Name: Navajo Taco Fry Bread Recipe – Quick Delicious Meals
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped; 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option); 2 teaspoons ground chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1/8 teaspoon chipotle chili powder; 1 can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15-ounce); 1 can petite diced tomatoes, drained (14.5-ounce); 1 can mild diced green chilies (4-ounce); 1/2 cup corn kernels; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 cup warm water; 3 cups oil (for frying); Sour cream; Shredded cheddar cheese; Diced Roma tomatoes; Shredded iceberg lettuce; Sliced black olives; Sliced ripe avocado; Fresh pico de gallo; Chopped cilantro

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Navajo Taco Fry Bread is a crowd-pleaser with its flavorful filling and crispy, airy bread base. It’s easy to make and perfect for customizing with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh pico de gallo. Plus, it’s a versatile dish you can serve with refreshing sides like a simple corn salad or a chilled hibiscus tea, making it ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a gathering, this dish will surely leave everyone satisfied and asking for more.

Ingredients

Navajo Tacos

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
2 teaspoons ground chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1 can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15-ounce)
1 can petite diced tomatoes, drained (14.5-ounce)
1 can mild diced green chilies (4-ounce)
1/2 cup corn kernels

Indian Fry Bread

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

Toppings

Sour cream
Shredded cheddar cheese
Diced Roma tomatoes
Shredded iceberg lettuce
Sliced black olives
Sliced ripe avocado
Fresh pico de gallo
Chopped cilantro

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Navajo Taco Fry Bread Recipe – Quick Delicious Meals

Directions

Prepare the Toppings
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft. Toss in the ground beef and cook until browned. Add the spices: chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and chipotle chili powder. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld for a few minutes.
Add the Beans and Veggies
Incorporate the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and corn. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This mixture will become hearty and flavorful.
Make the Fry Bread Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Gradually add the warm water and mix until a soft dough forms. You might need to knead it gently with your hands for a minute or two to make it smooth.
Roll Out and Fry the Bread
Divide the dough into six equal pieces. On a floured surface, roll each piece into a circle about 1/4 inch thick. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place one dough piece in the oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Assemble Your Navajo Tacos
Once the fry bread is crispy and golden, top each piece with the meat mixture and any additional toppings you like—sour cream, diced tomatoes, cheese, and fresh cilantro.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Use black beans, mushrooms, or textured vegetable protein (TVP) as a meat alternative.
Spicy Kick: Add more chipotle chili powder or hot sauce to the meat mixture for extra heat.
Mini Fry Bread: Create smaller fry breads for appetizers or smaller servings. These bite-sized pieces are perfect for snacking.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover fry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it crispy, reheat the fry bread in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. The filling can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat before serving.

FAQs

How do I make the fry bread extra crispy?

Ensure the oil is at the right temperature—about 350°F—before frying. If the oil is too cold, the bread will absorb too much oil and become soggy.

Can I use a different meat for the filling?

Yes! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken for a unique flavor.

Can I make the fry bread dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before frying. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe uses all-purpose flour. For a gluten-free option, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Can I bake the fry bread instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the fry bread at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy, as an alternative to frying.

Can I freeze the fry bread?

Yes, you can freeze the fried bread. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for the best results.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add more chipotle chili powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the meat mixture for an added kick.

Can I use a different type of bean?

Absolutely! You can swap the kidney beans for black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans for a different flavor.

How do I prevent the fry bread from absorbing too much oil?

Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the dough, and only fry one piece at a time to maintain the oil temperature.

Can I serve Navajo tacos as a vegetarian meal?

Yes, simply substitute the ground meat with beans or a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, and you have a delicious vegetarian option.

Conclusion

Navajo Taco Fry Bread is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together crispy fry bread, seasoned beef, hearty beans, and fresh toppings. It’s easy to make, and the variations are endless—whether you prefer it spicy, vegetarian, or with a twist of your favorite toppings. This recipe is perfect for a fun family meal or a festive gathering. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved dish in American cuisine!