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Fry Bread, Beans, Oaxaca Cheese, Ground Beef Green Chili

This Fry Bread with Beans, Oaxaca Cheese, and Ground Beef Green Chile is a rich, comforting Southwestern dish featuring crispy fry bread, creamy beans, and bold green chile beef, all topped with melty cheese.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Fry Bread
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup + 2 tablespoons cold milk
  • Vegetable oil for frying
For the Ground Beef Green Chile
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 3 –4 fresh garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon granulated onion
  • Salt to taste
  • 1½ cups roasted green chile Hatch or Anaheim, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons flour for thickening
  • 1 can Rotel roasted tomatoes optional
  • 1½ cups water or beef stock
For the Beans
  • 2 cups pinto beans or canned, drained and rinsed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons dehydrated onion
  • 1 tablespoon dehydrated garlic
  • ½ cup bacon ends or ham pieces
  • Salt to taste
For Assembly
  • 1 cup Oaxaca cheese shredded (or substitute mozzarella)
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro sour cream, avocado, or lime wedges

Method
 

Step 1:
  1. Make the Fry Bread
  2. In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Stir in cold milk until a sticky dough forms. Avoid adding extra flour.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  5. Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll out each piece and poke a small hole in the center with your finger.
  6. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry each piece until golden brown, flipping once. Drain on paper towels.
Step 2:
  1. Cook the Beans
  2. Combine beans, onion, garlic, bay leaf, and bacon ends in a crock pot.
  3. Add enough water to cover the beans.
  4. Cook on low overnight or until tender.
  5. Season with salt to taste at the end of cooking.
Step 3:
  1. Make the Ground Beef Green Chile
  2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef with garlic, granulated onion, and salt until lightly cooked (still slightly pink).
  3. Stir in chopped green chile and cook for 2–3 minutes.
  4. Add flour to thicken, stirring until it coats the beef.
  5. Add roasted tomatoes (optional), then pour in water or broth.
  6. Simmer for about 1 hour on low heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
Step 4:
  1. Assemble the Dish
  2. Place warm fry bread on a plate.
  3. Spoon a generous portion of beans over the bread.
  4. Top with the green chile beef mixture.
  5. Sprinkle Oaxaca cheese on top to melt slightly.
  6. Garnish with cilantro, avocado, or a squeeze of lime if desired.

Notes

Keep fry bread dough sticky—this ensures a soft, chewy interior.
Rest the dough in the fridge for better structure and flavor.
Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even frying.
Use roasted Hatch chiles for the best authentic flavor.
Add bacon or smoked ham to beans early for depth.