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Two crispy Navajo Fry Bread Tacos topped with beans, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and cilantro on a white plate.
Daniel

Navajo Fry Bread Tacos

Crispy, golden fry bread piled high with seasoned beef, beans, and all your favorite taco toppings for a beloved Southwestern feast.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Native American, Southwestern
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

For the Fry Bread
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.75 cup warm water about 110°F
  • 2 cups vegetable oil for frying, plus 1 tbsp for dough
For the Topping
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can pinto beans 15 oz, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning or 1 packet
  • 0.5 cup water
For Serving
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.5 cup salsa optional

Equipment

  • Large cast iron skillet or heavy Dutch oven
  • Rolling Pin
  • Slotted spoon

Method
 

Make the Dough
  1. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Add warm water and 1 tablespoon oil, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead 2 to 3 minutes until smooth. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest 15 minutes while you make the topping.
Cook the Topping
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until no pink remains, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Stir in taco seasoning, water, and pinto beans. Bring to a simmer and cook 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Keep warm over low heat.
Fry the Bread
  1. Pour 2 cups oil into a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven, filling about 1 inch deep. Heat to 350°F, or until a small piece of dough sizzles immediately. Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. On a floured surface, pat or roll each into a thin 7-inch circle, about 1/4 inch thick. Pierce the center once with a knife to prevent puffing.
  2. Carefully slide one round into the hot oil. It will puff immediately. Fry 1 to 2 minutes per side until deep golden brown with darker spots. Adjust heat as needed to maintain oil temperature. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with remaining dough.
Assemble and Serve
  1. Place each warm fry bread on a plate. Top with a generous scoop of beef and bean mixture, then layer on cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa. Serve immediately while the bread is still crisp.

Notes

For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder to the fry bread dough. The dough can be made up to 4 hours ahead and kept covered at room temperature. Leftover fry bread reheats surprisingly well: wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes, then crisp in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side.