• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • RECIPES
  • ABOUT
    • CONTACT
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Aimee Mars logo

menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Blog » Tacos » Indian Tacos

    Indian Tacos

    Published: Nov 14, 2022 by Aimee Mars · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Sharing is caring!

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Navajo tacos topped with shredded lettuce, taco meat, cheddar cheese, and diced tomatoes.

    Indian Tacos are made with unique Indian Fry Bread and are filled with ground beef, beans, cheese, and other fixings you know and love!

    Indian tacos on fry bread sitting on a board.

    Tacos make their way into my menu quite often — they’re a favorite! A few of my go-to’s are these bang bang shrimp tacos and waffle tacos.

    I’ve been on the hunt for an even more special vessel for my favorite taco fillings, which brings me to today’s Indian tacos recipe.

    Why This Recipe Works

    I look forward to Taco Tuesday every week! And while classic options made with tortillas are great, it’s always fun to switch things up. That’s where this Indian tacos recipe comes in. But you may be wondering, what are Indian tacos?

    They’re served on Indian Fry Bread, which is what makes them so unique. It only takes about 15 minutes to whip up, but it really makes all the difference. The crispy and crunchy exterior of the fry bread also features a soft interior, making it the perfect taco shell.

    You’ll also have the freedom to fold them up like a traditional taco or enjoy them open-faced — similar to a Tostada. Either way, this dish is delicious!

    Ingredients Needed

    Indian tacos recipe ingredients in various bowls.
    • Flour: Use all-purpose flour for your Indian fry bread. If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, feel free to use your preferred GF flour instead.
    • Milk: You need to add a bit of fat to the fry bread dough for added flavor and texture. I like to use milk. 
    • Ground Beef: Fill your Indian tacos with whatever you like! I typically use ground beef because I like the flavor.
    • Chili Beans: These are filling and add some heat. Feel free to substitute black beans instead!

    How to Make Indian Tacos

    1. Make the fry bread dough batter. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl until well combined. Add the milk and stir together using a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.
    2. Knead the dough. Flour your work surface and knead the dough about 10 times, or until the flour is completely incorporated. Allow resting for 10 minutes.
    Navajo tacos process steps 1 and 2.
    1. Form the dough. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of an iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pot and heat the oil to 350° F. Separate the dough into 4-5 equal pieces and roll each into a ¼ to ½-inch thick disc.
    2. Fry the Indian fry bread. Working with one at a time, place the dough into the hot oil and allow to fry until golden brown. Flip halfway through to fry the other side. Once finished, let each fry bread cool on a paper towel-lined plate.
    Navajo tacos process steps 3 and 4.
    1. Cook the beef. Brown the ground beef in a separate skillet, being sure to break it apart into small pieces as it browns.
    2. Season. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, then add the chili beans to the skillet and toss to mix. Allow to cook for 2-3 more minutes, or until the beans are warm.
    Indian tacos recipe process steps 5 and 6.
    1. Assemble the tacos. Place one fry bread on a plate and spoon the ground beef and chili beans mixture on top. Add the shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, and any other toppings you like. Repeat with each fry bread and serve!

    Storage and or Freezing Instructions

    • Make-ahead instructions: You can make the fry bread up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, heat them up (wrapped in foil) in the oven at 350° F for about 15 minutes. 
    • Freezing instructions: Indian fry bread freezes nicely. After you’ve made a batch, remove any excess oil and place them in a freezer-safe bag inside your freezer. It will keep for 3-4 months. Allow to thaw overnight, then reheat as instructed above.
    • Storage instructions: The fry bread can be kept at room temperature and wrapped in plastic. Place any leftover ground beef and chili beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
    Navajo tacos topped with taco meat, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheddar cheese.

    Recipe Notes and Tips

    • Switch up the fillings. Feel free to get creative with your fillings! Ground beef, chicken, or turkey works well, and so do carnitas or pulled pork!
    • Turn this Indian tacos recipe into nachos. Place several pieces of fry bread on a platter, add your toppings, then place some cheese on top. Pop it in the oven at 350° F for 15 minutes for nachos à la Indian tacos style.
    • Make extra fry bread for dessert. You can add a bit of sugar and cinnamon on top for an easy (and tasty) dessert!

    FAQS

    What are Indian tacos?

    Indian tacos are tacos served on Indian fry bread. Get inspired by my filling recommendations, or use your favorites.

    What is Indian fry bread made of?

    The fry bread used in this Indian tacos recipe is made with just 4 ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and milk.

    Related Recipes

    • Mexican casserole with ground beef over lettuce and tortilla chips.
      Mexican Ground Beef Casserole
    • Ground beef tostada with toppings of lettuce, tomato, and crumbled cheese on a wooden plate.
      Beef Tostadas
    • Pickled jalapenos and carrots in a large mason jar.
      Pickled Jalapenos and Carrots
    • Bang bang shrimp taco with slaw and sauce.
      Fried Shrimp Tacos

    If you enjoyed this easy recipe, please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below. You can also share a photo and tag me on Instagram using @AimeeMarsLiving and #AimeeMars.

    Indian tacos with traditional ground beef and toppings.

    Indian Tacos Recipe

    Indian Tacos are made with unique Indian Fry Bread and are filled with ground beef, beans, cheese, and other fixings you know and love!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Native American
    Prep Time: 25 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 55 minutes
    Servings: 6 Servings
    Calories: 461kcal
    Author: Aimee Mars

    Equipment

    • Candy Thermometer
    • Heavy-Bottomed Pot
    • Skillet

    Ingredients

    Fry Bread

    • 2 cups Flour
    • 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • 1 cup Milk
    • 4 cups Vegetable Oil for frying

    Tacos

    • 1 lb Ground Beef
    • 1 15 ounce can Chili Beans don't drain
    • 1 packet Taco Seasoning
    • 2 cups Shredded Lettuce
    • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese

    Toppings (Optional)

    • Diced Tomatoes
    • Sour Cream
    • Taco Sauce

    Instructions

    Make the Fry Bread

    • Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl until well combined. Add the milk and stir together using a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.
    • Flour your work surface and knead the dough about 10 times, or until the flour is completely incorporated. Allow resting for 10 minutes.
    • Attach a candy thermometer to the side of an iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pot and heat the oil to 350° F. Separate the dough into 4-5 equal pieces and roll each into a ¼ to ½-inch thick disc.
    • Working with one at a time, place the dough into the hot oil and allow to fry until golden brown. Flip halfway through to fry the other side. Once finished, let each fry bread cool on a paper towel-lined plate.

    Prepare the Tacos

    • Brown the ground beef in a separate skillet, being sure to break it apart into small pieces as it browns.
    • Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, then add the chili beans to the skillet and toss to mix. Allow to cook for 2-3 more minutes, or until the beans are warm.
    • Place one fry bread on a plate and spoon the ground beef and chili beans mixture on top. Add the shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, and any other toppings you like. Repeat with each fry bread and serve!

    Notes

    • Switch up the fillings. Feel free to get creative with your fillings! Ground beef, chicken, or turkey works well, and so do carnitas or pulled pork!
    • Turn this Indian tacos recipe into nachos. Place several pieces of fry bread on a platter, add your toppings, then place some cheese on top. Pop it in the oven at 350° F for 15 minutes for nachos à la Indian tacos style.
    • Make extra fry bread for dessert. You can add a bit of sugar and cinnamon on top for an easy (and tasty) dessert!
     

    Storage and or Freezing Instructions

    • Make-ahead instructions: You can make the fry bread up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, heat them up (wrapped in foil) in the oven at 350° F for about 15 minutes. 
    • Freezing instructions: Indian fry bread freezes nicely. After you’ve made a batch, remove any excess oil and place them in a freezer-safe bag inside your freezer. It will keep for 3-4 months. Allow to thaw overnight, then reheat as instructed above.
    • Storage instructions: The fry bread can be kept at room temperature and wrapped in plastic. Place any leftover ground beef and chili beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 461kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 1054mg | Potassium: 561mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 922IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 294mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @AimeeMarsLiving or tag #AimeeMarsLiving!

    More Taco Recipes

    • Easy taco dip in a white metal tray.
      Taco Dip with Meat
    • Jack-O-Lantern quesadillas on a wooden plate.
      Jack-O-Lantern Oven Quesadillas
    • Homemade cheesesteak fajitas on a sheet pan with a wooden spoon.
      Homemade Cheesesteak Fajitas
    • Ground beef waffle taco topped with pico de gallo.
      How to Make a Waffle Taco Recipe and Win Dinner

    Sharing is caring!

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email

    About Aimee Mars

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Aimee Mars Bio Image

    In sharing my recipes filled with delicious and wholesome ingredients, I hope to connect with you. Let’s create some decadent meals to share with the ones we love. For more about my story and how this site got started visit the about page.

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Christmas Recipes

    Rosemary simple syrup in a bottle with a spout.

    Rosemary Simple Syrup

    Raspberry champagne cocktails.

    Raspberry Champagne Cocktail

    Raspberry Moscow Mules in copper mugs.

    Raspberry Moscow Mule

    Party meatballs in a slow cooker.

    Meatballs with Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce

    Maple syrup pancakes topped with raspberries and more maple syrup.

    Maple Syrup Pancakes

    Million-dollar bacon wrapped in parchment.

    Million Dollar Bacon

    Aimee Mars featured in side bar image with logos.

    GET THE LATEST RECIPES AND VIDEO RIGHT IN YOUR INBOX

    Load up on recipes, meal plans, and prep tips + a FREE "Dinner Made Easy" eCookbook

    Top Posts

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • CONTACT ME
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • FIND RECIPES

    Copyright © 2023 Aimee Mars on the Seasoned Pro Theme