Print

Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe

Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 7 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Frito Cowboy Cabbage skillet featuring ground beef, cabbage, and bold southwestern spices topped with crunchy Fritos and melted cheddar cheese. This one-pan meal combines savory, smoky, and spicy elements for a comforting dinner that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family nights.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cowboy Cabbage Skillet

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Toppings

  • 1 ½ cups Fritos corn chips
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Sour cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed to reduce fat.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
  3. Add Cabbage & Seasoning: Stir in chopped cabbage, drained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cabbage is tender but still maintains some texture, not mushy.
  4. Add the Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet, then cover and let it melt for 2–3 minutes until gooey and bubbly.
  5. Finish & Serve: Just before serving, top generously with crunchy Fritos corn chips to maintain crispness. Serve hot straight from the skillet with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Optional red pepper flakes add a little heat, adjust to taste or omit for milder flavor.
  • Drain excess fat after browning the beef to reduce grease and calories.
  • Use fresh parsley and sour cream as garnishes to add freshness and creaminess.
  • To keep Fritos crisp, add them at the very end just before serving.
  • Can substitute ground turkey for a leaner protein alternative.
  • This dish can be made gluten-free, just ensure Fritos are certified gluten-free if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Frito Cowboy Cabbage, ground beef skillet, southwestern skillet, cabbage recipe, Fritos topping, cheesy cabbage skillet

Find it online: https://maicook.com/frito-cowboy-cabbage-recipe/