Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe

Introduction

Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines seasoned ground beef with fresh cabbage, beans, and a crispy Fritos topping. It’s a quick and 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

1. Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Step 2: Add the taco seasoning and a splash of water to the beef. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Step 3: While the beef cooks, chop the cabbage and dice the tomatoes. Drain the canned corn and black beans.
4. Step 4: In a large serving bowl or casserole dish, layer the cabbage, seasoned beef, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Toss gently to combine.
5. Step 5: Top the mixture with Fritos corn chips and sprinkle evenly with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Step 6: Drizzle with ranch or Southwest-style dressing just before serving. Toss lightly if desired to distribute the dressing.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
• Use spicy taco seasoning if you prefer a bit more heat in the dish.
• Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.
• Serve with a side of guacamole or sour cream to enhance creaminess.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the Fritos crisp, store them separately and add just before serving again. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, avoiding overheating which can wilt the cabbage.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and chop the vegetables in advance. Keep the Fritos and dressing separate until serving to maintain texture and freshness.

What can I use if I don’t have Fritos?

You can substitute Fritos with other corn chips, tortilla chips, or even crushed taco shells for a similar crunch and flavor.

Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe

Print Recipe

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5 from 91 reviews

Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a hearty and flavorful Texas-inspired dish combining seasoned ground beef, fresh cabbage, and classic taco ingredients layered with crunchy Fritos and melted cheddar cheese. It’s perfect as a casual main course or a vibrant side, delivering a satisfying blend of textures and bold southwestern flavors.

• Author: Dylan
• 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

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Seasoning

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Vegetables and 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 and Dressing

• 2 cups Fritos corn chips
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup ranch dressing or Southwest-style dressing

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
2. Season the Beef: Sprinkle the taco seasoning packet over the browned beef. Add a splash of water and stir well to combine. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes allowing the flavors to meld and the seasoning to thicken.
3. Prepare Vegetables: While the beef is cooking, chop the green cabbage into bite-sized pieces, dice the tomatoes, and drain the canned black beans and sweet corn thoroughly.
4. Assemble the Layers: In a large serving bowl or casserole dish, layer the chopped cabbage first. Add the cooked seasoned beef on top, followed by the black beans, sweet corn, and diced tomatoes. Gently toss the layers together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
5. Add Crunch and Cheese: Sprinkle the Fritos corn chips evenly over the mixed layers. Then, generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top to create a cheesy finish.
6. Dress and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the ranch or Southwest-style dressing over the top. Toss lightly if desired to coat the ingredients with the dressing without losing the crunchy texture of the chips.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, choose a spicy taco seasoning or add diced jalapeños.
• You can substitute Fritos with another corn chip for variation.
• This dish can be served cold, at room temperature, or lightly warmed depending on preference.
• If preferred, use low-fat cheddar and dressing options for a lighter version.
• Fresh lime juice added just before serving can brighten the flavors.

Keywords: Frito Cowboy Cabbage, Texas-inspired, Tex-Mex, ground beef recipe, cabbage salad, taco seasoning, Fritos corn chips recipe, Southwestern dish