Name: Homemade Navajo Taco Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Native American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 Tbsp. baking powder; 1 tsp. salt; 1 cup hot water; Vegetable oil for frying (about 1-2 inches deep in skillet); Chili beans (cooked); Taco meat (seasoned ground beef or preferred meat); Lettuce, shredded; Tomato, diced; Avocado, sliced; Olives, sliced

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Introduction

Enjoy the rich flavors of the Southwest with this homemade Navajo Taco recipe. Crisp fry bread serves as the perfect base for hearty chili beans, taco meat, and fresh toppings. It’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

A white plate holds a single taco salad with four visible layers: the base is a golden-brown, crispy fried bread with a puffed and slightly uneven surface; on top lies a deep reddish-brown layer of cooked beans; above that is a crumbled ground meat layer with a glossy texture; the next layer is fresh green lettuce mixed with diced red tomatoes and chunks of bright green avocado; the topmost layer is scattered shredded cheese in white and light yellow, completing the colorful stack. In the background, a stack of the same fried breads stands tall on a white marbled surface beside two red tomatoes and a bunch of fresh green parsley with a black-and-white checkered cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 cup hot water
Vegetable oil for frying
Toppings: chili beans, taco meat, lettuce, tomato, avocado, olives

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add hot water and mix with your hands until a sticky dough forms. Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Step 3: Break off dough into golf-ball-sized pieces and roll each into a ball.
Step 4: On a floured surface, roll each ball into a 6-7 inch diameter circle.
Step 5: Fry each piece in hot oil in batches until golden and puffed, about 20 seconds on one side, then flip and fry for another 10–20 seconds. Drain on paper towels and keep warm in the oven while frying the rest.
Step 6: Spread chili beans and taco meat over the fry bread, add desired toppings, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or cumin to the dough.
Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter taco meat option.
Top with shredded cheese and a drizzle of sour cream for a creamy finish.
Try baking the dough instead of frying for a lighter version, though it won’t puff up the same.

Storage

Store leftover fry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes or briefly toast in a skillet. Avoid refrigeration to keep the bread from becoming tough.

How to Serve

The dish is a layered taco salad served on a white plate with a textured rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The base layer is a golden-brown, deep-fried flatbread with a crispy texture and slightly uneven edges. On top of the flatbread, there is a layer of cooked red beans mixed with seasoned ground beef that looks rich and dark brown. The next layer is fresh chopped lettuce with small pieces of red tomato and green avocado cubes scattered evenly. The top layer is sprinkled with shredded yellow and white cheese. In the background, there is a bunch of green fresh parsley on a black and white checkered cloth, a tall stack of similar golden flatbreads, and two whole red tomatoes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a few hours in advance and keep it covered at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating as it may affect the dough’s consistency.

What can I use if I don’t have a thermometer for the oil?

Heat the oil over medium-high heat and test by dropping a small piece of dough in. It should sizzle and rise to the surface quickly without burning. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain frying temperature.