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Taco Ranch Bites

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.

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:

    • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the Ground Beef:

    • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
  3. 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.
  4. Prepare the Filling:

    • In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, and the cooked taco meat mixture. Mix until well combined.
  5. 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.
  6. Bake:

    • Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. 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.

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