Navajo Taco Casserole

1. 1
   prep

   Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish.

   1.Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

   2.Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of oil.
2. 2
   mix

   Make the fry bread dough.

   1.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 0.5 teaspoon salt.

   2.Gradually add 1.5 cups warm water, mixing with your hands until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

   3.Knead gently in the bowl for 2 minutes until smooth. Do not overwork.

   TIPWarm water helps activate the baking powder for a lighter crust.
3. 3
   bake · ~15 min

   Par-bake the fry bread base.

   1.Press the dough evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the greased baking dish to form a crust.

   2.Brush the top of the dough with the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.

   3.Bake for 12-15 minutes until puffed, set and just starting to turn golden at the edges.

   TIPPricking any large air bubbles with a fork halfway through keeps the base flat.
4. 4
   saute · ~10 min

   Brown the beef and cook the aromatics.

   1.While the base bakes, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon.

   2.Cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.

   3.Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.

   4.Add minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. 5
   simmer · ~5 min

   Simmer the seasoned beef.

   1.Pour in 0.25 cup water and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

   2.Add the cooked pinto beans and stir to combine.

   3.Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

   TIPUse beans cooked from scratch for the best flavor and texture.
6. 6
   assemble

   Assemble the casserole.

   1.Remove the par-baked fry bread base from the oven.

   2.Spread the beef and bean mixture evenly over the crust.

   3.Top evenly with the shredded cheddar cheese.
7. 7
   bake · ~12 min

   Bake the assembled casserole.

   1.Return the dish to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

   2.Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before adding fresh toppings.

   TIPResting helps the casserole set up, making it easier to cut clean squares.
8. 8
   garnish

   Add fresh toppings and serve.

   1.Scatter the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and chopped raw onion evenly over the cheesy top.

   2.Drizzle with sour cream and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro.

   3.Slice into 8 squares and serve immediately.

   TIPAdd the fresh toppings just before serving so the lettuce stays crisp.

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