Description
Taco Ranch Bites are crispy, savory mini appetizers featuring seasoned beef, cheddar cheese, and creamy ranch dressing baked inside flaky phyllo tart shells. Perfect for parties, game days, or make-ahead freezer snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 (1 oz / 28 g) package taco seasoning
- 1 (10 oz / 284 g) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (8 oz / 240 ml) bottle ranch dressing
- 5 boxes frozen phyllo tart shells (15 shells per box, 75 total)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and the entire can of diced tomatoes and green chiles (with juices). Cook for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded cheddar and ranch dressing. Stir in the beef mixture and mix well.
- Place frozen tart shells on a baking sheet. Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each shell.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and tart shells are hot and golden.
- If baking from frozen, add 2–3 minutes to baking time. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for variation.
- Add jalapeños or use spicy ranch for heat.
- Substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese.
- Prepare and freeze unbaked bites for easy entertaining.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 bites
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
