Description
Taco ranch bites merge Mexican zest with creamy ranch flavors, creating an irresistible appetizer that dance with bold spices and crisp textures. Guests will devour these portable snacks, craving each savory, cheesy morsel packed with southwestern charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Sauces:
- 1 ounce taco seasoning packet
- 8 fluid ounces ranch dressing
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
Shells and Base:
- 5 packs (15-count) frozen phyllo tart shells
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles until completely browned and no pink remains.
- Drain excess fat from the beef, then return skillet to heat and add taco seasoning and undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles.
- Simmer the meat mixture for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors thoroughly, then remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, blend shredded cheddar cheese with Ranch dressing until well combined.
- Fold the cheese-Ranch mixture into the warm taco meat, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Carefully spoon the combined mixture into frozen phyllo tart shells, filling each shell to the top without overflowing.
- Arrange filled tart shells on a baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart for consistent heating.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until shells are crisp and filling is heated through, adding 2-3 extra minutes if baking from frozen state.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or spicy taco seasoning to match personal preference.
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for healthier protein alternatives.
- Prepare tart shells ahead of time and store in freezer for quick entertaining or last-minute appetizers.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or diced jalapeños to enhance flavor complexity and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 75
- Calories: 125
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg