Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe
Introduction
Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines ground beef, crisp cabbage, and zesty tomatoes with a satisfying crunch of Fritos. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe serves six and brings a southwestern twist to your 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
- Step 1: Prepare your ingredients by chopping the green cabbage, dicing the onion, and dicing the bell pepper.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lighter.
- Step 3: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until they are softened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies and the taco seasoning. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Step 5: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir well to coat the cabbage in the tomato mixture and cook until it wilts slightly but remains crunchy.
- Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat. Top the mixture evenly with the Fritos corn chips and shredded cheddar cheese, allowing the cheese to melt from the residual heat.
- Step 7: Serve the Frito Cowboy Cabbage warm. Add a dollop of sour cream on top if you like for a creamy contrast.
Tips & Variations
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or serve with sliced jalapeños.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Try using pepper jack cheese for a cheesy, spicy twist.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with cooked black beans or lentils.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. To keep the Fritos crunchy, add them fresh at serving rather than storing them with the dish.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and add the Fritos and cheese just before serving to maintain their texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check that your taco seasoning and Fritos are labeled gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
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Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a hearty, flavorful skillet dish combining lean ground beef, fresh green cabbage, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a touch of taco seasoning. This savory meal is topped with crunchy Fritos corn chips and melted cheddar cheese, offering a delightful mix of textures and bold southwestern flavors. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner that serves six.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups Fritos corn chips
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the green cabbage, dice the onion and bell pepper, ensuring all vegetables are ready for cooking.
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the lean ground beef. Cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the dish lighter.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Sauté them together until the onions become translucent and the bell pepper softens.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies along with the taco seasoning. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Cook the Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the tomato and seasoning blend. Cook until the cabbage is slightly wilted but still maintains a bit of crunch for texture.
- Finish and Top: Remove the skillet from heat. Top the mixture evenly with Fritos corn chips and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. The residual heat will melt the cheese and soften the chips slightly.
- Serve: Serve the dish warm, offering a dollop of sour cream on the side for added creaminess and flavor, if desired.
Notes
- This recipe can be customized by using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños when sautéing the onion and bell pepper.
- To keep it low-carb, reduce the amount of Fritos or omit them altogether.
- Sour cream adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
- Best served immediately to enjoy the contrast between crunchy chips and tender vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern American
Keywords: Frito Cowboy Cabbage, beef cabbage skillet, southwestern beef recipe, Fritos recipe, taco seasoning dinner

