Navajo Tacos with New Mexico Green Chile

Why This Navajo Taco Recipe Works

Navajo Tacos bring a unique spin to traditional taco night. They’re hearty, flavorful, and offer a delightful crunch when served on fried bread. This recipe combines tender ground meat, nutritious beans, fresh veggies, and zesty New Mexico green chile sauce, creating a satisfying meal for any occasion. Let’s dive into how to make these tasty tacos.

How to Make Navajo Tacos

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced onions
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• New Mexico green chile sauce
• Sour cream (optional)

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add water to form a dough. Knead until smooth and let it rest for 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, brown the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
3. Add black beans and diced tomatoes to the skillet, mix well, and heat through.
4. Roll out the dough and cut it into flat discs. Fry the discs in hot oil until golden brown on both sides.
5. Assemble the tacos by placing the meat and bean mixture on the fried dough, then top with lettuce, onions, cheese, and green chile sauce.
6. Serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

How to Serve Navajo Tacos

Navajo Tacos are best enjoyed fresh, right after assembling them. Serve them warm, so the fried dough stays crispy. You can set up a taco bar and let everyone customize their own with additional toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or salsa.

How to Store Navajo Tacos

If you have leftover components, store them separately in airtight containers. The fried bread can last for a day at room temperature. However, it’s best to reheat it in a skillet to regain its crunch. The meat and bean mixture can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Tips to Make Navajo Tacos

• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying; this helps keep the dough from absorbing too much oil.
• Feel free to experiment with different proteins, such as chicken or meat alternatives.
• Add spices like cumin or chili powder to the meat mixture for extra flavor.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and use extra beans or a combination of beans, corn, and bell peppers.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare the dough in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for a few hours before frying.

2. What type of green chile sauce should I use?
   Any New Mexico-style green chile sauce works well. If you like it spicier, opt for one with a higher heat level.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
   Yes, individual components can be frozen. However, avoid freezing the fried dough, as it can become soggy upon thawing.

Enjoy creating these delicious Navajo Tacos at your next meal! With their vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, they’re sure to become a family favorite.

Navajo Taco

Navajo Tacos feature a unique twist on traditional tacos with tender ground meat, nutritious beans, fresh veggies, and zesty New Mexico green chile sauce served on fried bread.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Mexican

Servings 4 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup water

For the filling

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced onions
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• New Mexico green chile sauce Use according to preference
• Sour cream (optional)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add water to form a dough. Knead until smooth and let it rest for 15 minutes.
• While the dough is resting, brown the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
• Add black beans and diced tomatoes to the skillet, mix well, and heat through.
• Roll out the dough and cut it into flat discs.

Cooking

• Fry the discs in hot oil until golden brown on both sides.

Assembly

• Assemble the tacos by placing the meat and bean mixture on the fried dough, then top with lettuce, onions, cheese, and green chile sauce.
• Serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Notes

Navajo Tacos are best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store components separately in airtight containers. The fried bread lasts for a day at room temperature, but reheat in a skillet for crunch. The meat and bean mixture can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid soggy dough. Feel free to customize with different proteins and spices.

Keyword Fried Bread Tacos, Navajo Tacos, Quick Dinner, Taco Night, Taco Recipe