Few things in life bring instant joy quite like a crispy, golden piece of fry bread piled high with your favorite taco toppings. Indian Fry Bread Tacos are the perfect blend of crunchy, chewy, and downright delicious. Imagine biting into warm, pillowy fry bread, topped with seasoned meat, melty cheese, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of creamy sauce. Sounds amazing, right? Trust me, this one’s a game-changer. Whether you’re cooking up a quick family dinner or wowing guests at a weekend gathering, this recipe is about to become your new favorite.
Why You’ll Love Indian Fry Bread Tacos
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
Fry bread is the perfect base for endless topping combinations. Load it up with classic taco ingredients, go vegetarian with beans and cheese, or get creative with fusion flavors like BBQ chicken or buffalo ranch.
Budget-Friendly
Made with simple pantry staples, this meal won’t break the bank. A little goes a long way, making it a cost-effective choice for feeding a crowd.
Quick and Easy
No need to spend hours in the kitchen! This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Customizable
Make it spicy, cheesy, or loaded with veggies. Adjust the toppings to match your cravings and dietary preferences.
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of these fry bread tacos—it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is pure perfection. Let’s break it down:
Fry Bread
This is the heart of the dish! Light and airy on the inside, crisp and golden on the outside, fry bread is the ultimate foundation for taco greatness.
Ground Beef
Seasoned to perfection, the juicy, flavorful beef takes these tacos to the next level. You can also swap it for shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian twist.
Taco Seasoning
A blend of spices that brings out the best in the meat. You can use a store-bought mix or make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika.
Toppings
Lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, salsa—the possibilities are endless. Go with your favorites and don’t be shy about piling them on!
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add warm water and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead it gently, then let it rest while you prepare the other ingredients.
Cook the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water. Let it simmer until the flavors meld together.
Shape the Fry Bread
Divide the dough into small balls and roll each one out into a flat circle. The thinner you roll them, the crispier they’ll be!
Fry to Perfection
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Carefully drop in each piece of dough and fry until golden brown on both sides. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
Assemble the Tacos
Top each piece of fry bread with the seasoned meat, followed by your favorite toppings. Be generous—this is where the magic happens!
Serve and Enjoy
Dig in while they’re warm! Serve with extra salsa, guacamole, or a squeeze of fresh lime for an added burst of flavor.
Notes
Servings: 4-6 Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Indian Fry Bread Tacos
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal.
- Add a fresh salad with a zesty lime dressing to balance the richness of the fry bread.
- Pair with a refreshing agua fresca or homemade horchata for an authentic touch.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Let the dough rest for at least 10 minutes to allow the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out.
- Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature—it should be around 350°F for perfect frying.
- If you have leftovers, reheat the fry bread in the oven to keep it crisp.
- Customize your toppings with pickled jalapeños, hot sauce, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
Faq’s
Can I make the fry bread ahead of time? Yes! Store it in an airtight container and reheat in the oven before serving.
What can I use instead of ground beef? Shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even seasoned beans make great alternatives.
Can I bake the fry bread instead of frying? Frying gives the best texture, but you can bake at 375°F until golden brown if you prefer a lighter option.
How do I store leftovers? Keep leftover fry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
Can I freeze the dough? Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling out and frying.
What’s the best oil for frying? Vegetable oil or canola oil work well since they have a high smoke point.
How do I make these tacos spicier? Add extra chili powder to the meat or top with sliced jalapeños and hot sauce.
Can I make mini fry bread tacos? Yes! Just roll the dough into smaller portions and fry them for bite-sized versions.
Do I need a deep fryer? Nope! A deep skillet with enough oil works just fine.
What’s the best way to reheat fry bread? A quick trip in a hot oven (around 350°F) will bring back the crispiness.
Conclusion
Indian Fry Bread Tacos are the ultimate comfort food—crispy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re making them for a casual family dinner or a fun weekend treat, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Give them a try, get creative with your toppings, and most importantly, enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Indian Fry Bread Tacos
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (including frying and simmering the filling)
- Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes
- Yield: Makes 6 tacos 1x
- Category: Tacos / Main Dish / Native American-Inspired
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Native American / Southwestern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Indian Fry Bread Tacos offer a delightful fusion of crispy, fluffy fry bread as the base, topped with a savory, seasoned filling and fresh toppings. Inspired by Native American cuisine, this dish transforms traditional fry bread into a fun, handheld meal perfect for a casual dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
For the Fry Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus more for frying)
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or use black beans for a vegetarian option)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend: cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional for richer flavor)
Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Fry Bread Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add warm water and oil, mixing until a soft, sticky dough forms. If necessary, add a bit more water to bring the dough together.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for 15–20 minutes.
-
Fry the Bread:
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, gently pat or roll each portion into a flat circle (about 1/4-inch thick).
- Fry each piece for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and puffed. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. If using beans, gently heat them through.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in taco seasoning, tomato paste, and water. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Assemble the Tacos:
- Place a portion of the meat (or bean mixture) on each piece of fry bread.
- Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
- Finish with a drizzle of salsa and sour cream, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with black beans or pinto beans and consider adding extra spices for flavor.
- Resting the fry bread dough is key for a tender texture.
- Adjust the toppings and seasoning according to your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg