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Frito Cowboy Cabbage (Hearty, Crunchy, and Comfort-Filled)
If you love bold, comforting flavors with minimal effort, Frito Cowboy Cabbage is about to become a weeknight favorite. This satisfying one-skillet meal combines savory ground beef, tender cabbage, zesty seasonings, and crunchy Frito corn chips for a dish that’s both rustic and irresistibly delicious.
Cowboy-style recipes are all about hearty ingredients and big flavors, and this one delivers on every level. Cabbage soaks up the seasoned beef juices beautifully, creating a rich, savory base that’s balanced by the crunch of Fritos added just before serving. It’s cozy, filling, and surprisingly budget-friendly.
This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup quick and easy.
Why You’ll Love This Frito Cowboy Cabbage
One of the biggest appeals of this recipe is its simplicity. It uses everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand and transforms them into something special. The cabbage becomes tender and flavorful, the beef adds richness, and the Fritos bring an addictive crunch.
Texture contrast is what really sets this dish apart. Soft cabbage, juicy beef, melted cheese, and crunchy corn chips create layers of flavor and mouthfeel in every bite. It’s also incredibly adaptable—easy to make spicier, cheesier, or lighter depending on your preferences.
Best of all, it’s ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups Frito corn chips
- Green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chopped cabbage and cook, stirring often, until it begins to soften.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning and black pepper over the mixture.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and cook for 5–7 minutes until cabbage is tender.
- Reduce heat to low and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover briefly until melted.
- Remove from heat and gently fold in Frito corn chips just before serving.
- Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.
Frito Cowboy Cabbage
A hearty skillet meal with ground beef, tender cabbage, cheese, and crunchy Fritos.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown ground beef with onion and garlic.
- Add cabbage, seasoning, and tomatoes and cook until tender.
- Top with cheese and melt.
- Fold in Fritos and serve.
Notes
Add Fritos just before serving to keep them crunchy.
Pro Tips for the Best Cowboy Cabbage
- Don’t overcook the cabbage—it should be tender but not mushy.
- Add Fritos at the end to keep them crunchy.
- Drain excess grease from the beef to avoid sogginess.
- Serve immediately for the best texture contrast.
Tasty Variations
- Spicy Cowboy Cabbage: Add jalapeños or hot taco seasoning.
- Cheesier Version: Mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the Fritos or replace with pork rinds.
- Southwest Style: Add corn or black beans for extra texture.
What to Serve with Frito Cowboy Cabbage
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs well with cornbread, a simple green salad, or sliced avocado on top. It’s also great served family-style straight from the skillet.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store Fritos separately and add fresh when reheating.
Why Cabbage Works So Well
Cabbage is inexpensive, filling, and absorbs flavors beautifully. When cooked with seasoned beef, it becomes tender and savory, making it the perfect base for bold, cowboy-style dishes