How to Make Perfect Navajo Tacos with Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, and Air Fryer: Tender Meat and Crispy Fry Bread

Name: Navajo Tacos
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8-10 servings
Cuisine: American
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

Slow Cooker Navajo Tacos: Tender, Flavorful Meat and Crispy Fry Bread with Minimal Effort

Use the slow cooker’s "Low" setting to cook your seasoned meat (beef, chicken, or pork) for 6-8 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender. Once done, top your fry bread with the flavorful meat and your favorite taco toppings for a delicious meal.

Instant Pot Navajo Tacos: Quick and Flavorful Meat Filling in Just 20 Minutes

Use the Instant Pot’s "Saute" function to brown your meat and onions, then add your seasonings and broth, and switch to "Pressure Cook" for 20 minutes. This will create a tender, flavorful filling quickly, ready to serve over freshly made fry bread.

Air Fryer Navajo Tacos: Crispy, Golden Fry Bread in Minutes for a Healthier Twist

Use the air fryer to crisp up individual fry bread portions in about 5-7 minutes at 375°F, creating a light, crispy base. Top with your cooked meat and taco toppings for a healthier take on traditional Navajo tacos with a crunchy, golden finish.

Tips and Suggestions 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.

Classic Navajo Tacos Recipe

                        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
                        In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.
Add warm water and mix well to form a soft dough.
Shape dough into 8-10 balls and press each ball into a 6 inch circle, about 1/4 inch
                                thick.
In a large skillet, pour enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan and heat until hot.
                            
Fry the dough circles in hot oil until golden brown on both sides.
Remove from pan and drain on paper towels.
Taco ToppingsIn a large skillet, cook and crumble ground beef over medium-high heat until browned.
                            
Add chopped onion and green bell pepper and cook until vegetables are tender.
Add kidney beans, corn and diced tomatoes. Stir in taco seasoning mix and cook until
                                heated through.
Serve each fry bread topped with beef mixture, taco sauce, shredded lettuce, shredded
                                cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

                    

Cooking Time

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

                    

Variations for Navajo Tacos

Fish Tacos Beer Battered

This version is made with flaky fish fillets coated in a crispy beer batter, served in soft tortillas with zesty toppings.

Beer Battered Fish Tacos (Baja Style)

Fish Tacos Fry Bread

This version is made with tender fish fillets served on warm, fluffy fry bread, topped with fresh herbs, slaw, and zesty sauce.

Easy Fry Bread Navajo Tacos

Fish Tacos Whole Wheat

This version is made with grilled fish wrapped in whole wheat tortillas, complemented by crisp veggies and a light, tangy yogurt sauce.

Recipe: Healthy Whole Wheat Navajo Tacos

Fish Tacos Cheddar-Jalapeno

This version is made with flaky fish nestled in soft tortillas, topped with spicy jalapeños, sharp cheddar cheese, and zesty sauce for a kick.

Indian Tacos with Cornmeal Cheddar-Jalapeno Waffles

Fish Tacos Pow-Wow

This version is made with smoky grilled fish, vibrant corn salsa, and creamy avocado sauce, all nestled in warm tortillas for a festive twist.

Pow-Wow Navajo Tacos

Fish Tacos with Green Chile

This version is made with tender fish topped with roasted green chiles, crisp slaw, and a tangy lime crema, wrapped in warm tortillas.

Green Chile Navajo Tacos

Traditional Navajo Tacos