Taco Ranch Bites Recipe

Introduction

Taco Ranch Bites are a delicious and easy appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings or game day. These savory mini tarts combine seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, and creamy Ranch dressing for a crowd-pleasing flavor in every bite.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
2. Step 2: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning, then add the can of diced tomatoes and green chiles. Mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese with the Ranch dressing. Then mix this cheese and dressing blend into the cooked taco meat.
5. Step 5: Carefully spoon the taco meat mixture into the frozen phyllo tart shells. If you want to freeze them for later, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze now.
6. Step 6: Bake the filled tarts in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. If baking from frozen, increase baking time by 2-3 minutes to ensure they’re heated through.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
• Try swapping cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicier twist.
• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add chopped cilantro or sliced green onions on top before serving for fresh flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover Taco Ranch Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350ºF for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. If frozen before baking, keep them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month and bake from frozen as directed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the tarts and freeze them before baking. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use a different type of shell instead of phyllo tart shells?

Yes, mini pastry shells or even wonton wrappers can work as a substitute, though bake times may vary slightly.

Taco Ranch Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 71 reviews

These Taco Ranch Bites are a delicious and easy appetizer featuring seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, and creamy Ranch dressing baked in crispy phyllo tart shells. Perfect for parties or snacks, they combine bold Tex-Mex flavors with the cool tanginess of Ranch for a crowd-pleasing bite.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 75 bites (5 packs x 15 tart shells each) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Mixture

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
• 1 oz packet taco seasoning (premium brand)
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained

Dairy Mixture

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably aged for richer flavor)
• 8 oz bottle premium Ranch dressing

Assembly

• 5 packs of 15-count frozen phyllo tart shells

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350ºF to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the tart shells.
2. Cook Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat to keep the mixture lean and prevent greasiness.
3. Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet into the cooked beef, then add the canned diced tomatoes and green chiles (with juices). Mix thoroughly and allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors before removing from heat.
4. Prepare Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and Ranch dressing until well mixed. Add this creamy mixture to the cooked taco meat, stirring to incorporate evenly for a deliciously tangy and cheesy filling.
5. Assemble Tarts: Carefully spoon the taco meat and cheese mixture into each frozen phyllo tart shell. Arrange the filled shells on a baking sheet. If you are not baking immediately, you can freeze the assembled tarts at this stage for later use.
6. Bake: Place the filled tart shells in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges of the phyllo shells are golden and crispy. If baking from frozen, increase the bake time by 2-3 minutes to ensure they are heated through thoroughly.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Use aged cheddar for a richer flavor, or experiment with pepper jack cheese for added heat.
• Assembling the tarts ahead of time and freezing them makes for a convenient make-ahead appetizer.
• Phyllo tart shells are delicate; handle them carefully to avoid cracking.

Keywords: Taco Ranch Bites, appetizer, phyllo tart shells, ground beef, taco seasoning, cheddar cheese, Ranch dressing, party snacks, Tex-Mex