Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe

Introduction

Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines seasoned ground beef with fresh cabbage, beans, and crunchy Fritos. It’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for a casual dinner or potluck.

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 any excess fat.
2. Step 2: Add the taco seasoning and a splash of water to the beef. Stir well and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
3. Step 3: While the beef cooks, chop the cabbage and dice the tomatoes. Drain the corn and rinse the black beans.
4. Step 4: In a large serving bowl or casserole dish, layer the cabbage, cooked 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 the ranch or Southwest-style dressing over the top just before serving. Toss lightly if desired and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef while seasoning.
• Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef for a different protein option.
• Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack to add a smoky, spicy flavor.
• If you prefer a warm dish, bake the layered casserole at 350°F for 10 minutes before adding the Fritos and dressing.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the Fritos crunchy, store them separately and add just before serving. Reheat the mixture gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, then top with fresh Fritos and dressing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, omit the ground beef and use extra beans and corn or add sautéed mushrooms to keep it hearty and flavorful.

What can I substitute for Fritos if I don’t have them?

You can use tortilla chips or corn chips as a crunchy alternative to Fritos in this recipe.

Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 108 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a flavorful and easy-to-make Tex-Mex inspired dish combining seasoned ground beef, fresh cabbage, beans, corn, and tomatoes topped with crunchy Fritos, melted cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of ranch or Southwest dressing. This hearty salad-like casserole blends textures and bold flavors perfect for a quick weeknight meal or casual get-together.

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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

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Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until thoroughly browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from being greasy.
2. Season the Meat: Add the packet of taco seasoning to the browned beef along with a small splash of water. Stir well and simmer the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the seasoning to thicken the beef mixture slightly.
3. Prepare Vegetables and Beans: While the beef cooks, chop the green cabbage into bite-sized pieces and dice the tomatoes. Drain and rinse canned black beans and drain canned sweet corn to remove excess liquid to keep the layering fresh and crisp.
4. Assemble the Layers: In a large serving bowl or casserole dish, start layering the prepared ingredients by adding the chopped cabbage first, then the seasoned ground beef, followed by the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Gently toss the mixture to combine evenly without crushing the vegetables.
5. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the Fritos corn chips evenly over the top of the layered mixture, then generously cover with shredded cheddar cheese. This creates a crunchy and cheesy topping that complements the savory filling.
6. Dress and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the ranch or Southwest-style dressing over the top. Toss lightly if desired to coat some of the ingredients while maintaining the crispiness of the chips. Serve immediately for best texture.

Notes

• To keep the Fritos crunchy, add them just before serving rather than mixing them in earlier.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Feel free to use your favorite salsa or hot sauce instead of ranch dressing for a spicier twist.
• This dish can also be assembled in individual bowls for easy serving at gatherings.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated but are best eaten within 1-2 days as the chips will soften over time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Keywords: Frito Cowboy Cabbage, Tex-Mex, ground beef recipe, easy weeknight dinner, taco seasoned beef, cabbage salad, Fritos topping, quick casserole