Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe

Introduction

Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a hearty and flavorful one-pan dish perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Combining tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and the crunch of Fritos, it brings a fun twist to a classic taco-inspired dinner. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a great way to feed a crowd or enjoy leftovers.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 4 cups chopped green cabbage
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 cups Fritos corn chips
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare your ingredients by chopping the cabbage, onion, and bell pepper.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and taco seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Step 5: Add the chopped cabbage and stir to coat evenly. Cook until the cabbage is slightly wilted but still crunchy, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat. Top the mixture with Fritos and shredded cheddar cheese, allowing the cheese to melt from the residual heat.
7. Step 7: Serve warm, adding a dollop of sour cream on top if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a splash of lime juice just before serving.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Use spicy or mild taco seasoning based on your heat preference.
• If you prefer a softer texture, cook the cabbage a little longer until fully tender.
• Top with fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños for added freshness and spice.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. Note that Fritos will lose their crunch when stored; you can add fresh chips on top when serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ground beef and increase the vegetables or add a plant-based protein substitute. You can also add extra beans for more protein.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free taco seasoning and Fritos that are certified gluten-free.

Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 134 reviews

Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a hearty, flavorful skillet dish combining lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and bold taco seasoning. Crisp cabbage and sautéed peppers blend with diced tomatoes and crunchy Fritos, topped with melted cheddar cheese and an optional sour cream dollop for a satisfying Tex-Mex inspired meal perfect for a cozy weeknight.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 4 cups chopped green cabbage
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced

Other Ingredients

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 2 cups Fritos corn chips
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Chop the cabbage, onion, and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces to have all your vegetables ready for cooking.
2. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked through, then drain off any excess fat to keep the dish leaner.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef and sauté until they soften and become fragrant, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with green chilies and taco seasoning, then allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Cook Cabbage: Add the chopped green cabbage, stirring to coat it with the flavorful mixture, and cook until the cabbage is slightly wilted but retains some crunchiness, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Top and Melt Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle the Fritos corn chips evenly over the top, followed by shredded cheddar cheese. Let the cheese melt with the residual heat.
7. Serve: Serve the dish warm, with an optional dollop of sour cream on top for creaminess and added flavor.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, you can add chopped jalapeños along with the bell pepper.
• To make this dish lighter, use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream or omit the sour cream entirely.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
• Fritos added at the end keep their crunch; avoid stirring them into the hot mixture to maintain texture.

Keywords: Frito Cowboy Cabbage, Tex-Mex, ground beef recipe, cabbage skillet, taco seasoning, easy dinner, Fritos topping, one-pan meal