Description
Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a hearty and crunchy comfort dish perfect for any weeknight. Combining savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and smoky fire-roasted tomatoes, this skillet meal delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures. Topped with crispy Fritos and melted cheese, it’s a delightful twist on classic taco ingredients transformed into a quick and easy one-pan dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound Ground Beef (or substitute with ground turkey or black beans)
- 4 cups Cabbage (chopped, green or savoy recommended)
- 1 medium Onion (yellow onion recommended, diced)
- 1 medium Bell Pepper (any color, diced or omit if preferred)
Flavorings and Toppings
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (fire-roasted recommended for smoky flavor)
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups Fritos (can substitute with crushed tortilla chips)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese (cheddar or mozzarella recommended)
- 1 cup Sour Cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and dice the onion and bell pepper to ensure even cooking and quick sautéing.
- Sauté Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef thoroughly, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat once fully cooked to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking them for about 3-5 minutes until they soften and release their flavors, forming the base of the dish.
- Add Flavor: Mix in the diced tomatoes along with the taco seasoning packet. Allow the mixture to simmer for around 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the liquid reduces slightly.
- Combine Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and stir to coat it well with the tomato and seasoning mixture. Cook until the cabbage wilts but still retains a bit of crunch, about 5-7 minutes.
- Assemble and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and top the mixture evenly with Fritos and shredded cheese. Optionally, dollop sour cream or Greek yogurt on top as a creamy garnish before serving warm for a satisfying finish.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or black beans to make it lighter or vegetarian-friendly.
- Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for extra smoky depth.
- Crushed tortilla chips can replace Fritos if preferred.
- Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative to sour cream with added protein.
- For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños with the bell peppers.
- This dish reheats well and can be enjoyed as leftovers for lunch or dinner.
