Taco Ranch Bites Recipe

Introduction

Taco Ranch Bites are a perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer combining savory seasoned beef, creamy ranch, and sharp cheddar. These crispy phyllo cup snacks are quick to assemble and bake, making them ideal for parties or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, with juices
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 bottle (8 oz) ranch dressing
• 5 packages (15 count each) frozen phyllo cup shells

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F to get it ready for baking the bites.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and the diced tomatoes with green chiles, including the juices. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese and ranch dressing until well mixed. Add the seasoned beef mixture and stir together until creamy and cheesy.
5. Step 5: Place a generous spoonful of the taco ranch mixture into each frozen phyllo cup shell. There is no need to thaw the shells beforehand.
6. Step 6: Bake the filled cups in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes if using thawed shells, or 10-13 minutes if still frozen, until the filling is hot and bubbly and the shells turn golden and crispy.
7. Step 7: Let the bites cool for a minute or two before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack cheese to add a spicy twist.
• If you prefer, substitute ground turkey for a leaner protein option.
• Serve with salsa or guacamole for dipping to enhance the flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover taco ranch bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to regain their crispiness. Microwaving is not recommended as it may make the phyllo cups soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the filled phyllo cups and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.

Can I use fresh phyllo dough instead of frozen phyllo cup shells?

Fresh phyllo dough requires careful handling and layering, which is more time-consuming. The frozen phyllo cups save time and ensure consistent crispiness, making them the better option for this recipe.

Taco Ranch Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 132 reviews

Taco Ranch Bites are a flavorful party appetizer featuring seasoned ground beef mixed with sharp cheddar cheese and creamy ranch dressing, all tucked into crispy phyllo cup shells. These bite-sized treats are baked to golden perfection, making them ideal for gatherings and easy snacking.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 75 bites (5 packages of 15 cups each) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Mixture:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, with juices

Cheese & Dressing Mixture:

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 bottle (8 oz) ranch dressing

Shells:

• 5 packages (15 count each) frozen phyllo cup shells

Instructions

1. Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F to have it ready when you assemble your taco ranch bites.
2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off excess fat to keep the bites from being greasy.
3. Add the flavor: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and diced tomatoes with green chiles, including their juices. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to marry all the flavors.
4. Create the creamy mixture: In a large bowl, combine the grated sharp cheddar cheese and ranch dressing thoroughly. Add the seasoned beef mixture to the bowl and stir until well blended into a creamy, cheesy filling.
5. Fill those little cups: Place a generous spoonful of the taco ranch mixture into each frozen phyllo cup shell. There is no need to thaw the shells before filling.
6. Bake until golden: Bake the filled phyllo cups in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes if using thawed shells, or 10-13 minutes if starting from frozen, until the filling is hot and bubbly and the shells turn golden and crispy.
7. Serve these crowd-pleasers: Let the bites cool for a minute or two after baking, then serve them warm. They make an irresistible, fast-disappearing appetizer at any party or gathering.

Notes

• You can add a splash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture for extra heat.
• To save time, buy pre-grated cheese and pre-seasoned taco meat if preferred.
• These bites reheat well in the oven for a few minutes to maintain crispiness.
• Use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• If phyllo cups are not available, mini tortilla cups can be a good substitute.

Keywords: Taco Ranch Bites, phyllo cups appetizer, party snacks, cheesy taco bites, baked appetizers, Tex-Mex finger food