Name: Taco Ranch Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean); 1 oz packet taco seasoning (premium brand); 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably aged for richer flavor); 8 oz bottle premium Ranch dressing; 5 packs of 15-count frozen phyllo tart shells

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Introduction

Taco Ranch Bites are a deliciously cheesy and savory appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings. These bite-sized treats combine seasoned ground beef, creamy ranch dressing, and sharp cheddar cheese in crispy phyllo tart shells for a crowd-pleasing snack.

The image shows several small crispy golden-brown phyllo cups filled with a chunky reddish-brown meat mixture. Each cup is lightly browned on the edges with a slightly crinkled texture, holding the thick meat mixture that has a rich, savory, and slightly oily look. Some cups are topped with small dollops of white sour cream or yogurt and sprinkled with chopped fresh green herbs, adding a fresh touch. The cups are arranged closely together on a white plate with colorful, intricate patterns beneath them, and a wedge of lime is visible in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
1 oz packet taco seasoning (premium brand)
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably aged for richer flavor)
8 oz bottle premium Ranch dressing
5 packs of 15-count frozen phyllo tart shells

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
Step 2: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning, then add the can of diced tomatoes and green chiles with their juices. Mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes before removing from heat.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and Ranch dressing. Then fold this mixture into the cooked taco meat until evenly mixed.
Step 5: Carefully spoon the taco meat mixture into the frozen phyllo tart shells. If you wish to freeze them for later use, do so at this stage.
Step 6: Arrange the filled tart shells on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes. If baking from frozen, add an extra 2-3 minutes to ensure the bites are heated through.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add chopped fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños to the mixture before filling the tart shells.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy kick.
Try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Serve with salsa or guacamole on the side for added dipping options.

Storage

Store any leftover Taco Ranch Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350ºF for 5-7 minutes to keep the shells crisp. If frozen before baking, keep them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month and bake directly from frozen as instructed.

How to Serve

The image shows small baked cups made of thin, golden-brown crispy pastry with slightly curled edges. Inside each cup, there is a rich, dark brown meat filling with a textured, slightly charred surface, topped with a small dollop of white sauce or cheese and garnished with chopped green herbs. The cups are arranged closely together on a white plate with colorful, intricate patterns around the edge, resting on a white marbled surface. A wedge of lemon is visible on the side, adding a fresh touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bites ahead and freeze them unbaked. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use homemade taco seasoning?

Absolutely! Homemade seasoning blends work just as well and allow you to adjust flavors to your liking.