Taco Ranch Bites are a delightful fusion of Tex-Mex flavors, combining seasoned ground beef, zesty diced tomatoes with green chiles, creamy ranch dressing, and melted cheddar cheese, all nestled in crispy phyllo tart shells. These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering where I want to impress my guests with minimal effort.
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely adore this recipe because it's incredibly easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of savory taco meat and tangy ranch dressing creates a unique flavor profile that keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, the use of phyllo tart shells adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. Whether I'm hosting a party or looking for a quick snack, these bites never disappoint.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (1 oz) packet 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
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it's no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and the entire can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (including the liquid) to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with the shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Spoon the mixture into the frozen phyllo tart shells, filling each one generously.
- Place the filled tart shells on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 75 bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: I like to add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra spicy version.
- Different Meats: Sometimes I substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Cheese Varieties: Mixing in some Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese adds a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, I use black beans and corn in place of the ground beef.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, I place the bites on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This helps maintain their crispiness. I avoid microwaving them, as it can make the phyllo shells soggy.
FAQs
How can I prevent the phyllo shells from becoming soggy?
To keep the phyllo shells crisp, I make sure to drain the cooked beef thoroughly and avoid overfilling the shells with the mixture. Baking them until the cheese is bubbly also helps maintain their texture.
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! I often prepare the beef mixture and fill the tart shells ahead of time, then refrigerate them until I'm ready to bake. This makes party prep much easier.
Are there gluten-free alternatives to phyllo tart shells?
Yes, for a gluten-free version, I use mini corn tortilla cups or gluten-free pastry shells available at specialty stores.
Can I freeze Taco Ranch Bites?
Yes, I freeze the unbaked, filled tart shells on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to serve, I bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What dipping sauces pair well with these bites?
While they're delicious on their own, I sometimes serve them with extra ranch dressing, salsa, or guacamole for added flavor.
Conclusion
Taco Ranch Bites are a versatile and delicious appetizer that I love making for various occasions. Their combination of bold flavors and convenient preparation makes them a go-to recipe in my collection. Whether I'm hosting a party or simply craving a tasty snack, these bites always hit the spot.
Taco Ranch Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 75 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Halal
Description
Taco Ranch Bites are crispy phyllo tart shells filled with seasoned ground beef, ranch dressing, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and melted cheddar cheese, creating a savory, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (1 oz) packet 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 the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it's no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and the entire can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (including the liquid) to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with the shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Spoon the mixture into the frozen phyllo tart shells, filling each one generously.
- Place the filled tart shells on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese for variety.
- Black beans and corn can replace beef for a vegetarian option.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 bites
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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