Taco Ranch Bites Recipe

Introduction

Taco Ranch Bites are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for parties or game day. These crispy phyllo shells filled with seasoned beef, cheddar, and ranch dressing offer a delicious blend of spicy and creamy flavors in every bite.

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 (175°C) so it’s ready when you finish assembling the bites.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and the diced tomatoes with green chiles, including all 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. Add the seasoned beef mixture and stir until well mixed and creamy.
5. Step 5: Fill each frozen phyllo cup shell with a generous scoop of the taco ranch mixture. There is no need to thaw the shells beforehand.
6. Step 6: Bake the filled cups for 8-10 minutes if the shells are thawed, or 10-13 minutes if still frozen. Bake until the filling is hot and bubbly and the shells turn golden and crisp.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the bites cool for a couple of minutes before serving warm. Enjoy these crowd-pleasing treats fresh out of the oven!

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture before filling the cups.
• Substitute cooked shredded chicken for the ground beef to create a different protein option.
• Try sprinkling some chopped fresh cilantro on top before serving for a burst of freshness.
• If you prefer, swap ranch dressing for a creamy chipotle sauce to add smoky flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover Taco Ranch Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to keep the shells crisp. Avoid microwaving as it can make the phyllo cups soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Taco Ranch Bites ahead of time?

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

Are there any vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or a meat substitute to make vegetarian Taco Ranch Bites that still deliver great flavor and texture.

Taco Ranch Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 52 reviews

Taco Ranch Bites are irresistible party appetizers featuring a creamy, cheesy taco meat filling nestled inside crispy phyllo cup shells. These easy-to-make, flavorful bites combine seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes with green chiles, sharp cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or casual snacks.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 75 bites (5 packages x 15 cups each) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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

Creamy Filling

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

Assembly

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

Instructions

1. Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your taco ranch bites are assembled.
2. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to prevent greasy bites.
3. Add the flavor: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and the entire can of diced tomatoes with green chiles, including the juices. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
4. Create the creamy mixture: In a large bowl, combine the grated sharp cheddar cheese and ranch dressing until well blended. Add the seasoned taco meat to this mixture and stir until you have a smooth, creamy filling.
5. Fill those little cups: Without thawing, place a generous dollop of the taco ranch mixture into each frozen phyllo cup shell, filling them evenly.
6. Bake until golden: Place the filled phyllo cups on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven. If using thawed shells, bake for 8-10 minutes; if frozen, bake for 10-13 minutes. Bake until the filling is hot, bubbly, and the shells turn golden and crispy.
7. Serve these crowd-pleasers: Allow the bites to cool slightly for a minute or two, then serve warm. These tasty appetizers are sure to disappear quickly at any party or gathering!

Notes

• Do not thaw phyllo cups before filling; they bake perfectly from frozen.
• Drain the cooked beef well to keep the bites from becoming greasy.
• Feel free to add jalapeños or extra spices for more heat.
• Cheddar cheese can be swapped with a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile.
• Serve with salsa or guacamole on the side for extra dipping fun.

Keywords: taco ranch bites, phyllo cup appetizers, party snacks, cheesy tacos, easy appetizers