Indian Fry Bread Tacos Recipe
If you’re dreaming of comfort food that’s equal parts crispy, hearty, and absolutely bursting with flavor, you’re going to fall hard for these Indian Fry Bread Tacos. A fluffy, golden fry bread forms the perfect base for juicy taco-seasoned beef and all your favorite toppings—and every bite is a delicious mix of tradition, creativity, and sheer joy. Whether you make these for a weeknight dinner or a fun get-together, Indian Fry Bread Tacos always steal the show and bring everyone back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe features a short-and-sweet list of ingredients, but don’t underestimate their magic! Each element plays an important role in nailing that signature taste, texture, and eye-catching look that makes Indian Fry Bread Tacos unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the fry bread, providing just the right chew and puffiness.
- Baking powder: Gives the bread its irresistible lift and airy texture when fried.
- Salt: Boosts flavor in the fry bread, so every bite is savory.
- Warm water: Helps the dough come together for a soft, workable texture.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Use a neutral oil for crisp, golden-brown fry bread without overpowering flavors.
- Ground beef: Lean or regular both work—this brings the hearty, savory center to the tacos.
- Taco seasoning mix: An easy way to infuse bold flavor into the filling—choose your favorite brand or make it homemade.
- Water (for the filling): Helps simmer the seasoning into the beef for a saucy finish.
- Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, sliced jalapeños, salsa (all optional): Toppings let you build your perfect Indian Fry Bread Taco your way—go as classic or creative as you like!
How to Make Indian Fry Bread Tacos
Step 1: Make the Dough
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly pour in the warm water and use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until a shaggy dough forms. Once combined, turn it onto a floured surface and knead for 2–3 minutes until the dough is smooth, soft, and slightly tacky. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes—this helps it relax, making all your fry breads puffy and light.
Step 2: Prepare the Taco Filling
While your dough is taking a breather, set a skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat, then sprinkle in the taco seasoning packet and add 2/3 cup water. Stir together and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until everything’s bubbling and thickened, and the beef is beautifully coated.
Step 3: Shape the Fry Bread
Once the dough has rested, cut it into 6 even pieces and roll each into a ball. Using a rolling pin or just your hands, flatten each ball into a round about 6–7 inches wide. Aim for a rustic shape—perfection isn’t the goal! The thinner you roll the dough, the crispier it will be once fried.
Step 4: Fry the Bread
Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a deep, heavy skillet and heat it to 350°F. (A kitchen thermometer is handy, but you can also test a small piece of dough—if it sizzles and bubbles, it’s ready.) Carefully add each piece of dough to the hot oil, frying for about 1–2 minutes per side until it puffs up and turns a beautiful golden brown. Transfer each fry bread to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off extra oil.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Now for the most rewarding step! Place a piece of warm fry bread on each plate and spoon over a big helping of the taco meat. Pile high with all your favorite toppings: lettuce for crunch, tomatoes for juiciness, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, onions, jalapeños, and salsa. Serve right away, while everything’s hot and fresh—the Indian Fry Bread Tacos are at their very best in this moment.
How to Serve Indian Fry Bread Tacos
Garnishes
One of the joys of Indian Fry Bread Tacos is the endless ways you can top them. A classic combo is shredded lettuce, fresh diced tomatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese, but don’t stop there—add tangy sour cream, vibrant salsa, chopped onions, sliced jalapeños for heat, or even a few sprigs of cilantro for a fresh finish. Lay all your toppings out buffet-style, and let everyone pile on their favorites.
Side Dishes
These hearty tacos don’t need much to round out a meal, but if you’re hosting a crowd, they pair wonderfully with cool sides like a creamy Southwest slaw, a bowl of fresh guacamole, or a simple corn and black bean salad. Tortilla chips and salsa or a tangy cucumber salad are also great choices to balance out all those rich, savory bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Put a playful spin on your Indian Fry Bread Tacos by setting up a DIY taco bar—perfect for parties or family nights. Or try mini fry breads for adorable appetizer-sized tacos. For a fun twist, set out extra toppings and let guests create dessert fry breads with honey, cinnamon sugar, or chocolate sauce after the main event. These tacos shine brightest when everyone gets to customize and celebrate their own favorites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover fry bread or taco filling (lucky you!), store the fry bread in an airtight container lined with paper towels to soak up any moisture. Keep the taco meat and all the toppings in separate containers in the fridge for freshness, and simply build new tacos whenever you get a craving.
Freezing
Fry bread freezes beautifully! Once cooled, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then pop them into a zip-top bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw them at room temperature and pop them in the oven to bring back their satisfying crunch.
Reheating
To get fry bread nice and crispy again, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5–8 minutes until warmed through and crackly. For the meat filling, a quick zap in the microwave or a gentle reheat in a skillet does the trick—just add a splash of water if needed to keep it juicy.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein for Indian Fry Bread Tacos?
Absolutely! While traditional recipes often call for beef, you can easily swap ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even crumbled tofu or black beans for a vegetarian or vegan spin. Just season them well and cook until flavorful.
Do I need a deep fryer to cook the fry bread?
No deep fryer needed—just use a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven. As long as you have enough oil to allow the dough to puff up and float, you’ll achieve that irresistible golden texture. A careful eye and a kitchen thermometer help make frying easy and consistent.
Can the dough be made ahead of time?
Yes! Make the dough a day in advance and keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge. Let it come close to room temperature before shaping and frying for the best puff and texture in your fry bread.
How do I make my fry bread extra puffy?
The key is to let the dough rest thoroughly after kneading and before frying. Resting helps gluten relax, which is what gives the bread that signature puffiness. Make sure your oil is hot enough; otherwise, the bread will absorb extra oil instead of getting light and crispy.
Are Indian Fry Bread Tacos spicy?
They only pack as much heat as you want! You control the spice level with your toppings and the taco seasoning you choose. Opt for mild, medium, or fiery taco seasoning, and finish your tacos with jalapeños or spicy salsa if you love a little extra kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that truly brings everyone together, Indian Fry Bread Tacos are pure magic. Crunchy, chewy, cozy, and so much fun to customize, they keep friends and family coming back for more. Dive in, get creative with your toppings, and watch these tacos become a new favorite at your table!
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Indian Fry Bread Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the flavors of the Southwest with these delicious Indian Fry Bread Tacos. Crispy fry bread topped with seasoned ground beef and all your favorite taco toppings!
Ingredients
For the Fry Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- vegetable oil for frying
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 2/3 cup water
Toppings:
- shredded lettuce
- diced tomatoes
- shredded cheddar cheese
- sour cream
- chopped onions
- sliced jalapeños
- salsa (all optional)
Instructions
- Fry Bread: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add warm water and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 2–3 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Taco Filling: Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat, then add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
- Assembly: Divide dough, flatten into rounds, fry in oil until golden brown. Top fry bread with taco meat and desired toppings. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute the beef with seasoned ground turkey or black beans for a vegetarian version.
- Fry bread can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to crisp back up.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Native American, Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
