Description
This Frito Cowboy Cabbage recipe can be enjoyed two delicious ways: as a fresh, crunchy salad loaded with black beans, corn, veggies, and Chili Cheese Fritos — or as a warm, cozy slow cooker cabbage dish with creamy chipotle flavor. Perfect for busy nights, potlucks, and anyone craving bold Southwest crunch.
Ingredients
Cold Version Ingredients
1 bag (16 oz) coleslaw mix
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed & drained
1 ½ cups canned corn, drained
1 medium jalapeño, seeded & finely diced
1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
3 green onions, sliced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp taco seasoning
½ tsp ground cumin
1 bag (9.75 oz) Chili Cheese Fritos (reserve a handful)
Chipotle Dressing
½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
2 tbsp chipotle sauce (from chipotles in adobo — sauce only)
Slow Cooker Version Ingredients
(Uses similar ingredients with a warm variation)
1 bag (16 oz) coleslaw mix
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed & drained
1 ½ cups canned corn
1 jalapeño, seeded & diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 green onions, sliced
¼ cup cilantro
1 tbsp taco seasoning
½ tsp cumin
½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup lime juice
2 tbsp chipotle sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Chili Cheese Fritos
Instructions
Cold Version
Add coleslaw mix, black beans, corn, jalapeño, bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, taco seasoning, and cumin to a large bowl. Toss together.
In a separate bowl, whisk sour cream, mayo, lime juice, and chipotle sauce until smooth.
Pour dressing over the salad mixture and stir to combine.
Add most of the Chili Cheese Fritos and gently fold in.
Top with the reserved Fritos right before serving.
Slow Cooker Version
Add coleslaw mix, black beans, corn, jalapeño, bell pepper, green onions, cilantro, taco seasoning, and cumin to the slow cooker.
Whisk sour cream, mayo, lime juice, chipotle sauce, and cheddar cheese in a bowl. Pour over vegetables.
Cook on LOW for 2–2½ hours, until cabbage is tender.
Stir gently once cooked.
Add Chili Cheese Fritos just before serving for crunch.
Notes
For the cold version, always add Fritos right before serving to keep the crunch.
For make-ahead prep, store dressing separately and toss before serving.
Slow cooker times can vary; check softness at the 2-hour mark.
Make it lighter by swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours (slow cooker version)
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Slow Cooker
- Method: No-Cook (Cold Version), Slow Cooker (Warm Version)
- Cuisine: American, Southwest