Experience the magic of truly light, fluffy, and utterly delicious fry bread. While irresistible on its own, our favorite and most recommended way to enjoy this culinary delight is by transforming it into spectacular Fry Bread Tacos, generously topped with savory chili beans and a vibrant array of your favorite taco fixings. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an interactive feast, a celebration of flavors and family.

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The Ultimate Fry Bread Tacos: A Cherished Family Tradition

The air is filled with anticipation, the joy of togetherness, and the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals. Yes, it’s truly the most wonderful time of the year! In our family, this festive season translates into abundant gatherings, where feeding large groups of loved ones becomes a heartwarming endeavor. While we cherish traditional holiday menus, there’s one dish that consistently steals the show and brings an extra layer of excitement to our table: my Aunt Ina’s legendary Fry Bread Tacos. For years, these incredible tacos have been the highlight of our family meals, a testament to Aunt Ina’s culinary prowess and her ability to create unforgettable food experiences. Each bite transports you to a place of comfort and joy, making them a true family favorite.

I’ve always admired Aunt Ina’s effortless way with these tacos, dreaming of the day I could master them myself. This year, that dream came true. Spending precious quality time in the kitchen with Aunt Ina, learning her secrets and techniques, was an incredibly special experience. It wasn’t just about the recipe; it was about connecting with tradition, absorbing generations of culinary wisdom, and finally unlocking the mystery behind these phenomenal Fry Bread Tacos. This journey transformed a simple desire to learn into a deeply cherished memory, strengthening family bonds over flour, yeast, and a bubbling pot of chili.

Unlocking the Secrets to Perfect Homemade Fry Bread

Witnessing Aunt Ina in action is like watching a seasoned artist. She could probably make these Fry Bread Tacos blindfolded, her hands moving with an instinctive rhythm. As we cooked together, I often had to gently ask her to slow down, not just to capture the crucial steps with my camera, but more importantly, to truly grasp her technique. It was fascinating to discover that these delicious tacos are far quicker to prepare than I had ever imagined. The simplicity of the process, combined with the incredibly yummy results, makes them an absolute delight to create and even more so to devour.

The secret lies in the fry bread itself. Each piece emerges from the oil perfectly light, wonderfully fluffy, and exquisitely delicious. It’s a versatile base that can be enjoyed in many ways. You might find yourself tempted to eat it plain, savoring its delicate texture, or perhaps drizzling it with a touch of golden honey for a simple, sweet treat. However, the ultimate experience, and our absolute family favorite, involves topping these golden pillows with Aunt Ina’s signature savory chili beans, followed by an abundant selection of fresh, colorful taco toppings. This creates the quintessential Fry Bread Taco, a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that is truly unparalleled.

Why Fry Bread Tacos are the Ideal Dish for Any Gathering

One of the many reasons Fry Bread Tacos have become such a beloved tradition in our family is their inherent ease and the fun they bring to any gathering. The serving style is inherently communal and interactive: simply set out all the prepared fry bread, the warm chili beans, and an impressive array of toppings buffet-style. This encourages everyone to customize their own taco, creating a personalized culinary masterpiece. It’s a fantastic way to engage guests, sparks conversations, and ensures that every palate is pleased, from the pickiest eater to the most adventurous food lover.

Whether you’re planning an intimate family dinner or hosting a grand holiday party with all your friends, these Fry Bread Tacos are guaranteed to be a sensational hit. They offer a unique twist on classic taco night, providing a hearty, satisfying, and utterly delicious alternative that is both comforting and exciting. Prepare to witness smiles all around and hear requests for “just one more!” These tacos have a way of bringing people together, sharing laughter and good food, and creating lasting memories. They’re more than just a meal; they’re an experience, a centerpiece for joy and connection.

Crafting the Perfect Fry Bread Taco Experience

The journey to the perfect Fry Bread Taco begins with the dough. The simple combination of flour, powdered milk, baking powder, salt, yeast, and sugar, mixed with lukewarm water and a touch of melted margarine, transforms into a remarkably pliable and forgiving dough. The brief kneading process and a short rest allow the flavors to meld and the gluten to relax, setting the stage for that iconic light and airy texture. Frying them in hot oil for mere seconds on each side creates a beautifully golden, slightly crisp exterior and a soft, pillowy interior – the ideal canvas for our taco fillings. Don’t be intimidated by frying; the technique is quick and yields incredibly rewarding results.

Next comes the heart of the taco: the chili beans. Aunt Ina’s recipe is a true masterpiece of savory depth. Starting with dry Great Northern or pinto beans, soaked and simmered to tender perfection, then combined with aromatic sautéed onions, lean ground beef, rich chicken broth, and a carefully balanced blend of chili powder, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, and basil, this chili is robust and incredibly flavorful. It’s designed to cling perfectly to the fry bread, providing a comforting warmth and a burst of savory goodness. The slow simmer ensures all the flavors meld beautifully, creating a chili that is both hearty and nuanced.

Building Your Dream Fry Bread Taco Bar

The assembly is where the real fun begins. Imagine a vibrant spread: freshly fried, warm fry bread ready to be piled high. Adjacent to it, a steaming bowl of Aunt Ina’s rich chili beans, emitting an enticing aroma. Then comes the kaleidoscope of toppings: bright red, perfectly chopped firm-ripe tomatoes; mounds of shredded mild cheddar cheese, ready to melt slightly from the chili’s warmth; crisp, cool shredded lettuce; thinly sliced green onions adding a gentle bite; and generous bowls of tangy salsa, creamy guacamole, and cool sour cream. Each component adds its unique texture and flavor, allowing for endless customization and ensuring every guest can craft their ideal Fry Bread Taco. This buffet-style presentation transforms a simple meal into an interactive culinary event, encouraging creativity and conversation.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a casual get-together, or simply looking for a new and exciting family dinner idea, these Fry Bread Tacos are a fantastic choice. They offer a delightful departure from routine meals, promising a memorable experience for everyone involved. The combination of the unique fry bread, the hearty chili, and the fresh, customizable toppings creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave everyone satisfied and eagerly anticipating the next time these tacos grace your table. Prepare for compliments and the joyous sound of contented eaters!

Enjoy every delicious bite and the wonderful memories you’ll create!

xoxo,

Maegan (& my Great Aunt Ina)

Fry Bread Tacos

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Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hour 5 mins
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course, Tacos, American

Print Recipe

Description

These Fry Bread Tacos are a beloved family tradition, featuring incredibly light and fluffy homemade fry bread, perfectly suited for piling high with rich, savory chili beans and a colorful assortment of fresh taco toppings. They offer a unique, customizable, and utterly delicious meal experience, perfect for feeding a crowd at any gathering, from casual family dinners to festive holiday parties. Get ready for an unforgettable culinary adventure!

Ingredients

For the Homemade Fry Bread:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon powdered milk
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup lukewarm water
1 tablespoon margarine, melted and slightly cooled
Vegetable oil, for frying (approximately 1-inch deep in skillet)

For Aunt Ina’s Signature Chili Beans:

1 cup dry Great Northern beans or pinto beans
1 quart water, plus more for cooking
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound lean ground beef
3 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
2 teaspoons dried basil leaves

For Fry Bread Taco Assembly (Toppings Bar):

Freshly prepared Fry Bread (from recipe above)
Warm Chili Beans (from recipe above)
1 to 2 large firm-ripe tomatoes, cored and chopped
3/4 pound mild cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 pound (about 4 cups) crisp shredded lettuce
1 1/4 cups green onions, thinly sliced
1 cup purchased or homemade salsa (mild or spicy, to taste)
1 cup purchased or homemade guacamole
1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

Instructions

Preparing the Light & Fluffy Fry Bread:

In a generously sized mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, powdered milk, baking powder, and salt. Ensure these dry ingredients are well combined.
In a separate, smaller bowl, gently dissolve the active dry yeast and sugar in the lukewarm water. Allow this mixture to sit undisturbed for approximately 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active. Stir in the melted margarine until fully incorporated.
Pour the activated yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix everything thoroughly, using your hands if necessary, until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with the inverted mixing bowl you used earlier, and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period helps the dough relax and makes it easier to work with.
While the dough rests, heat about 1-inch of vegetable oil in a sturdy cast iron skillet or large frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small pinch of dough sizzles immediately upon contact.
Divide the rested dough into 6-8 equal-sized balls. On your floured surface, roll out each ball into a flat, roughly circular shape, about 1/4-inch thick. Then, with your finger, carefully make a small hole in the center of each dough circle. This helps the bread cook evenly and prevents it from puffing up too much.
Carefully place one dough circle at a time into the hot oil. Fry until lightly golden brown, which usually takes only 30-60 seconds. Flip the bread with tongs and fry on the other side for another 30-60 seconds until evenly golden. Remove the fry bread and drain excess oil on paper towels. Keep warm while you fry the remaining dough.

Making the Hearty Chili Beans:

Begin by sorting through the dry Great Northern or pinto beans, discarding any debris. Rinse the beans thoroughly under cold water. Place the rinsed beans in a 3-4 quart pot with 1 quart of fresh water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, cover it, and let the beans stand for 1 hour. After standing, drain the beans and set them aside.
Rinse and dry the pot, then return it to medium heat. Add the chopped onion and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the onion, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and softened, typically 3-4 minutes. Transfer the sautéed onions to the drained beans.
Add the lean ground beef to the same pot. Cook over high heat, crumbling the beef with a spoon and stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly browned, which should take about 10 minutes. Once browned, carefully drain off any excess fat.
Return the cooked beef to the pot. Add the prepared beans and onions, along with the chicken broth, chili powder, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano leaves, and dried basil leaves. Stir to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer until the beans are tender to the bite, usually 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
If you prefer a thicker chili, uncover the pot after the beans are tender and increase the heat to medium-high. Boil the chili, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired consistency. The chili beans are ready to use immediately. You can also cool them completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, stir often over medium-high heat until boiling and thoroughly warmed through.

Assembling Your Perfect Fry Bread Taco:

To assemble, lay a warm piece of freshly fried fry bread onto a plate. Spoon a generous amount of the hot chili bean mixture onto the center of the fry bread.
Next, generously top with shredded cheddar cheese, crisp shredded lettuce, thinly sliced green onions, and chopped tomatoes.
Finish your Fry Bread Taco with a dollop of fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, and a spoonful of sour cream, adjusting quantities to your personal taste. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors and textures!