Taco Ranch Bites are a delightful fusion of Tex-Mex flavors, combining seasoned ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, creamy ranch dressing, and melted cheddar cheese, all nestled in crispy phyllo tart shells. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, game days, or any occasion where I want to serve a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: With just six common ingredients, these bites are easy to prepare.
- Quick Preparation: They come together in about 25 minutes, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: I can assemble them ahead of time and bake when needed.
- Versatile: Great for various occasions, from casual get-togethers to festive parties.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit different dietary preferences.(Delectable Recipe)
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 oz packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bottle (8 oz) ranch dressing
- 5 packs (15-count each) frozen phyllo tart shells(Facebook, Naomi\’s Recipes, That Oven Feelin)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add Seasoning and Tomatoes: Stir in taco seasoning and the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles. Cook for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Combine Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef mixture with shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing until well combined.
- Fill Tart Shells: Spoon the mixture into the frozen phyllo tart shells, filling each generously.
- Bake: Place the filled tart shells on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the shells are golden brown.(Plain Chicken, Delectable Recipe, Naomi\’s Recipes)
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 75 bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes(Naomi\’s Recipes, Southern Living, Allrecipes)
Variations
- Meat Alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian Option: Use a mixture of black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers instead of meat.
- Cheese Varieties: Try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or use a spicy ranch dressing to increase the heat level.
- Different Shells: Use mini pie crusts or wonton wrappers as alternatives to phyllo tart shells.(Naomi\’s Recipes, That Oven Feelin)
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place unbaked, filled tart shells on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Bake frozen bites at 350°F (175°C) for 10-13 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.(Naomi\’s Recipes)
FAQs
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Yes, I can assemble the bites and refrigerate or freeze them before baking. This makes them convenient for parties or events.(Delectable Recipe)
What can I use instead of phyllo tart shells?
If phyllo tart shells are unavailable, I can use mini pie crusts or wonton wrappers as suitable alternatives.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, I replace the ground beef with a mixture of black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers.(Naomi\’s Recipes)
Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Absolutely, I can use homemade taco seasoning to control the spice level and ingredients.
How do I prevent the tart shells from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, I ensure the beef mixture is well-drained and fill the tart shells just before baking.(Naomi\’s Recipes)
Conclusion
Taco Ranch Bites are a flavorful and versatile appetizer that I can prepare quickly and customize to suit various tastes. Whether I’m hosting a party or looking for a tasty snack, these bites are sure to impress.
PrintTaco Ranch Bites
Taco Ranch Bites are bite-sized Tex-Mex appetizers featuring seasoned ground beef, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chiles, creamy ranch dressing, and melted cheddar cheese served in crispy phyllo tart shells. Perfect for parties or game days, these easy-to-make bites are versatile and customizable without using pork.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 75 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 oz packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bottle (8 oz) ranch dressing
- 5 packs (15-count each) frozen phyllo tart shells
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles. Cook for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef mixture with shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing until well combined.
- Spoon the mixture into the frozen phyllo tart shells, filling each generously.
- Place the filled tart shells on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and shells are golden brown.
Notes
- Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze unbaked filled tart shells on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat frozen bites at 350°F (175°C) for 10-13 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with a mixture of black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers.
- To avoid soggy shells, ensure beef mixture is well-drained and fill tart shells just before baking.
- Use mini pie crusts or wonton wrappers as alternatives if phyllo tart shells are unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: Approximately 70
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
