why make this recipe
Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a fantastic dish for busy weeknights. It’s hearty, flavorful, and brings a delightful crunch from the Fritos. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a filling meal that everyone in the family will love. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover cabbage or ground beef.
how to make Frito Cowboy Cabbage
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 2 cups of Fritos (Use fresh for best crunch.)
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar recommended)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Directions:
Preparation
Start by chopping the cabbage, dicing the onion, and bell pepper. This will make cooking easier.
Cooking the Base
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Cook it until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Adding Tomatoes and Seasoning
Once the beef is cooked, add the diced tomatoes and taco seasoning. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Incorporating Cabbage
Now, it’s time to add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook until the cabbage wilts down, about 10 minutes.
Final Touches
After the cabbage is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Let it melt for a couple of minutes.
Serving
Once the cheese is melted, it’s ready to serve! Add the Fritos on top for that crunchy finish.
how to serve Frito Cowboy Cabbage
Serve the Frito Cowboy Cabbage in bowls. You can top it with more cheese and extra Fritos for added crunch. It pairs well with a side salad or fresh fruit.
how to store Frito Cowboy Cabbage
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will last for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 3 months).
tips to make Frito Cowboy Cabbage
- For extra flavor, consider adding other spices or chopped jalapeños.
- If you want it to be a bit healthier, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Make sure to use fresh Fritos for the best crunchiness.
variation
You can add black beans or corn for a bit of texture and more nutrition. If you want a vegetarian version, simply skip the ground beef and add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the ingredients a day ahead and cook it when you’re ready to eat.
Q: Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
A: Absolutely! You can add diced chilies or a dash of hot sauce to spice it up.
Q: Can I use frozen cabbage?
A: While fresh cabbage is best, you can use frozen cabbage if that’s what you have on hand, just ensure to thaw and drain before cooking.

Frito Cowboy Cabbage
Ingredients
Method
- Start by chopping the cabbage, dicing the onion, and bell pepper. This will make cooking easier.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Once the beef is cooked, add the diced tomatoes and taco seasoning. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook until the cabbage wilts down, about 10 minutes.
- After the cabbage is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Let it melt for a couple of minutes.
- Once the cheese is melted, it’s ready to serve! Add the Fritos on top for that crunchy finish.