Taco Ranch Bites Recipe

Introduction

Taco Ranch Bites are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for parties or game day. These bite-sized treats combine savory seasoned beef with creamy ranch and cheddar cheese, all nestled in crispy phyllo shells.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 bottle (8 oz) ranch dressing
• 5 packages (15 count each) frozen phyllo tart shells

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Step 2: Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
3. Step 3: Stir in taco seasoning and the undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles. Cook for 5 more minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing. Add the cooked taco meat mixture and stir until well mixed.
5. Step 5: Spoon the mixture evenly into the frozen phyllo tart shells.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or 10-13 minutes if baking from frozen, until the cheese is melted and the shells are crispy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a smoother taste.
• Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Top with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions after baking for added freshness.

Storage

Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to keep the shells crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Taco Ranch Bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bites in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use homemade taco seasoning instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! A blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt works well as a homemade taco seasoning.

Taco Ranch Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 96 reviews

These Taco Ranch Bites are the perfect savory appetizer combining seasoned ground beef, creamy ranch dressing, and melted cheddar cheese all nestled in crispy phyllo tart shells. Easy to prepare and bake, they make a delicious party snack or game day treat.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 75 bites (5 packages x 15 tart shells each) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat & Seasoning

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained

Dairy & Sauces

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 bottle (8 oz) ranch dressing

Baking Essentials

• 5 packages (15 count each) frozen phyllo tart shells

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready for baking the tart shells once filled.
2. Cook Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned and no longer pink inside. Drain excess fat thoroughly to avoid greasiness.
3. Season Beef: Add the taco seasoning packet, diced tomatoes, and green chiles (with their juices) to the cooked beef. Stir well and cook for an additional 5 minutes to blend flavors and reduce excess liquid.
4. Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing. Add the cooked taco meat mixture and mix thoroughly until well combined.
5. Fill Tart Shells: Spoon the cheesy taco mixture evenly into the frozen phyllo tart shells, distributing the filling to the top of each shell.
6. Bake: Place the filled tart shells on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes if thawed. If baking straight from frozen, extend baking to 10-13 minutes until the cheese is melted and the shells are crispy.

Notes

• Make sure to drain the cooked ground beef well to keep the filling from becoming soggy.
• If using frozen phyllo shells, no need to thaw before filling, but expect a slightly longer bake time.
• Feel free to add chopped green onions or jalapeños to the filling for extra flavor and heat.
• These bites can be served warm or at room temperature.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Keywords: Taco Ranch Bites, appetizer, phyllo tart shells, ground beef appetizer, party snacks, Mexican-inspired snacks