Taco Ranch Bites with Cheddar and Green Chiles Recipe
These delicious Taco Ranch Bites are perfect party appetizers featuring a zesty ground beef filling mixed with taco seasoning, diced tomatoes and green chiles, creamy ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese, all baked in crispy phyllo tart shells for a flavorful and crowd-pleasing snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 75 bites (based on 5 packages with 15 tart shells each) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
Scale
Filling 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)
Tart Shells
- 5 packages frozen phyllo tart shells (15 count each, keep frozen until ready to bake)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to warm up while you prepare the filling.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the filling less greasy.
- Add Seasoning and Tomatoes: Stir in the taco seasoning and the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chiles. Mix thoroughly and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- Mix Cheese and Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese with ranch dressing. Fold in the cooked taco beef mixture until it’s well coated with the cheese and ranch blend.
- Fill Tart Shells: Spoon the prepared filling evenly into the frozen phyllo tart shells, distributing the mixture carefully for consistent bites.
- Bake: Arrange the filled tart shells on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes if the shells have been thawed, or 10-13 minutes if baking directly from frozen, until the cheese is melted and the shells are crisp.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use chipotle ranch dressing instead of regular ranch.
- Keep phyllo tart shells frozen until just before use to ensure a crisp texture after baking.
- You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner option.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
- These bites can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
Keywords: taco bites, ranch appetizer, phyllo tartlets, party snacks, Tex-Mex appetizers, cheesy taco bites
