Navajo Tacos

By Addie

Here is a yummy dinner idea that can be as easy or complicated as you want. I made white bread the other day and decided to see if it would work to freeze it and use it for Navajo Tacos. It did not rise as much after I froze it, which worked perfectly for what I was using it for. Then I just pulled the cut squares out of the freezer and let it rise for 4-5 hours (winter makes it take a lot longer!) before I wanted to make my dinner. If you don't want to make your own bread, then you can use Rhodes frozen rolls or you could even try the cans of pillsbury biscuits. I haven't done either, but I have heard the frozen rolls work for sure. The topping is also made from scratch, but if you want to keep it REALLY simple, you could even use a can of chili. This topping comes together quickly though and you could probably even make it earlier in the day and just re-heat it on the stove before you use it. Just don't forget the garnishes, they help add that extra special touch. This was my first time frying bread and I accidentally heated my oil a little too much, making the smoke detectors go off. My poor daughter was so scared when she saw all the smoke and heard the alarm going off, she ran outside in her short sleeve shirt and bare feet. So, I would recommend only turning the heat onto medium or a little higher and waiting for it to heat up.

Ingredients

• Your favorite bread dough or Rhodes rolls
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 4 green onions, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup picante sauce or salsa
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 cups canned pinto beans
• 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup sour cream, if desired

Preparation

Step 1

Flatten each roll to a 6-inch circle. You can do this by stretching the dough careful not to make holes in the dough. Also, If the dough is too thick, the middle won't cook as fast as the sides. When you put the dough into the oil, don't let the dough fold over itself or it will do the same thing. Fry in vegetable oil at 375°F until golden brown, turning over once (about 30 seconds). Drain on paper towels.

In another pan, cook ground beef with onions. Drain off fat. Add salsa, minced garlic and beans; heat through. Do not over cook.
Spoon desired amount over warm fried dough. Top with grated cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and green onion. If desired, add more salsa and sour cream.

NOTE: the edges were a little dark from the oil being too hot, but the inside was perfect. So just look past that.