Description
Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a hearty and crunchy weeknight comfort dish featuring sautéed ground beef, tender cabbage, and smoky diced tomatoes, all topped with crispy Fritos and melted cheese. Perfectly seasoned with taco spices, this easy skillet meal combines savory and crunchy textures for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat 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, diced (yellow onion recommended)
- 1 medium Bell Pepper, diced (any color or omit)
Seasoning and Add-ins
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (fire-roasted adds a 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: Start by chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, and dice the onion and bell pepper, ensuring all vegetables are ready for cooking.
- Sauté Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until fully browned, breaking it apart, and then drain any excess fat to keep the dish lighter.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced onions and bell peppers into the skillet and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until softened and translucent, enhancing the flavor base.
- Add Flavor: Mix in the diced tomatoes and taco seasoning packet, stirring well. Let this mixture simmer for approximately 5 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
- Combine Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, stirring to coat it evenly with the tomato and seasoning mixture. Cook until the cabbage is wilted but still slightly crunchy, about 5 minutes.
- Assemble and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Top the dish generously with Fritos and shredded cheese. Optionally, garnish with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving warm.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or black beans for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add extra smoky depth, but regular diced tomatoes work well too.
- To make it healthier, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more taco spices or chili flakes if desired.
- Serve immediately for the best crisp texture of the Fritos.
