Name: Taco Ranch Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 (1-ounce) package taco seasoning; 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 (8-ounce) bottle ranch dressing; 5 (15-count) packages frozen phyllo tart shells

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You know those recipes that disappear in minutes the second you set them on the table? These Taco Ranch Bites are exactly that. They’re crispy, cheesy, full of taco flavor, and perfect for snacking. Whether you’re making them for game day, a party, or just a fun appetizer, you’ll want to make a double batch—trust me, they go fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bite-sized and fun to eat. Perfect for parties or just snacking at home.
Crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Everything you love about tacos, packed into one little bite.
Super easy to make. No need to fuss with tortillas—these come together quickly.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 packet taco seasoning
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
1 package wonton wrappers or mini phyllo cups
Chopped green onions, for garnish

Full list of ingredients can be found below.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Meat

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer for a couple of minutes until everything is well combined.

Step 2: Add the Ranch and Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the ranch dressing and shredded cheese. The warm meat will melt the cheese, making everything nice and creamy.

Step 3: Fill the Wonton Wrappers

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Press wonton wrappers into a greased mini muffin tin to create little cups. Fill each one with a spoonful of the taco mixture.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the wontons are golden brown and crispy. If you’re using phyllo cups, they may need less time.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve warm.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Want extra crunch? Brush the wonton wrappers with a little melted butter before baking.
Spice it up! Add a little diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
Make ahead friendly. You can cook the meat mixture ahead of time and assemble right before baking.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Swap the ground beef for shredded chicken or even black beans for a vegetarian option.
Use sour cream instead of ranch for a different flavor.
If you don’t have wonton wrappers, crescent dough or even mini tortillas pressed into muffin tins work great.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These little bites are best served warm with a side of salsa, guacamole, or extra ranch for dipping. They pair well with a fresh corn salad, chips and queso, or even a light margarita if you’re making them for a party.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to keep them crispy. The microwave works too, but they’ll be softer.

4 FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them, then bake just before serving for the best texture.
Can I freeze them?
You can freeze the cooked bites and reheat in the oven at 375°F until crispy again.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work best.
Can I use store-bought taco meat?
Definitely! Just mix it with the ranch and cheese, and you’re good to go.

Conclusion

Taco Ranch Bites are the ultimate easy appetizer—crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making them for game night or just a fun snack, they’ll be a guaranteed hit. Give them a try and watch them disappear!

Taco Ranch Bites

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Taco Ranch Bites are a delightful appetizer that combines the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef, creamy ranch dressing, and zesty tomatoes with green chilies, all nestled in crispy phyllo tart shells. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, game days, or any casual gathering.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 75 bites 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 pound ground beef
1 (1-ounce) package taco seasoning
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 (8-ounce) bottle ranch dressing
5 (15-count) packages frozen phyllo tart shells

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
Add Seasoning and Tomatoes:
- Stir in the taco seasoning and the entire can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the liquid). Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, and the cooked taco meat mixture. Mix until well combined.
Assemble the Bites:
- Place the frozen phyllo tart shells on a baking sheet. Spoon the meat and cheese mixture into each shell, filling them generously.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Make-Ahead Option: These bites can be assembled ahead of time and frozen unbaked. When ready to serve, bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Phyllo Tart Shells: Look for these in the frozen dessert section of your grocery store, near the puff pastry.
Variations: For a spicier kick, use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.