Navajo Tacos are a beloved dish from Native American cuisine, especially popular in the Southwestern United States. The base is crispy frybread (deep-fried bread), topped with seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and fresh garnishes. Hearty, flavorful, and versatile, this dish is both comfort food and a celebration of tradition.
Prep Time
- Preparation: 25 minutes
- Cooking: 20 minutes
- Total: About 45 minutes
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl (for dough)
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Deep skillet or frying pan (for frybread)
- Frying pan (for meat filling)
- Slotted spoon
Ingredients
For the Frybread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm water (adjust as needed)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 lb (500 g) ground beef (or pork/turkey)
- 1 can red beans (drained)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning (or homemade mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper)
- ½ cup beef broth or water
Toppings (optional but traditional):
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
- Salsa or hot sauce
Ingredient Notes
- Frybread: The star of Navajo tacos—crispy on the outside, soft inside.
- Meat: Ground beef is classic, but turkey or a vegetarian mix works too.
- Beans: Add creaminess and protein, making the dish more filling.
Instructions
- Make the Frybread:
In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add warm water and knead until a soft dough forms. Let rest for 10 minutes. Divide into 4–6 balls and roll into flat discs (about ½ inch thick). - Fry the Bread:
Heat oil in a deep skillet. Fry each piece for about 2 minutes per side, until golden brown and puffy. Drain on paper towels. - Cook the Meat Filling:
In a separate pan, sauté onion and garlic. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in taco seasoning, beans, and broth. Simmer until thickened. - Assemble the Tacos:
Place frybread on a plate. Top with meat mixture, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approx. 1 taco with toppings)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
Tips & Variations
- Lighter version: Bake the frybread instead of frying.
- Vegetarian option: Use double beans and add corn.
- Spicy version: Add jalapeños or use a hot salsa.
- Sweet frybread: Skip the savory toppings and serve frybread with honey and powdered sugar as a dessert.
