Name: Taco Ranch Bites with Cheddar and Green Chiles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 oz taco seasoning; 1 can diced tomatoes and green chiles (10 oz, undrained); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend); 1 bottle ranch dressing (8 oz, or chipotle ranch for extra kick); 5 packages frozen phyllo tart shells (15 count each, keep frozen until ready to bake)

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Introduction

These delicious Taco Ranch Bites are the perfect party appetizer, combining a zesty beef filling with creamy ranch and melty cheese inside crisp phyllo shells. Easy to prepare and crowd-pleasing, they bring bold Tex-Mex flavors in every bite.

The image shows small pasta cups filled with cooked ground meat at the bottom layer, topped with melted cheddar cheese in bright yellow-orange color that softly drapes over the meat. On top of the cheese, there are small diced red tomato pieces and fresh green herb leaves scattered throughout. The pasta cups have a pale yellow color with a wavy, ruffled edge and are arranged closely together inside a round white dish. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 oz taco seasoning
1 can diced tomatoes and green chiles (10 oz, undrained)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (aged cheddar or Mexican blend recommended)
1 bottle ranch dressing (8 oz, chipotle ranch optional for extra kick)
5 packages frozen phyllo tart shells (15 count each, keep frozen until ready to bake)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and allow it to fully warm while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning and the undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheese and ranch dressing. Fold the seasoned beef mixture into this blend until fully coated.
Step 5: Spoon the filling evenly into the frozen phyllo tart shells, distributing it carefully to fill each shell.
Step 6: Arrange the filled tart shells on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes if the shells are thawed, or 10-13 minutes if still frozen, until the filling is hot and cheese is melted.

Tips & Variations

For extra spice, use chipotle ranch dressing or add a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Swap cheddar for a Mexican cheese blend for a more authentic flavor.
Fill the tart shells just before baking to keep phyllo crisp.
Add fresh chopped cilantro or sliced jalapeños on top after baking for garnish.

Storage

Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. These bites are best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen, increasing cook time slightly.

How to Serve

Small taco cups are shown filled with crumbled meat in a light golden shell with ruffled edges. Each cup has a layer of melted bright orange cheese on top of the meat, followed by diced red tomatoes and small green herb leaves sprinkled on top. The cups are closely arranged in a white marbled bowl that is round and slightly deep. The focus is on the front cups, showing the texture and colors clearly, while the background cups are softly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just fill the tart shells and bake them when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of phyllo tart shells?

If you can’t find phyllo tart shells, mini tortilla cups or small pastry shells work well as alternatives.