Description
Taco Ranch Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes with green chiles, cheddar cheese, and creamy Ranch dressing, all baked inside crispy phyllo tart shells. Perfect for parties or game day snacks, these savory bites combine classic taco flavors with a tangy twist.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 oz packet taco seasoning (premium brand)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
Cheese and Dressing
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably aged for richer flavor)
- 8 oz bottle premium Ranch dressing
Tart Shells
- 5 packs of 15-count frozen phyllo tart shells
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350ºF to prepare for baking the assembled tart shells later.
- Cook Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Drain off any excess fat to keep the mixture lean.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet until the beef is fully coated. Add the can of diced tomatoes and green chiles (undrained) and mix well. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese with the Ranch dressing. Once mixed, fold this cheesy Ranch mixture into the taco-seasoned beef until evenly combined.
- Assemble Tarts: Carefully spoon the taco meat and cheese mixture into the frozen phyllo tart shells, filling each shell evenly. At this point, if you want to store for later, freeze the filled tart shells.
- Bake: Place the filled tart shells on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. If baking from frozen, increase the time by an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure they are heated through properly. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option and less grease.
- Aged cheddar cheese brings a richer flavor but feel free to use regular cheddar if preferred.
- If freezing, bake times are slightly longer; thawing before baking is optional.
- Phyllo tart shells can be found in most grocery freezer sections.
- For a spicier version, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
