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

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Taco Ranch Bites are a delicious and easy appetizer perfect for gatherings or casual snacking. These bite-sized treats combine savory seasoned beef, creamy Ranch dressing, and melted cheddar cheese inside crispy phyllo shells. They bake quickly and burst with bold flavors in every bite.

A close-up image of six filo pastry cups shaped like flowers filled with a rich, dark brown meat mixture. Each cup is topped with a small dollop of white sauce and a sprinkle of fresh green herbs. The filo cups are arranged on a colorful, patterned surface with a slice of bright green lime placed in the front right corner. The pastry cups have a crisp, golden-brown texture with slightly charred edges, and the meat filling looks juicy and well-seasoned. The background is softly blurred with neutral tones, and a white marbled texture replaces the surface beneath the dish as per instructions. 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.
Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning, then add the can of diced tomatoes and green chiles (undrained). Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and Ranch dressing. Add this mixture to the cooked taco meat and stir until evenly blended.
Step 5: Carefully spoon the taco meat mixture into the frozen phyllo tart shells. If you want to freeze them for later, arrange them now before baking.
Step 6: Place the filled tarts on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. If baking from frozen, add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time to ensure they heat through thoroughly.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
Swap out cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick.
Use sour cream instead of Ranch dressing for a different creamy flavor.
Serve with fresh guacamole or salsa on the side for dipping.

Storage

Store any leftover Taco Ranch Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350ºF for 5-7 minutes to keep the shells crisp. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

This image shows multiple small taco cups arranged on a colorful plate with intricate patterns. Each taco cup has a crispy, golden-brown outer shell that holds a filling made of browned ground meat and beans, topped with a dollop of white sour cream and fresh green herb garnish. In the foreground, there is a wedge of bright green lime placed on the edge of the plate. The background is softly blurred, with hints of more ingredients and a white marbled texture surface. 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 and freeze them before baking. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I substitute the phyllo tart shells?

Absolutely! Mini pastry shells or even wonton wrappers can work as alternatives, though cooking times and texture may vary slightly.