If there’s a dish that brings the spirit of the Southwest right into your kitchen, it’s the Homemade Navajo Taco. Imagine crisp, golden fry bread piled high with seasoned beef, fresh veggies, and all your favorite taco toppings—all coming together in a hearty, satisfying meal that’s as fun to assemble as it is to devour! Each bite is a vibrant blend of textures and flavors, making it an irresistible favorite for weeknights, parties, or anytime you want to spice up your dinner routine.

Homemade Navajo Taco Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients are the heart and soul of this Homemade Navajo Taco—each one brings its own special touch, whether it’s making the bread puff up perfectly or adding color and fresh flavor on top. Don’t be shy about mixing and matching with what you love most!

All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the fry bread with just the right texture for crispiness and chew.
Baking powder: Gives the bread its signature puff and lightness as it fries.
Salt: Enhances every component, from the bread to the beef and beyond.
Warm water: Brings the fry bread dough together for easy kneading.
Vegetable oil for frying: Essential for that golden, crispy finish—make sure to use enough for proper frying.
Ground beef: Creates a rich, savory base—though you can swap in chicken, beans, or a meatless option, too.
Taco seasoning: Packs the beef with tons of flavor in just a few seconds.
Water (for beef): Helps blend the seasoning and keeps the beef juicy while simmering.
Shredded lettuce: Adds freshness, crunch, and a burst of green.
Diced tomatoes: Give a juicy pop of sweetness and vibrant color.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts just enough over the warm bread and beef, delivering gooey perfection.
Sour cream: Creamy and tangy—it’s the finishing touch that ties everything together.
Sliced green onions: Offer a mild oniony bite and a touch of color for the perfect garnish.

How to Make Homemade Navajo Taco

Step 1: Mix and Knead the Dough

Begin your Homemade Navajo Taco adventure by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually pour in the warm water, stirring until a soft dough forms—it shouldn’t be sticky, just pliable and smooth. Now, knead it for about two to three minutes. This step develops the perfect texture, so your fry bread comes out pillowy and light. Once kneaded, cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. This little nap lets the gluten relax and makes the bread easier to shape later.

Step 2: Shape and Fry the Bread

After resting, divide your dough into 4 to 6 equal pieces, depending on how big or small you want your Homemade Navajo Tacos to be. Flatten each piece into a disk about a quarter-inch thick. Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it sizzles when you drop in a bit of dough. Fry each disk for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown, puffy, and irresistibly crisp. Drain them on paper towels and try not to steal a bite—yet!

Step 3: Prepare the Taco Filling

While your bread is cooling just enough to handle, it’s time to prep that savory taco filling. In a separate pan set over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, then sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add water. Let it all simmer together for about five minutes, so the flavors meld and the beef stays juicy and delicious.

Step 4: Assemble Your Homemade Navajo Tacos

The best part is assembling! Lay a piece of the fry bread on each plate. Pile on a generous scoop of seasoned beef, followed by a mountain of lettuce, diced tomatoes, a big handful of shredded cheddar, and dollops of sour cream. Top everything off with sliced green onions. Serve immediately—these are meant to be eaten fresh and warm, straight from the kitchen to your table!

How to Serve Homemade Navajo Taco

Garnishes

Don’t hold back when it comes to garnish—Homemade Navajo Taco practically begs for layers of flavor and color! Freshly sliced green onions are classic, but you can also add chopped cilantro, pickled jalapeños for a kick, or a squeeze of lime for brightness. The combo promises both eye-catching appeal and extra bursts of taste in every bite.

Side Dishes

If you want to turn your Homemade Navajo Taco into a full-on feast, pair it with some classic sides. Think southwestern rice, a bowl of hearty pinto beans, or grilled corn. Even a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works beautifully to balance out the richness of the taco. Every dish on the table can contribute to the spirit of a festive, shareable meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Homemade Navajo Taco is as much about fun presentation as it is about great taste! Try serving the fry bread in a taco bar setting so guests can build their own with their favorite toppings. For parties, cut the fry bread into smaller rounds for bite-sized mini tacos. You can even top each fry bread with a different protein or a spicy slaw for a colorful twist that’ll wow any crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers (which is rare!), keep the fry bread and toppings separate. Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, and the taco meat plus toppings in the refrigerator in separate containers. This helps everything maintain its best texture and flavor and makes for quick assembly later.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked fry bread for up to a month! Once it’s cooled completely, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil and tuck them in a freezer bag. For best results, freeze the meat filling separately in a freezer-safe container. This approach makes spontaneous Homemade Navajo Taco nights a breeze!

Reheating

To reheat the fry bread, pop it in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp again. The meat can be reheated in a skillet or microwave—just add a splash of water if it seems dry, and stir well. Assemble your Homemade Navajo Taco just as you would with fresh ingredients for a second-round treat that’s almost as good as the first.

FAQs

Can I make Homemade Navajo Taco vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for refried beans, black beans, lentils, or even a flavorful plant-based meat substitute. You’ll keep all the deliciousness and still satisfy everyone at the table.

Do I need special flour for the fry bread?

No need for anything fancy: everyday all-purpose flour works perfectly for Homemade Navajo Taco. Just make sure to measure accurately for the best texture.

Can I add spices to the fry bread dough?

Definitely! Mix in a pinch of chili powder, cumin, or even garlic powder with your dry ingredients for an extra flavor punch in every bite.

What oil is best for frying the bread?

Vegetable oil is your go-to for its neutral flavor and high smoke point, but you can also use canola or sunflower oil. Just make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the dough for that ideal golden finish.

How do I keep the bread crispy if I’m serving a crowd?

Place fried bread on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F) to keep them warm and crispy while you cook the rest or finish prepping other toppings.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to enjoy your own Homemade Navajo Taco—every crispy, savory, colorful bite is pure comfort and fun. There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table and making these together, so give it a try and make this delicious tradition your own!

Homemade Navajo Taco Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make delicious Homemade Navajo Tacos with this easy recipe that combines flavorful seasoned beef and toppings on crispy fry bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Fry Bread:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm water
Vegetable oil for frying

Taco Filling:

1 lb ground beef
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
2/3 cup water
1 cup 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

Fry Bread: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 2 to 3 minutes, cover, and let rest for 30 minutes. Divide into 4 to 6 portions, flatten into disks, and fry in hot oil until golden and puffed.
Taco Filling: Cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease, add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes. Assemble tacos by topping fry bread with beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and green onions. Serve.

Notes

You can substitute the ground beef with shredded chicken, beans, or a vegetarian taco filling.
For extra flavor, add chili powder to the fry bread dough.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying, Stovetop
Cuisine: Native American, Southwestern