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Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe

4.5 from 64 reviews

Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a flavorful skillet dish combining ground beef, chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning, topped with crispy Fritos and melted cheese. This quick and hearty recipe offers a delightful mix of textures and Southwestern-inspired flavors, perfect for an easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb Ground Beef (or ground turkey as a lighter alternative)
  • 4 cups Cabbage (chopped)
  • 1 medium Onion (any variety, diced)
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper (any color, diced)

Seasoning and Canned Goods

  • 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes (canned or fresh when in season)
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning (homemade or store-bought)

Toppings

  • 2 cups Crispy Fritos (or tortilla chips)
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Vegetables: Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and dice the onion and bell pepper. Set all vegetables aside for easy access during cooking.
  2. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until well browned. Break up the meat with a spatula, and once cooked through, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the meat. Cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and start to become fragrant.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and sprinkle the taco seasoning over the mixture. Let the skillet simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
  5. Cook the Cabbage: Toss the chopped cabbage into the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently. The cabbage should be slightly wilted but retain some crunch for texture contrast.
  6. Assemble and Melt Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Layer the crispy Fritos evenly over the cabbage mixture, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Cover or let sit for a few minutes so the cheese melts from the residual heat.
  7. Serve: Dish the mixture into bowls, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for creaminess, and enjoy warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter, leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
  • Using fresh tomatoes when in season adds a fresher taste, but canned diced tomatoes work well year-round.
  • For added heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Serve with extra Fritos on the side for added crunch as you eat.
  • Leftovers reheat well in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.

Keywords: Frito Cowboy Cabbage, ground beef skillet, taco seasoning recipe, easy beef and cabbage, southwestern casserole, quick weeknight dinner