Navajo Taco

By Ben Braiser

Tags: #southwestern #street-food

Prep:: 30 minutes
Cook:: 20 minutes
Total:: 50 minutes
Yield:: 4 servings

Navajo Taco features crisp, golden fry bread—a traditional Navajo staple—topped with seasoned ground beef, beans, fresh vegetables, cheese, and salsa. This dish honors the cultural roots of fry bread while showcasing hearty, familiar taco flavors. Ideal for sharing, it brings together comfort and cultural appreciation in every bite.

Ingredients

2.50 cup all-purpose flour

1.00 tbsp baking powder

1.50 tsp salt

1.00 tbsp granulated sugar

1.00 cup milk

2.25 cup vegetable oil

1.00 cup onion, finely chopped

1.00 clove garlic, minced

1.00 pound ground beef

1.00 tsp chili powder

0.50 tsp ground cumin

1.00 cup pinto beans, warmed

1.00 cup lettuce, shredded

1.00 tomato, diced

0.50 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

0.25 cup salsa

0.25 cup cilantro, chopped

Steps

Combine dry ingredients for fry bread dough: mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Add wet ingredients and knead: stir in milk and oil until a soft dough forms; knead 2 minutes and let rest 15 minutes.
Fry bread: heat oil to 350 F in a skillet, fry each dough ball until puffed and golden on both sides, about 2 minutes per side; drain on paper towels.
Cook beef filling: sauté onion and garlic, add ground beef and spices, cook until browned and fragrant.
Assemble tacos: top each fry bread with beef, beans, lettuce, tomato, cheese, salsa, and cilantro.