Print

Frito Cowboy Cabbage

Frito Cowboy Cabbage

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Frito Cowboy Cabbage recipe: savory, easy dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head Green Cabbage, shredded
  • 1 pound Ground Beef, 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
  • 1 large Onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (8 ounce) can Tomato Sauce
  • 1 (15.25 ounce) can Canned Corn, drained
  • 2 teaspoons Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, or to taste
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 2 cups Frito Corn Chips
  • 1 tablespoon Butter or Olive Oil (for sautéing cabbage)
  • 1 cup Sour Cream
  • 1 tablespoon Lime Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Hot Sauce, or to taste
  • 1 pinch Garlic Powder
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro, chopped
  • 1 pinch Salt

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, and drained canned corn. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • In a separate large skillet or pot, melt a tablespoon of butter or drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded green cabbage and sauté, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Season the cabbage with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Spread half of the sautéed cabbage evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the rich ground beef mixture over the cabbage. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the meat. Repeat these layers with the remaining cabbage, the rest of the ground beef mixture, and finally, the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Arrange a thick, even layer of Frito corn chips over the top of the cheese.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the Fritos are golden brown and crunchy. The cheese should be completely melted and irresistible. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  • While the Frito Cowboy Cabbage is baking, in a small bowl, combine the sour cream, fresh lime juice, hot sauce (to taste), garlic powder, and finely chopped fresh cilantro. Mix until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings.
  • Scoop generous portions of the Frito Cowboy Cabbage onto individual plates. Drizzle each portion liberally with the prepared sour cream mixture. Garnish with extra cilantro or Frito crumbs if desired. Serve immediately while hot and the Fritos are crispy.

Notes

Get ready to lasso some serious flavor with our incredible Frito Cowboy Cabbage! This dish is a hearty, satisfying whirlwind of tender, caramelized cabbage, smoky ground beef, sweet corn, and a zesty tomato sauce, all crowned with the irresistible crunch of Frito corn chips and a blanket of melty cheese. It’s a deliciously unconventional casserole that transforms humble ingredients into a comfort food masterpiece, offering a fantastic blend of savory, sweet, and salty notes that dance on your palate. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast of textures, from the soft cabbage to the crisp Fritos, making it an instant family favorite that’s both exciting and incredibly comforting.