Description
Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a hearty, Tex-Mex inspired skillet dish packed with ground beef, sautéed cabbage, tomatoes, spices, and melty cheese — all topped with crunchy Fritos. It’s easy, comforting, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small green cabbage, chopped
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel or diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- 2 cups Fritos corn chips
- Sliced green onions (optional)
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the Cabbage: Stir in chopped cabbage. Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage softens and reduces in volume.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in Rotel, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle cheese over the mixture, cover the skillet, and let melt for 2–3 minutes.
- Top with Fritos: Just before serving, add Fritos over the top for crunch. Garnish with green onions and serve with sour cream if desired.
Notes
- Add cooked black beans or corn for extra heartiness.
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Add jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Serve over rice for a more filling dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex