Navajo Tacos Recipe

2022-10-31

By American Cook

American Cuisine

Main Course

Navajo Tacos are a delicious twist on traditional tacos. Made with fry bread topped with seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes and cheese, this recipe is perfect for your next family dinner or potluck. 

A Native American Delicacy

An American cuisine main course that originated with the Navajo tribe, specifically in the southwestern region of the United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. This dish is also known as "Indian fry bread tacos". 

From Survival Food to National Favorite

The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American tribe in the United States, and their traditional cuisine has a significant influence on the regional food culture in the Southwest. Navajo Tacos were originally created as a result of government food rations given to Native Americans during the 1800s. 

Fry Bread in Southwest Cuisine

The government provided flour, sugar, salt, and lard, which were the basic ingredients for making fry bread. 

A Must-Try Dish

Navajo Tacos primarily use Navajo fry bread as the base, which is a type of flatbread that has been fried until it is crispy. Navajo Tacos typically begin with a base of Navajo fry bread. 

 Traditional Navajo Tacos and Authentic toppings

Toppings can vary but usually include cooked ground beef or beef stew, beans, lettuce, cheese, and salsa. Other toppings that are often added are tomatoes, onions, guacamole, sour cream, jalapeños, or green peppers. The finished dish resembles a taco, but with the added crunchiness and flavor of fry bread.

Pitfalls on Navajo Tacos

 Choosing the Right Fry Bread Dough: Fry bread is the foundation of Navajo Tacos and is what sets them apart from regular tacos. It's crucial to choose the right fry bread dough recipe to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

 Preparing the Fry Bread: Preparing the fry bread can be a challenge as it's important to get the right texture. It's essential to knead the dough thoroughly and let it rest before frying. The fry bread should puff up while frying and be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

 Toppings: Navajo Tacos can be loaded up with toppings, and it's important to choose toppings that complement the fry bread's flavor and texture. Traditional toppings include seasoned ground beef, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and sour cream. It's important to prepare toppings in advance to make serving easier.

 Assembling: Assembling Navajo Tacos can be a challenge as the fry bread is delicate and can be easily torn. Place the fry bread on a plate and add toppings carefully, being mindful of the bread's edges. Fold the fry bread in half like a taco and serve immediately.

 Serving: Serving Navajo Tacos can be a challenge as they are best served immediately after assembly. It's essential to have all the toppings ready in advance and fry bread cooked to perfection. Serve hot and enjoy.

Ingredients

For Fry Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup warm water

• Oil for frying

For Taco Toppings:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can corn, drained and rinsed

• 1 can diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed

• 1 packet taco seasoning

• Taco sauce, shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream for topping

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.

2. Add warm water and mix well to form a soft dough.

3. Shape dough into 8-10 balls and press each ball into a 6 inch circle, about 1/4 inch thick.

4. In a large skillet, pour enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan and heat until hot.

5. Fry the dough circles in hot oil until golden brown on both sides.

6. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels.

7. Taco Toppings:

8. In a large skillet, cook and crumble ground beef over medium-high heat until browned.

9. Add chopped onion and green bell pepper and cook until vegetables are tender.

10. Add kidney beans, corn and diced tomatoes. Stir in taco seasoning mix and cook until heated through.

11. Serve each fry bread topped with beef mixture, taco sauce, shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

Preparation Time 30 min

Cook Time 15 min

Total time 45 min

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 400

Fat: 20g

Saturated Fat: 7g

Carbohydrates: 34g

Fiber: 4g

Sugar: 3g

Protein: 21g

Regional Ingredients Variations of Navajo Tacos

Arizona, they may use pinto beans, lettuce, tomato, and shredded cheese as toppings on the fried bread, giving it a southwestern and protein-rich taste. This version of Navajo Tacos is known as "Arizona-style Navajo Tacos."

New Mexico, they may use green or red chile sauce, ground beef or shredded chicken, and sour cream on top of the fried bread, giving it a spicy and creamy taste. This version of Navajo Tacos is known as "New Mexico-style Navajo Tacos."

Utah, they may use ground beef or shredded pork, cheddar cheese, and baked beans on top of the fried bread, giving it a hearty and savory taste. This version of Navajo Tacos is known as "Utah-style Navajo Tacos."

Oklahoma, they may use chili con carne, onions, and shredded cheese as toppings on the fried bread, giving it a Tex-Mex and cheesy taste. This version of Navajo Tacos is known as "Oklahoma-style Navajo Tacos."

California, they may use chipotle, avocado, cilantro, and fresh salsa as toppings on the fried bread, giving it a fresh and tangy taste. This version of Navajo Tacos is known as "California-style Navajo Tacos."

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