Description
These Taco Ranch Bites are the perfect combination of savory ground beef, creamy ranch dressing, and spicy taco seasoning, all tucked into crispy phyllo tart shells. They’re a delicious, bite-sized treat that will quickly become a favorite for parties, appetizers, or a fun weeknight snack. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for an easy and flavorful appetizer, these Taco Ranch Bites are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- Ground beef (preferably lean)
- Taco seasoning (1 oz packet, premium brand)
- Diced tomatoes and green chiles (10 oz can, undrained)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (preferably aged for richer flavor)
- Ranch dressing (8 oz bottle, premium)
- Frozen phyllo tart shells (5 packs of 15 count)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- Cook Beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning, then add the can of diced tomatoes and green chiles (with liquid). Mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes before removing from heat.
- Prepare Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing. Combine this mixture with the cooked taco meat and stir until well-blended.
- Assemble Tarts: Carefully spoon the taco meat mixture into the frozen phyllo tart shells. If you plan to freeze them for later use, do so at this step.
- Bake: Place the filled tarts in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. If baking from frozen, add an extra 2-3 minutes to ensure they are heated through properly.
Notes
- Freezing: These Taco Ranch Bites can be assembled and frozen before baking, making them a convenient make-ahead appetizer.
- Phyllo Tarts: Phyllo tart shells are available at most grocery stores and add a crisp, flaky texture. You can also substitute with other small tart shells if preferred.
- Cheese Options: If aged cheddar is unavailable, you can use regular shredded cheddar or a cheese blend.
- Seasoning: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning based on your spice preferences. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a mild seasoning or reduce the amount.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: Taco appetizers, Ranch bites, Party appetizers, Taco ranch bites, Easy appetizers, Phyllo tart appetizers, Mexican appetizers