Name: Navajo Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Native American-Inspired
Ingredients: 6 pieces fry bread (homemade or store-bought); Vegetable oil for frying; 1 pound ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning mix; 2/3 cup water; 2 cups shredded lettuce; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup sliced green onions

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Get ready to fall in love with the bold, comforting flavors of Navajo Tacos—the ultimate fusion of fry bread and taco goodness in every bite. This dish brings together soft, golden fry bread with a savory, seasoned beef topping and heaps of fresh garnishes, making each taco a little festival of taste and texture. Whether you want a meal that thrills the whole family or you’re craving something deeply satisfying after a long day, Navajo Tacos deliver on all counts with their irresistible combination of crispy, tender, tangy, and creamy layers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Navajo Tacos lies in their simplicity! Every ingredient is selected to either anchor the dish with deep flavor or brighten it with freshness, so don’t skip a single one if you can help it—each offers its own magic to the final bite.

Ground Beef (1 pound): The heartiness of seasoned ground beef forms the base of each taco, making it extra satisfying.
Taco Seasoning Mix (1 packet): Adds bold, familiar taco flavors with zero guesswork—spice mix shortcut for the win!
Water (2/3 cup): Helps the seasoning soak into the beef for a rich and saucy texture.
Shredded Lettuce (2 cups): Freshens up each bite with a cool, crisp crunch—you’ll really miss it if you leave it out.
Diced Tomatoes (1 cup): Juicy tomatoes cut through the richness and add a pop of color and brightness.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melty and sharp, cheddar is a must for that gooey, irresistible finish.
Sour Cream (1/2 cup): A tangy, cooling dollop ties all the bold flavors together beautifully.
Sliced Green Onions (1/4 cup): A sprightly garnish that adds zip and a little visual flair.
Fry Bread (6 pieces, homemade or store-bought): The star of the show—pillowy, golden fry bread is what makes these tacos truly special.
Vegetable Oil (for frying, if making fry bread): Essential to giving your bread its signature crispy exterior.

How to Make Navajo Tacos

Step 1: Fry the Bread

If you’re making your own fry bread (highly recommended for that fresh, warm aroma!), start by heating about an inch of vegetable oil in a roomy skillet over medium heat. Carefully lay in the bread rounds, frying each for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re irresistibly golden and puffed. Drain the finished fry bread on paper towels—this keeps them crisp, not greasy.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Beef

While the bread is doing its thing, crumble the ground beef into another skillet and cook it over medium heat. Give it about 5 minutes to brown up, using a spoon to break up the meat. Once the beef is nicely browned, drain away any excess fat so everything stays light. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, pour in the water, and stir well. Let it all simmer for another 3-4 minutes—that’s when the beef drinks in all those savory spices and thickens perfectly.

Step 3: Assemble the Navajo Tacos

Here’s where it all comes together! Place one piece of fry bread on a plate, then heap on a generous spoonful of the saucy beef. Layer on the shredded lettuce, sprinkle with fresh tomatoes and cheddar cheese, and finish with a swirl of sour cream and a handful of green onions. Don’t be shy—each topping adds something wonderful. Serve your Navajo Tacos while the bread is still warm and slightly crisp for the full experience.

How to Serve Navajo Tacos

Garnishes

The right garnishes are what transform Navajo Tacos from simply delicious to absolutely unforgettable. While the classics—lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream, and green onions—never fail, don’t hesitate to add a scoop of salsa, some diced avocado, or a splash of hot sauce. The beauty of this dish is how easily it flexes to fit your favorites and your mood.

Side Dishes

Pair your Navajo Tacos with easygoing sides that let them shine without overpowering their comforting warmth. Chilled pinto beans or creamy refried beans are classic add-ons (and could even sneak onto the taco itself!), while a simple corn salad or citrusy coleslaw brightens up your plate. For a fun party platter, set out some tortilla chips and guacamole or a fresh fruit salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to break the mold! Try making mini Navajo Tacos for appetizer-sized bites at gatherings, or let guests build their own at a DIY taco bar. Pressing the fry bread into shallow bowls makes a perfect edible vessel for heartier toppings. Kids (and adults!) love customizing their own, so prep a mini toppings buffet and watch the fun unfold.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Navajo Tacos components are best stored separately. Keep any extra seasoned beef in a well-sealed container in the fridge, and tuck leftover fry bread into a paper towel-lined zip-top bag to help maintain some texture. Fresh toppings can be kept in their own airtight containers to stay crisp for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Both the cooked beef and fry bread freeze beautifully. Let each cool completely before freezing. Wrap the fry bread well in foil or plastic and slip it into a freezer bag; it’ll keep for up to a month. The seasoned beef can go into a freezer-friendly container or bag and will be ready for the next craving, lasting a good 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating

To revive fry bread, a quick warm-up in a low oven (about 300F) works wonders to bring back its crispy edge—just 5 minutes or so. The beef is best reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it from drying out. Once everything’s hot, assemble as usual and enjoy!

FAQs

What makes Navajo Tacos different from regular tacos?

The heart of Navajo Tacos is the fluffy, golden fry bread instead of tortillas or taco shells. This gives each taco a unique combination of airiness and crispness that’s utterly crave-worthy and unlike anything you’ll find in a standard taco.

Can I make the fry bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! While it’s always best straight from the skillet, fry bread stays delicious for up to a day stored airtight at room temperature. Refresh in a low oven for a few minutes for that fresh-baked experience.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap out the ground beef for seasoned pinto or black beans, or even a plant-based meat alternative. The toppings and fry bread remain the same, and you still get that wonderful layering of flavors.

Is there a gluten-free option for Navajo Tacos?

Yes—if you find or make gluten-free fry bread (many recipes are out there!), Navajo Tacos can be enjoyed by those avoiding gluten. Be sure to check the labeling on your taco seasoning mix, too.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Of course! Both turkey and ground chicken work beautifully—just keep an eye on the cooking time and season well for maximum flavor. The result will be a bit lighter, but every bit as scrumptious.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a soul-satisfying dinner that always gets rave reviews, you need to try Navajo Tacos. They’re a breeze to make, endlessly customizable, and promise a fun, memorable meal every time. Gather your loved ones and dig in—your new favorite tradition starts here!

Navajo Tacos Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 tacos 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Navajo Tacos are a delicious twist on traditional tacos, featuring seasoned ground beef, fresh toppings, and fry bread as the base. This Native American-inspired dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For Fry Bread:

6 pieces fry bread (homemade or store-bought)
Vegetable oil for frying

For Toppings:

1 pound ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning mix
2/3 cup water
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup sliced green onions

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Instructions

Prepare Fry Bread: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and fry bread rounds until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Cook Ground Beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning and water, simmer until thickened.
Assemble Tacos: Place fry bread on a plate, top with seasoned beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and green onions. Serve hot.