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

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Introduction

Taco Ranch Bites are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Combining seasoned ground beef, creamy Ranch dressing, and sharp cheddar cheese in crispy phyllo shells creates a delicious bite-sized treat everyone will enjoy.

The image shows several bite-sized cups made of golden-brown, crispy pastry layers, each filled with a rich, chunky beef chili mixture. The chili is reddish-brown, thick, and slightly glossy, sitting inside the pastry cups with some small pieces of tomato visible. A few cups have a dollop of white cream sauce on top, garnished with bright green chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. The pastry cups are arranged closely together on a detailed, colorful plate with floral patterns. In the top right corner, there is a pale yellow wedge of lime. The background is a white marbled texture. 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. 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. Mix this into the cooked taco meat until evenly combined.
Step 5: Carefully spoon the taco meat mixture into the frozen phyllo tart shells. If you want to freeze them for later use, do so now.
Step 6: Arrange the filled tart shells on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. If baking from frozen, add an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure they heat through.

Tips & Variations

Use aged cheddar cheese for a richer flavor and better melting quality.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter version.
Serve with fresh salsa or guacamole for added freshness.

Storage

Store leftover baked Taco Ranch Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350ºF oven for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy. If freezing before baking, keep them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How to Serve

A close-up of several small cups made from crispy, golden-brown baked layers that look thin and flaky, holding a rich, dark brown cooked ground meat filling with a slightly charred texture. Some of the cups have a small dollop of white cream on top with a sprinkle of bright green chopped herbs. The cups are arranged closely together on a white plate with a colorful, patterned rim. A wedge of pale yellow lime is visible on the side. The setting is on 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 vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or a plant-based meat alternative to make vegetarian Taco Ranch Bites.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the bites and freeze them before baking. When ready, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they are heated through.