Description
Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a hearty and comforting dish combining ground beef, fresh vegetables, and crispy Fritos for a unique texture contrast. This skillet-cooked meal features seasoned beef sautéed with onion and bell pepper, simmered with cabbage and tomatoes, then topped with melted cheese and crunchy corn chips for a satisfying family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Produce
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Meat
- 1 pound of ground beef
Canned Goods & Packets
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (about 14.5 oz)
- 1 packet of taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
Other
- 2 cups of Fritos corn chips
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or blend)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and diced bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and vegetables are softened, about 7-10 minutes.
- Drain excess fat and add seasonings: Carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the can of diced tomatoes along with their juices and the taco seasoning packet until everything is evenly combined.
- Add cabbage and cook: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir to incorporate it with the meat and tomato mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage has softened, about 10-12 minutes.
- Mix in Fritos: Stir 2 cups of Fritos corn chips into the mixture, mixing well to distribute the chips and add a crunchy texture to the dish.
- Top with cheese and melt: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the skillet contents. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat until the cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use spicy taco seasoning or add chopped jalapeños during the sauté step.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Using freshly crushed Fritos instead of whole chips can distribute the crunch better throughout the dish.
- Serve with sour cream or guacamole on the side for extra creaminess.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
