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Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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