If you’re craving something with a crispy, golden base that perfectly supports a mountain of flavorful toppings, then you’re in for a treat with this Homemade Navajo Taco Recipe. This iconic dish features fluffy, fried bread topped with savory chili beans, seasoned meat, fresh veggies, and creamy finishes that balance each bite. It’s a heartwarming celebration of textures and tastes that come together in a way that’s pure comfort food magic. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or indulging in a family favorite, making this recipe from scratch fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and guarantees a meal that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Homemade Navajo Taco Recipe lies in a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and delivering the satisfying textures that define the dish—from the soft yet crisp fry bread to the rich and zesty toppings.
- All-purpose flour: The main ingredient for creating that perfectly tender and crispy fry bread base.
- Baking powder: Adds lightness and helps the dough puff slightly while frying for a lovely texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dough and fillings without overpowering them.
- Hot water: Necessary to bring the dough together smoothly and activate the baking powder.
- Vegetable oil: Used for deep frying the bread until golden and irresistible.
- Chili beans: Provide a hearty, flavorful layer packed with spices and protein.
- Taco meat (ground beef or turkey): The star protein—seasoned to perfection to complement the beans.
- Lettuce: Adds freshness and crunch to balance the warm toppings.
- Tomatoes: Juicy bursts of color and sweetness that brighten each bite.
- Avocado: Creamy and cooling, it mellows the spices and adds richness.
- Cheese: A melty, savory finish that amps up the indulgence factor.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and smoothness, enhancing every flavor.
- Salsa: Your personal touch of spice and zest to tie it all together.
How to Make Homemade Navajo Taco Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by mixing the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl to evenly distribute those essential dry ingredients. Slowly pour in the hot water while stirring to form a soft dough. Knead this dough until it feels smooth and elastic, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Once ready, cover it and let it rest for around 10 minutes; this resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out and helping the fry bread puff just right in the skillet.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
While the dough rests, pour vegetable oil into a deep pan to a depth of about 1 to 2 inches and heat it over medium-high until it reaches around 350°F. Proper oil temperature is crucial here—it helps the bread develop that perfectly crispy crust without absorbing too much oil or burning.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Divide your rested dough into golf ball-sized pieces, then roll each piece out on a floured surface to about 6 or 7 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if your circles aren’t perfect—hand-formed is part of the charm, and those slight variations give each piece character as they fry up.
Step 4: Fry the Bread
Carefully lower each dough circle into the hot oil and fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You want a golden-brown color that signals crispy edges with a soft, airy interior. Remove the fried bread with tongs and drain on paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
This is the fun part! Pile on your favorite toppings starting with chili beans and seasoned taco meat. Then add fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, creamy avocado slices, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and finish with a drizzle of salsa. The combination of textures and flavors makes each bite exciting and satisfying. Don’t be shy to adjust toppings to your liking—that’s the beauty of the Homemade Navajo Taco Recipe.
How to Serve Homemade Navajo Taco Recipe
Garnishes
A well-garnished Navajo taco is a feast for the eyes as much as the taste buds. Fresh cilantro or green onions sprinkled on top add a burst of color and bright, herbal notes. You can also offer lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick. These garnishes elevate the presentation and round out the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Navajo taco with traditional sides can turn your meal into a genuine celebration. Consider serving with a simple corn salad, roasted corn on the cob, or even a fresh cucumber salad with tangy dressing. Beans and rice are also classic companions that fit right into the flavor profile and keep the meal hearty and well balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try cutting the fry bread into smaller pieces and serving them as dippable bites with all the fillings and toppings on the side—a perfect way to make this dish party-friendly. You could also create Navajo taco bowls by layering fry bread pieces and toppings in a deep dish for an interactive and casual dining experience. No matter how you present it, this recipe is sure to get everyone excited and grazing happily.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any fry bread or toppings left over, store them separately in airtight containers. The fry bread is best kept at room temperature for up to 2 days, although it’s most delicious fresh. Refrigerate meat and bean toppings for up to 3 days, ensuring everything stays fresh and ready for a quick second meal.
Freezing
You can freeze fry bread if you want to extend its shelf life. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When properly stored, they can last up to 2 months. For toppings like cooked meat and beans, use freezer-safe containers to keep flavor and texture intact during storage.
Reheating
To reheat fry bread, the oven or a skillet is your best bet for maintaining crispness—avoid the microwave as it tends to make bread chewy or soggy. Warm at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes or toast in a skillet until heated through. Reheat the meat and beans gently in a pan or microwave until just warmed to keep flavors vibrant.
FAQs
What makes a Navajo taco different from a regular taco?
The key difference is the base. A Navajo taco uses fry bread, a deep-fried dough that’s crisp on the outside and soft inside, instead of a corn or flour tortilla. This creates a heartier, more substantial taco experience that’s unique to Native American cuisine.
Can I make the fry bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the fry bread ahead, but it’s best enjoyed fresh and warm. If you need to prepare in advance, store the cooked bread separately and reheat it using an oven or skillet to restore its original texture before adding toppings.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily skip the taco meat and load up the fry bread with seasoned beans, grilled vegetables, and all your favorite veggies and toppings for a delicious vegetarian version of this Homemade Navajo Taco Recipe.
What kind of cheese works best for Navajo tacos?
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice because it melts well and adds sharpness, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend for a milder flavor. Feel free to experiment based on your preference!
Can I bake the fry bread instead of frying it?
While traditional fry bread is deep-fried for that signature texture and flavor, you can bake the dough for a lighter version. However, it won’t have the same crispy, puffed quality. Baking can be a healthier alternative, but frying is what gives Navajo tacos their authentic character.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Homemade Navajo Taco Recipe a try because it’s such a delightful dish that brings people together around great food. Whether you’re enjoying it as a family dinner or sharing it with friends, the joy of making your own fry bread and piling it high with tasty fillings can turn any meal into a memorable occasion. Dive in, get a little messy, and savor every delicious bite!
Print
Homemade Navajo Taco Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Native American
Description
Homemade Navajo Tacos feature a crispy, golden fry bread topped with a delicious combination of seasoned taco meat, chili beans, fresh vegetables, cheese, and creamy toppings. This traditional Native American-inspired dish is perfect for a satisfying meal that takes just 30 minutes to prepare and serves 12 people.
Ingredients
For the Fry Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup hot water
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 1-2 inches deep)
Toppings
- Chili beans (amount to taste)
- Taco meat (ground beef or turkey, seasoned, about 2 lbs)
- Lettuce (shredded, 1 cup)
- Tomatoes (diced, 1 cup)
- Avocado (sliced or mashed, 1 medium)
- Cheese (shredded cheddar or your choice, 1 cup)
- Sour cream (1/2 cup)
- Salsa (1/2 cup)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add 3/4 cup of hot water while stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Heat the Oil: Meanwhile, pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan to a depth of 1-2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F, which is ideal for frying the dough until golden and crispy.
- Shape the Dough: Divide the rested dough into 12 equal golf ball-sized portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a round circle about 6 to 7 inches in diameter, slightly thinner in the center to ensure even frying and puffiness.
- Fry the Bread: Carefully place each dough circle into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the bread turns golden brown and puffs slightly. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip and remove the fry bread. Drain the cooked pieces on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place one piece of fry bread on a serving plate. Spoon seasoned taco meat and chili beans over the bread, followed by shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa as desired. Serve warm for a hearty and flavorful Navajo taco experience.
Notes
- Use hot water to help activate the baking powder and create a lighter dough texture.
- Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F to ensure the bread cooks evenly without absorbing too much oil.
- For a spicier option, add jalapeños or hot sauce to your taco meat or salsa.
- Leftover fry bread can be reheated in a skillet or oven but is best enjoyed fresh.
- Substitute ground turkey for beef to reduce fat content.
