Taco Ranch Bites Recipe

Introduction

Taco Ranch Bites are a delicious and easy appetizer perfect for gatherings or game day. These bite-sized treats combine savory taco-seasoned beef with creamy ranch and cheese, all nestled in crispy phyllo shells. They’re quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

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 the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, then drain the fat.
3. Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning and the undrained diced tomatoes and green chiles. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the 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 for 8 to 10 minutes, or 10 to 13 minutes if the shells are fully frozen, until the cheese is melted and the tart shells are crisp.

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• Substitute shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor.
• If phyllo shells are not available, use mini taco shells or wonton wrappers as alternatives.
• Serve with sour cream or guacamole on the side for dipping.

Storage

Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy shells.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bites a few hours before baking. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake right before serving.

Can I freeze the assembled bites before baking?

It’s best to freeze the cooked filling separately. Phyllo shells may become soggy if frozen with filling. Once thawed, assemble and bake as directed.

Taco Ranch Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 52 reviews

These Taco Ranch Bites are a delicious, easy-to-make appetizer featuring seasoned ground beef, tangy ranch dressing, and melted cheddar cheese served in crispy phyllo tart shells. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, they deliver a flavorful bite packed with Tex-Mex goodness and creamy ranch.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 75 bites (5 packages of 15 shells each) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the filled tart shells later.
2. Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is no longer pink. Drain excess fat to keep the filling lean.
3. Add Seasoning and Tomatoes: Stir in the taco seasoning and the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles, including the juice. Continue cooking the mixture together for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Combine Cheese and Ranch: In a separate bowl, mix the shredded cheddar cheese with the ranch dressing to create a creamy mixture.
5. Mix Meat with Cheese and Ranch: Add the cooked taco meat mixture to the cheese and ranch blend, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
6. Fill Phyllo Shells: Spoon the combined mixture into the frozen phyllo tart shells, filling each shell generously.
7. Bake the Bites: Place the filled tart shells on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes if thawed or 10-13 minutes if frozen, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

• You can substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation.
• For extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture.
• Phyllo shells can be found in the frozen section of most grocery stores; no need to thaw before filling.
• Serve these bites warm for best flavor and texture.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness.

Keywords: Taco Ranch Bites, appetizer, phyllo tart shells, ground beef, Tex-Mex, party food, easy recipe