Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe
Introduction
Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a flavorful, hearty dish that combines seasoned ground beef with fresh cabbage, black beans, and crunchy Fritos. It’s an easy, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned sweet corn, drained
- 2 cups Fritos corn chips
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing or Southwest-style dressing
Instructions
- Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Step 2: Add taco seasoning and a splash of water. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Step 3: While the beef is cooking, chop the cabbage and dice the tomatoes. Drain the corn and black beans.
- Step 4: In a large serving bowl or casserole dish, layer the cabbage, beef, black beans, corn, and tomatoes. Toss gently to combine.
- Step 5: Top the mixture with Fritos and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Step 6: Drizzle with ranch or Southwest-style dressing just before serving and toss lightly if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, warm the dressing slightly before drizzling it over the dish.
- Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
- Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Serve with a side of guacamole or sour cream for added creaminess.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the Fritos crunchy, add them fresh just before serving when reheating. Reheat the main mixture gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Add the Fritos and dressing right before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Absolutely. While green cabbage is traditional, Napa or savoy cabbage works well too and offers a slightly different texture and flavor.
PrintFrito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe
Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines seasoned ground beef, crunchy cabbage, black beans, corn, and ripe tomatoes, all topped with crispy Fritos and melted cheddar cheese. This Tex-Mex inspired skillet recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying lunch or casual dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
Meat & Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Vegetables & Beans
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned sweet corn, drained
Toppings & Dressing
- 2 cups Fritos corn chips
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing or Southwest-style dressing
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until thoroughly browned. Once cooked, drain the excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add taco seasoning and simmer: Sprinkle the taco seasoning packet over the browned beef. Add a small splash of water, stir well, and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prepare vegetables: While the beef is cooking, chop the green cabbage into bite-sized pieces and dice the tomatoes. Drain the canned black beans and sweet corn thoroughly.
- Combine ingredients: In a large serving bowl or casserole dish, layer the chopped cabbage first, then add the seasoned beef, followed by black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Toss the mixture gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Add Fritos and cheese: Sprinkle 2 cups of Fritos corn chips over the layered mixture, then evenly distribute 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Finish with dressing: Just before serving, drizzle ½ cup of ranch or Southwest-style dressing over the dish. Toss lightly if desired to combine the flavors without breaking the chip crunch.
Notes
- To keep the Fritos crispy, add them and the dressing right before serving.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For a spicier kick, use a Southwest-style dressing or add diced jalapeños.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated but best eaten within 2 days as chips may lose their crunch.
Keywords: Frito Cowboy Cabbage, Tex-Mex cabbage recipe, taco seasoned ground beef, Fritos salad, easy skillet dinner
