Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe

Introduction

Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a hearty and flavorful one-pan dish that combines ground beef, fresh cabbage, and zesty tomatoes with the satisfying crunch of Fritos corn chips. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe serves six and brings a comforting southwestern twist to your dinner table.

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; sauté until they soften, 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 flavors.
5. Step 5: Add the chopped cabbage, stirring until it is well coated. Cook until the cabbage is slightly wilted but still retains some crunch, about 3 to 4 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat. Top the mixture with Fritos corn chips and shredded cheddar cheese. Allow the cheese to melt from the residual heat.
7. Step 7: Serve warm, garnished with a dollop of sour cream if you like for added creaminess.

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce when simmering the tomatoes.
• Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.
• Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack to add a smoky, spicy flavor.
• Fresh homemade taco seasoning can be used to control salt and spice levels.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, microwave until heated through or warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the cabbage from drying out. Add fresh Fritos just before serving to maintain their crunch.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat substitutes or add extra beans to keep it hearty while making it vegetarian.

What can I use instead of Fritos if I don’t have them?

Crushed tortilla chips or corn chips work well as a substitute and provide a similar crunchy texture.

Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 69 reviews

Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a hearty and flavorful skillet dish combining lean ground beef, fresh green cabbage, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and crunchy Fritos corn chips. This easy-to-make meal blends savory taco-seasoned beef with crisp vegetables and melted cheddar cheese, topped with optional sour cream for extra creaminess. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner, it offers a delicious fusion of Tex-Mex flavors and comforting ingredients.

• Author: Maya
• 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

Meats

• 1 lb lean ground beef

Vegetables

• 4 cups chopped green cabbage
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced

Canned Goods

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

Dry Ingredients

• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 2 cups Fritos corn chips

Dairy

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Chop the green cabbage, dice the onion, and dice the bell pepper to have all your fresh vegetables ready to cook.
2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef thoroughly until browned and no longer pink inside. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish lighter.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef, sautéing them until they become soft and fragrant, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
4. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with green chilies and sprinkle the taco seasoning over the mixture. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
5. Cook Cabbage: Mix in the chopped cabbage, stirring well to coat it with the spiced tomato and beef mixture. Cook until the cabbage is slightly wilted but still maintains some crunch, ensuring a nice texture contrast.
6. Top and Melt Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the Fritos corn chips and shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Allow the cheese to melt slightly from the residual heat.
7. Serve with Sour Cream: Serve the dish warm, offering a dollop of sour cream on the side for added creaminess and flavor if desired.

Notes

• Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• For a spicier kick, add extra diced green chilies or a dash of hot sauce.
• If you prefer your cabbage softer, cook it longer but avoid overcooking to maintain texture.
• Fritos add a crunchy topping, but you can swap with crushed tortilla chips if preferred.
• To make it lower calorie, omit the sour cream or use a low-fat version.

Keywords: Frito Cowboy Cabbage, Tex-Mex recipe, ground beef and cabbage skillet, taco seasoned beef, easy skillet dinners