating Navajo Tacos starts with making the Indian Fry Bread, followed by preparing the flavorful topping. The whole process is straightforward and takes about 35 minutes total, including 15 minutes for prep, 10 minutes for cooking, and 10 minutes for resting. This makes it perfect for busy schedules.

First, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Add 1 cup warm water and mix until the dough forms. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest for 10 minutes to improve texture as per traditional tips.

Next, divide the dough into 8 equal sections and shape each into 6-inch discs. Heat 3 cups oil in a skillet to 350-360°F and fry the discs until golden brown on both sides. Drain them on paper towels and keep warm while you prepare the filling.

For the topping, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet and cook 1/2 diced yellow onion until softened. Add 1 pound ground beef and brown it fully. Stir in 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon chipotle chili powder. Then, add 1 (15-ounce) can rinsed and drained dark red kidney beans, 1 (14.5-ounce) can drained petite diced tomatoes, and 1 (4-ounce) can mild diced green chilies. Simmer covered for 10 minutes.

Finally, assemble by placing the meat mixture on the fry bread and adding your chosen toppings. Serve right away for the best taste and texture. This step-by-step approach highlights the preparation time: prep at 15 minutes, cook at 10 minutes, and resting at 10 minutes, totaling around 35 minutes.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Navajo Tacos

Navajo Tacos are highly adaptable, allowing you to tailor them to various dietary needs. This helps make the recipe inclusive for everyone, from vegans to those watching their calorie intake.

For protein and main components, swap traditional ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option. You can also use plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a vegan-friendly version. If going gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend to keep the fry bread intact.

When it comes to vegetables, sauces, and seasonings, try substituting lettuce with kale or spinach for added nutrients. For a dairy-free twist, use avocado slices instead of cheese, or add guacamole for creaminess. Adjust seasonings with chili powder or smoked paprika to match your preferences and make the dish even more personalized.

Mastering Navajo Tacos: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, take your Navajo Tacos to the next level with these expert tips. For instance, fry bread is traditionally made without yeast, and letting the dough rest helps achieve that ideal soft texture.

To get a crispier fry bread, consider double frying the dough discs first at a lower temperature to cook through, then at a higher heat. Experiment with flavor variations by adding chipotle powder or fresh cilantro to the meat mixture for a smoky twist. Presentation matters too; garnish with lime wedges and chopped cilantro to make your tacos look as good as they taste.

Dough consistency can vary due to humidity or altitude, so adjust the flour amount as needed while kneading to avoid toughness. For make-ahead options, prepare the meat and vegetables in advance and store them separately. Explore our make-ahead meal ideas for additional efficiency tips that pair well with this recipe.

Remember, fry bread can be served sweet or savory, and using a skillet with about an inch of oil makes cleanup easy. If certain flour is unavailable, try a mix of all-purpose and cake flour as a substitute to keep things versatile.

How to Store Navajo Tacos: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your Navajo Tacos fresh and tasty for later. Always store leftover fry bread and fillings separately in airtight containers to maintain quality.

For refrigeration, keep components in the fridge and use them within 2-3 days. Freezing works well too wrap fry bread tightly and store it in freezer bags for up to 2 months, while freezing the cooked meat separately. When reheating, warm the fry bread in an oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore crispiness, and heat the meat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Meal prep is simple with Navajo Tacos; prepare all parts individually and assemble just before eating to prevent sogginess. This approach is great for busy parents or working professionals planning meals ahead.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Navajo Tacos

What ingredients do I need to make traditional Navajo fry bread?

Traditional Navajo fry bread dough is made from flour (commonly all-purpose or Bluebird flour), baking powder, salt, and warm water. These ingredients are mixed into a soft dough, which is then divided, shaped, and fried in hot oil until golden brown. The simplicity of these pantry staples reflects the dish’s historical origins.

How do I cook Navajo fry bread for Navajo tacos?

After preparing the dough, divide it into golf ball-sized pieces. Flatten each piece into a roughly 6-inch round on a lightly floured surface. Heat oil to around 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet or fryer. Fry each piece for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and puffed. Drain on paper towels before adding taco toppings.

What are popular toppings for making Navajo tacos?

Navajo tacos are typically topped with seasoned ground beef, refried or pinto beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced olives or avocado. Fresh salsas like pico de gallo and chopped cilantro are also common, providing a flavorful and colorful finish to the fry bread base.

Can fry bread dough be made without yeast for Navajo tacos?

Yes, traditional Navajo fry bread dough uses baking powder as a leavening agent instead of yeast. This creates a slightly crispy outside and a soft, airy inside without needing rising time. While some recipes use yeast or biscuit dough as substitutes, authentic fry bread relies on baking powder for its texture and quick preparation.

Why did Navajo fry bread become a cultural food, and what is its history?

Navajo fry bread originated in 1864 during the Navajo people’s forced relocation by the U.S. government, when traditional food sources were scarce. The government provided flour, salt, and lard, which the Navajo used to create fry bread. It became a symbol of survival and cultural identity, now enjoyed in many traditional and modern ways including Navajo tacos.

Navajo Tacos Recipe with Authentic Indian Fry Bread

Why You’ll Love This Navajo Tacos