Zesty Party Nibbles Cups Recipe
Introduction
Zesty Party Nibbles Cups are the perfect bite-sized snack for any gathering. Combining savory ground beef with cheesy ranch goodness in crisp phyllo shells, these nibbles are both flavorful and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 450 grams lean ground beef
- 28 grams taco seasoning mix
- 285 grams canned chopped tomatoes with green chiles, including juice
- 200 grams grated cheddar cheese
- 237 millilitres ranch dressing
- 75 frozen phyllo cup pastry shells
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C and allow it to fully preheat.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles until fully cooked through. Drain off any excess fat.
- Step 3: Add the taco seasoning and canned chopped tomatoes with green chiles (including the juice) to the beef. Stir thoroughly and let it simmer for 5 minutes to slightly reduce the liquid.
- Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese with the ranch dressing until evenly blended.
- Step 5: Add the seasoned beef mixture into the cheese and ranch blend. Mix everything uniformly.
- Step 6: Arrange the phyllo cup shells on a parchment-lined baking tray. Fill each cup with about one tablespoon of the beef-cheese mixture.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese melts and the filling starts bubbling.
- Step 8: Allow the nibbles to cool slightly before serving warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Try swapping cheddar cheese for a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack for a creamier texture.
- Serve with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping.
- Make sure to drain the beef well to prevent soggy phyllo shells.
Storage
Store any leftover nibbles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C for about 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up before serving. Avoid microwaving to keep the phyllo cups from becoming soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these nibbles ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the filled phyllo cups and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I use fresh ingredients instead of canned tomatoes with green chiles?
Fresh diced tomatoes and chopped mild green chiles can be used as a substitute, but you may need to adjust the seasoning and simmer time to achieve the right consistency and flavor.
PrintZesty Party Nibbles Cups Recipe
These Zesty Party Nibbles Cups are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring seasoned ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and creamy ranch dressing all baked in crispy phyllo pastry shells. Perfect for gatherings, these bite-sized treats combine bold flavors and satisfying textures that will delight your guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 75 pieces 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 450 grams lean ground beef
- 28 grams taco seasoning mix
- 285 grams canned chopped tomatoes with green chiles, including juice
Cheese Mixture
- 200 grams grated cheddar cheese
- 237 millilitres ranch dressing
Assembly
- 75 frozen phyllo cup pastry shells
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 180°C and allow it to fully preheat before baking to ensure even cooking of the phyllo cups.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Brown the beef, breaking it into small crumbles until fully cooked through. Drain off any excess fat to keep the mixture lean.
- Incorporate Seasoning and Tomatoes: Add the taco seasoning mix and canned chopped tomatoes with green chiles, including their juice, to the cooked beef. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and reduce the liquid slightly.
- Combine Cheese and Ranch: In a mixing bowl, stir together the grated cheddar cheese and ranch dressing until fully combined, creating a creamy cheesy blend.
- Assemble the Mixture: Add the seasoned beef mixture into the cheese and ranch blend, mixing thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
- Fill the Phyllo Cups: Arrange the frozen phyllo pastry shells on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Fill each cup with about one tablespoon of the beef-cheese mixture, distributing it evenly.
- Bake to Finish: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the filling is bubbling hot.
- Serve: Remove the tray from the oven and allow the nibbles cups to cool slightly before serving warm to guests.
Notes
- You can substitute the cheddar cheese with a sharper cheese like Monterey Jack or a blend for added flavor.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to suit your preferred spice level.
- For a vegetarian alternative, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat substitute.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef to keep the filling from becoming greasy.
- Serve these nibbles with extra ranch dressing or salsa on the side for dipping.
Keywords: party appetizer, phyllo cups, ground beef appetizer, cheesy beef cups, taco seasoned appetizer, easy party nibbles
