Navajo Tacos, a beloved dish in the Southwestern United States, offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Built on a base of golden, crispy frybread, these tacos are topped with hearty layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy beans, and a vibrant assortment of fresh toppings. The frybread’s soft interior and crispy exterior perfectly complement the savory toppings, making each bite an explosion of taste. Whether enjoyed at a summer gathering or a cozy family dinner, Navajo Tacos are versatile and customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings and create a meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- For the Frybread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans or black beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Sour cream
- Sliced black olives
- Chopped green onions
- Pickled jalapeños (optional)
Instructions:
- Make the Frybread:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for a few minutes until smooth. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 15 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Flatten each ball into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry each piece of dough until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- Prepare the Taco Filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and drained beans. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Place each frybread on a plate and top with a generous portion of the meat and bean mixture.
- Add your favorite toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, salsa or pico de gallo, sour cream, black olives, green onions, and pickled jalapeños if desired.
Enjoy your Navajo Tacos, a deliciously hearty and customizable meal that brings the rich flavors of the Southwest to your table!
