Indian Fry Bread Tacos Recipe

I just made these crispy fried dough tacos loaded up with spicy beef and all my favorite toppings, and honestly im still blown away by how yummy and easy they turned out to be even though it all sounds kinda complicated.

I love these Indian Fry Bread Tacos. My recipe uses ground beef seasoned with garlic, chili powder and cumin complemented by tomato sauce and fresh diced tomatoes.

I like that the dough, made with flour, baking powder, salt and water and fried in vegetable oil, gives a crispy, energy-boosting bite.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Provides base carbs for energy and structure in our dough.
• Ground beef: Offers rich protein, savory flavor, and fills each taco nicely.
• Tomato sauce: Gives a tangy, slightly sweet taste while adding moisture and vitamins.
• Cheddar cheese: Adds creaminess, fat for mouthfeel and a sharp, bold flavor.
• Sour cream: Provides cool creaminess, smooth texture and a mild tang to balance flavors.
• Onion: Adds crisp sweetness and an aromatic punch that intensifies the filling.
• Avocado slices: Rich in heart healthy fats, offers a creamy texture with subtle flavor.
• Salsa: Brings a spicy, zesty punch that balances the richness with bright acidity.
• Baking powder: Ensures the dough puffs up creating a light and airy bite.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup water (approx. adjust as needed)
• Vegetable oil for frying (enough to cover the dough)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup salsa (optional)
• Avocado slices (optional)

How to Make this

1. Mix 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl; slowly add about 3/4 cup water and stir until a dough forms, even if it’s a little lumpy, just avoid over mixing.

2. Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface for just a couple of minutes until it smoothes out, then cover it with a cloth for about 15-20 minutes.

3. While the dough is resting, heat enough vegetable oil in a deep pan so that it covers the dough pieces when frying.

4. After resting, divide the dough into 6 to 8 small balls; roll each one out into a circle that is not too thin or too thick.

5. Fry each circle in the hot vegetable oil for about 1-2 minutes on each side until it puffs up and turns a light golden color; then place them on paper towels to drain.

6. In a separate pan over medium heat, cook 1 lb ground beef with 1 small chopped onion and 1 minced garlic clove (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder) until the beef is browned and the onions soften.

7. Stir in 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and season with salt and pepper to taste, then mix in 1/2 cup tomato sauce and let everything simmer for just a few minutes.

8. Place the fried dough circles on plates and spoon the cooked beef mixture evenly over them.

9. Top the beef with 1 cup shredded lettuce, 1 cup diced tomatoes, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.

10. Add a final touch by drizzling 1/2 cup sour cream over the tacos; for extra flavor, include 1/2 cup salsa and some avocado slices if you like, then serve immediately and enjoy.

Equipment Needed

1. A large mixing bowl for combining all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and water
2. Measuring cups and spoons for the flour, baking powder, salt, water, tomato sauce, and spices
3. A stirring spoon that you can mix with
4. A clean, floured counter surface or board for kneading the dough
5. A clean cloth to cover the dough while it rests
6. A deep pan or heavy pot that can hold enough vegetable oil for frying
7. Tongs or a slotted spoon for turning the dough circles during frying
8. Paper towels to drain excess oil off the fried dough
9. A knife and cutting board for chopping the onion, garlic, and tomatoes
10. A skillet or separate pan for browning the ground beef
11. A spatula or stirring spoon for mixing the beef with onions, garlic, and spices
12. Plates for serving your completed dish

FAQ

• How do I know if my dough has the right consistency? The dough should feel soft and tacky but not overly sticky. If its a bit dry, add a spoonful of water at a time until it comes together, and if its too wet, sprinkle some extra flour.
• Can I use a different oil for frying? Yeah, you can use canola oil or peanut oil if you don’t have vegetable oil. Just make sure the oil can handle high heat.
• Can I make the fry bread ahead of time? Sure, you can prep the dough in advance and cover it with a damp dish towel. Its best fried fresh though, cause they tend to lose that crunch if left too long.
• Is ground beef the only option for the filling? Not at all, you can try using ground turkey or chicken. Just be sure to season them well using the same spices as the recipe calls for.
• Got any tips for perfectly frying the breads? Definitely heat the oil to around 350°F. Don’t crowd the pan and turn them only once they turn golden on each side so you get a crisp, tasty result.

Indian Fry Bread Tacos Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• All-purpose flour: You can substitute with whole wheat flour, or even try a mix of half whole wheat and half all-purpose to get a nuttier flavor
• Baking powder: If you dont have baking powder, mix 1/2 teaspoon baking soda with 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar as a substitute
• Ground beef: You might swap it with ground turkey or ground lamb if you wanna try a different flavor profile
• Sour cream: Plain greek yogurt works just as good as sour cream and is a bit healthier too
• Tomato sauce: Crushed tomatoes mixed with a splash of water and a pinch of salt can easily replace tomato sauce

Pro Tips

1. Pro tip – When makin the dough, be careful not to knead it too much. It gets tough and chewy if you overwork it. Let it rest under a cloth for at least 15 minutes so it can relax a bit.
2. Pro tip – Make sure the oil is hot enough before fryin the dough. If the oil’s too cool, the dough can get all greasy and not puff up like it should. Do a quick test by droppin a small piece in to see if it bubbles up right away.
3. Pro tip – When you’re cookin the beef, let the onions and garlic do their thing properly. They need enough time to get soft and release all them flavors before addin the spices and tomato sauce.
4. Pro tip – Don’t be shy about adjustin the seasonings to your taste. Sometimes a pinch more salt or a little extra chili powder makes a big difference, so taste it while simmerin and fix it up as you go.