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Zion Lodge Navajo Tacos

Zion Lodge Navajo Tacos

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Native American
Keyword: frybread, tacos, Zion Lodge
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 12
Cost: $15
These Navajo Tacos are a delicious and satisfying meal that perfectly captures the spirit of Zion National Park. It's a signature dish at the Red Rock Grill, located inside the historic Zion Lodge.
A fusion of Native American and Mexican cuisine, this hearty and flavorful dish is the perfect way to fuel up after a day of hiking.
Print Recipe

Ingredients

For the Navajo Fry Bread:

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Chili:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 28 ounces diced tomatoes drained
  • 15 ounces kidney beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 1/2 cups salsa
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 12 Navajo Fry Breads
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce
  • 2 cups diced Roma tomatoes
  • 1 cup diced red onion
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

To Assemble the Tacos:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream for serving
  • Salsa for serving
  • Guacamole for serving

Instructions

Make the Navajo Fry Bread:

  • Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan, heat milk and water until warm.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the warm liquid to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
  • Knead: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth.
  • Rest: Let the dough rest for 15 minutes.
  • Fry: Heat oil in a deep skillet to 375°F. Roll out dough into 6-inch circles and fry until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.

Make the Chili:

  • Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté diced onion until softened.
  • Brown Meat: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
  • Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  • Combine Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and salsa to the pot.
  • Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until thickened.
  • Add Cilantro: Stir in fresh cilantro.

Assemble the Tacos:

  • Top Fry Bread: Place a Navajo fry bread on a plate.
  • Add Chili: Top with a generous spoonful of chili.
  • Add Toppings: Add lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, Monterey Jack, and cheddar cheese.
  • Serve: Serve with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.