Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe
Introduction
This Frito Cowboy Cabbage salad is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Combining seasoned ground beef, fresh veggies, and crunchy Fritos, it’s a delightful Tex-Mex inspired dish that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned sweet corn, drained
- 2 cups Fritos corn chips
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing or Southwest-style dressing
Instructions
- Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Step 2: Add taco seasoning and a splash of water to the beef. Stir and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until well combined.
- Step 3: While the beef cooks, chop the cabbage and dice the tomatoes. Drain the corn and black beans.
- Step 4: In a large serving bowl or casserole dish, layer the cabbage, cooked beef, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Toss gently to combine.
- Step 5: Top the mixture with Fritos corn chips and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Step 6: Drizzle the ranch or Southwest-style dressing over the top just before serving. Toss lightly if desired to mix flavors.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add chopped green onions or jalapeños to the mix.
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use a spicy dressing or add hot sauce for a kick.
- Serve immediately to keep the Fritos crunchy and fresh.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the Fritos from getting soggy, store them separately and add just before serving. Reheat the beef mixture gently before assembling the salad again if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef and vegetable layers in advance and store them chilled, but wait to add Fritos and dressing until just before serving to maintain crunch and freshness.
What can I use instead of Fritos?
If you don’t have Fritos, tortilla chips or corn chips make a tasty substitute and provide a similar crunchy texture.
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Frito Cowboy Cabbage Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Frito Cowboy Cabbage is a flavorful and hearty dish combining seasoned ground beef, crunchy cabbage, fresh vegetables, and classic Southwestern ingredients like black beans, corn, and Fritos corn chips. Topped with shredded cheddar cheese and a creamy ranch or Southwest-style dressing, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Vegetables and Beans
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned sweet corn, drained
Crunchy and Dairy Toppings
- 2 cups Fritos corn chips
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing or Southwest-style dressing
Instructions
- Cook Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat thoroughly to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Season Beef: Add the taco seasoning packet along with a splash of water to the browned beef. Stir well and allow it to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Prepare Vegetables: While the beef is cooking, chop the green cabbage into bite-sized pieces and dice the tomatoes. Drain the canned black beans and sweet corn to remove excess liquid and keep the dish from becoming soggy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large serving bowl or casserole dish, layer the chopped cabbage, seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly without crushing the cabbage.
- Add Crunch and Cheese: Top the mixture with crunchy Fritos corn chips, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top to add richness and texture contrast.
- Dress and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the ranch or Southwest-style dressing over the assembled dish. Toss lightly if desired to coat the ingredients evenly, then serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures.
Notes
- For a spicier flavor, use a spicy taco seasoning or add diced jalapeños.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Serve immediately after adding the dressing and chips to avoid sogginess.
- Use low-fat cheese and dressing options for a lighter meal.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh; leftovers may become soft due to the chips and cabbage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern American
Keywords: Frito Cowboy Cabbage, Taco seasoned beef, Southwestern recipe, Ground beef cabbage dish, Easy weeknight dinner, Fritos recipe, Cheddar cheese salad, Ranch dressing
