Beef Navajo Tacos

Name: Beef Navajo Tacos
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 2 cup all-purpose flour; 1.5 tsp baking powder; 1 pinch salt (for dough); 0.75 cup milk (warm); 2 cup oil for frying (absorption: 15%); 1 lb ground beef (lean); 1 pcs onion (medium, finely chopped); 3 pcs garlic (cloves, minced); 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 pinch black pepper; 0.5 cup pinto beans (dried, soaked overnight and boiled until tender); 0.25 cup water; 1 cup lettuce (shredded); 2 pcs tomato (medium, diced); 0.5 cup cheddar cheese (shredded); 0.25 cup sour cream; 3 tbsp cilantro (chopped)

RATING

4.4/5(68)

TASTE SCORE

8/10

Golden, crispy fry bread topped with seasoned ground beef, beans, and all the classic taco fixings. This iconic Native American dish layers warm, fluffy-on-the-inside bread with savory meat, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy cheese for a hearty, satisfying handheld meal.

PREP

25m

COOK

30m

SERVES

1 PIECE

887 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 8 STEPS

prep
Soak and cook the beans.
If not already done, soak pinto beans overnight. Drain, add fresh water to cover by 2 inches, and boil until tender, about 45-60 minutes. Drain and set aside.
mix · ~10 min
Make the fry bread dough.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir in warm milk until a soft dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Cover the bowl and let rest for 10 minutes.
TIPWarm milk helps the dough come together faster and yields a tender bread.
prep
Shape the fry bread.
Divide the rested dough into 4 equal balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll or pat each ball into a 6-inch circle. Poke a small hole in the center of each to prevent puffing during frying.
fry · ~12 min
Fry the bread until golden.
1.Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (350°F).
2.Carefully slide one dough round into the hot oil.
3.Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until puffed and golden brown.
4.Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with remaining dough.
TIPKeep finished fry bread warm in a 200°F oven while you cook the beef.
saute · ~10 min
Brown the ground beef.
1.Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2.Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3.Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4.Add ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, 5-6 minutes.
simmer · ~7 min
Season the beef and simmer.
1.Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
2.Add cooked pinto beans and water.
3.Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes until flavors meld and liquid reduces.
TIPDon't rush the simmer — it lets the spices bloom and the beef absorb all the flavor.
assemble
Build the Navajo tacos.
1.Place one warm fry bread on each plate.
2.Spoon a generous portion of the beef and bean mixture over the center.
3.Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese.
4.Add a dollop of sour cream and scatter chopped cilantro over the top.
serve
Serve immediately while the fry bread is warm and crisp.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Poking a small hole in the center of each dough round prevents it from puffing into a balloon and ensures even cooking.
2
Keep the oil temperature at 350°F — if it's too low the bread will be greasy, too high and it will burn before the inside cooks.
3
Rest the dough for the full 10 minutes; this relaxes the gluten and makes the fry bread tender, not tough.
4
Warm the fry bread in a 200°F oven on a baking sheet while you finish the beef so it stays crisp on the outside and soft inside.
5
Simmer the beef and beans together for at least 5 minutes — the starches from the beans thicken the sauce and meld the spices.
6
For the best texture, use lean ground beef (85/15) so the topping isn't greasy on the delicate fry bread.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

vegetarian

Vegetarian

Replace the ground beef with 1 ½ cups of cooked black beans or a plant-based crumble. Sauté the onions and garlic as directed, then add the beans with the spices for a protein-rich, meatless filling.

spicy

Spicy

Add 1-2 finely diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper when you cook the onion and garlic. Top with pickled jalapeño slices for extra heat and acidity.

gluten free

Gluten-free

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. The dough will be slightly more delicate, so handle it gently when shaping.

HEALTH BENEFITS