Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: With just six common ingredients, these bites are easy to prepare without the need for elaborate shopping.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for last-minute entertaining.
- Versatile: Suitable for various occasions, from casual get-togethers to more formal events.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of taco-seasoned beef, creamy ranch, and melted cheese is universally appealing.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
- 1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (8-oz) bottle ranch dressing
- 5 (15-count) frozen phyllo tart shells
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Seasoning and Tomatoes: Stir in the taco seasoning and the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chiles. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
- Combine with Cheese and Ranch: In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with the shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing. Stir until well combined.
- Fill Phyllo Tart Shells: Arrange the frozen phyllo tart shells on a baking sheet. Spoon the beef mixture into each shell, filling them generously.
- Bake: Place the filled tart shells in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the shells are golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 75 taco ranch bites, making it perfect for serving a crowd.
- Preparation Time: About 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a combination of black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers. Season with taco seasoning as usual.
- Chicken Version: Use cooked and shredded chicken breast instead of ground beef. Mix with taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chiles before combining with cheese and ranch dressing.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for extra heat.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy note or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the bites on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain their crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I make Taco Ranch Bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the taco meat mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to fill and bake the phyllo tart shells just before serving to ensure they remain crispy.
2. Can I freeze Taco Ranch Bites for later?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked bites. Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to an airtight container. When ready to serve, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
3. Can I use store-bought taco seasoning and ranch dressing?
Absolutely! Store-bought taco seasoning and ranch dressing work well in this recipe. Feel free to adjust the seasoning levels to suit your taste preferences.
4. Are there alternatives to phyllo tart shells?
If you can’t find phyllo tart shells, you can use mini wonton wrappers, puff pastry squares, or small tortilla cups as substitutes. Adjust the baking time accordingly based on the type of shell used.
5. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free phyllo tart shells or substitute with gluten-free puff pastry or tortilla cups. Ensure that the taco seasoning and ranch dressing are also gluten-free certified.
6. Can I make Taco Ranch Bites without meat?
Yes, for a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and increase the amount of black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers. Season with taco seasoning as usual.
7. What other toppings can I add to enhance the flavor?
Consider garnishing the bites with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or a drizzle of extra ranch dressing for added flavor and color.
8. How can I prevent the tart shells from becoming soggy?
To prevent sogginess, ensure that the taco meat mixture is not too liquidy. Drain any excess fat from the cooked ground beef and avoid
Taco Ranch Bites
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 75 taco ranch bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Taco Ranch Bites are zesty, creamy, and crispy appetizers perfect for parties or game days. With taco-seasoned beef, ranch dressing, and melted cheese in phyllo tart shells, these bites are crowd-pleasers ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
- 1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (8-oz) bottle ranch dressing
- 5 (15-count) frozen phyllo tart shells
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Mix beef mixture with cheddar cheese and ranch dressing in a large bowl.
- Spoon mixture into frozen phyllo tart shells on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until shells are golden and cheese melts.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm.
Notes
- Variations: Substitute beef with black beans for a vegetarian option, or use shredded chicken for a different protein.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Tips: Prevent soggy shells by draining beef well and avoiding overly liquid mixtures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
