Indian Taco
Indian Tacos feature flavorful seasoned meat layered on crispy fry bread with fresh lettuce, cheese, and onions, offering a hearty, savory, and customizable meal perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger and minced onion in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Season with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
- Add tomato paste, canned tomatoes, and 4 cans of water; stir in basil and oregano if using.
- Break up the tomatoes with a fork and simmer the mixture for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Serve the meat sauce on Indian fry bread layered with lettuce, grated cheese, raw onion, and chilies.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. If you don't have iceberg lettuce, romaine or spinach can be great substitutes. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference, or try adding diced jalapeños for extra heat. For a vegetarian version, substitute the hamburger with lentils or black beans, which can provide a hearty texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat sauce over warm Indian fry bread topped with crispy iceberg lettuce and your choice of grated cheese, raw onion, and sliced chilies. This dish pairs beautifully with a refreshing side salad, like Cheese, Macaroni And Broccoli Salad, or some homemade Larry'S Beans for extra heartiness. Enjoy with friends and family for a fun, interactive meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meat sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through for even heating. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Indian Taco contains roughly 127 calories, with 5g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (60% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2309mg per serving (100% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meat sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat sauce a day in advance. Just let it cool, store it in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve. This can actually enhance the flavors as they meld together, making your Indian Taco even more delicious.
What can I use instead of Indian fry bread?
If you can't find Indian fry bread, you can use regular tortillas or even pita bread as a base. Alternatively, try serving the meat sauce over rice or in a salad for a lighter option.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap the hamburger for lentils, black beans, or even textured vegetable protein (TVP) to create a hearty vegetarian version of the meat sauce. Just adjust the seasoning to taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).