Description
Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a delicious and hearty weeknight meal that combines savory ground beef, tender sautéed cabbage, and smoky fire-roasted tomatoes, all topped with crunchy Fritos and melted cheese. This dish is a flavorful twist on classic comfort food, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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 or omit), diced
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (fire-roasted adds a smoky flavor)
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
Toppings
- 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 to have everything ready for cooking.
- Sauté Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked, making sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced onions and bell peppers into the skillet, cooking them for about 3 to 5 minutes until they soften and release their natural flavors.
- Add Flavor: Mix in the diced tomatoes and taco seasoning packet, then let the mixture simmer gently for around 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Combine Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, stirring well to coat it evenly with the spicy tomato mixture, cooking until the cabbage wilts and softens to a pleasant texture.
- Assemble and Serve: Transfer the cooked mixture to serving plates or a large dish, then generously top with crunchy Fritos and shredded cheese. Optionally, garnish with a dollop of sour cream before serving warm for added creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or black beans for a different protein option or to make it vegetarian-friendly.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes enhance the smoky flavor but regular diced tomatoes work well too.
- For a healthier twist, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream as a topping.
- If you prefer less sodium, choose low-sodium taco seasoning or make your own.
- To keep the cabbage crunchy, avoid overcooking it; it should be wilted but not mushy.
