Description
Indian Fry Bread Tacos are a delicious fusion of fluffy, crispy fry bread loaded with hearty beans, savory seasoned beef, and all your favorite taco toppings. This recipe brings a wonderful balance of flavors and textures, from the crispness of the bread to the creamy beans and bold meat filling. It’s a satisfying and customizable dish that’s perfect for a fun family dinner or a festive gathering.
Ingredients
For the fry bread:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup warm water
Vegetable oil for frying
For the toppings:
2 cans (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 can (4 oz) green chiles
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black or white pepper
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 pound lean ground beef
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1/4 cup warm water
Taco-style toppings of choice (lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, etc.)
Instructions
1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the warm water and stir until the dough comes together. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rest while you prepare the toppings.
2️⃣ Heat olive oil in a large pot over low heat. Add the drained pinto beans, green chiles, cumin, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Stir well to combine, cover, and cook on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3️⃣ In a separate skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup warm water to the beef, stir well, and simmer for about 5 minutes until the flavors are well blended.
4️⃣ Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Using your hands, press each piece into a circle about 1/2 inch thick. Carefully place each dough circle into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on one side, then flip and fry the other side. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
5️⃣ To assemble the tacos, place a piece of fry bread on a plate. Top with a generous spoonful of seasoned beef, a helping of the bean mixture, and your favorite taco toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream. Serve immediately while the fry bread is warm and crispy.
Notes
If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to your taco toppings. For a vegetarian version, you can skip the beef and double up on the seasoned beans. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to get that perfect crispy texture without absorbing too much oil. Fry bread is best eaten fresh, but you can keep it warm in a low oven while you finish frying the rest.