Introduction

Taco Ranch Bites are a delightful appetizer combining seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and creamy Ranch dressing all nestled in crispy phyllo tart shells. They’re perfect for parties or easy snacking and pack a flavorful punch with minimal effort.

The image shows several small crispy cups made from golden-brown, thin pastry sheets, each filled with a dark red-brown minced meat mixture that looks soft and slightly chunky. On top of some cups, there is a small dollop of white sauce and a sprinkle of fresh green chopped herbs. The cups are placed on a colorful, patterned plate with blue, green, red, and white designs. In the foreground, there is a bright green lime cut in half, positioned on the plate. The background has a soft, out-of-focus look. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef, preferably lean
1 oz packet taco seasoning, premium brand

1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, preferably aged for richer flavor

8 oz bottle premium Ranch dressing
5 packs of 15-count frozen phyllo tart shells

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning packet, then add the undrained can of diced tomatoes and green chiles. Mix well and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes before removing it from heat.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and Ranch dressing until evenly mixed. Then fold this cheese and Ranch mixture into the cooked taco meat.
Step 5: Carefully spoon the taco meat mixture into the frozen phyllo tart shells, filling each one generously. If you plan to freeze them for later use, arrange the filled tarts on a baking sheet now.
Step 6: Bake the filled tarts in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. If baking from frozen, extend the baking time by 2-3 minutes to ensure they are heated through thoroughly.

Tips & Variations

For added freshness, garnish the baked bites with chopped cilantro or sliced green onions before serving.
Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Add a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture if you prefer extra heat.

Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy twist.
If phyllo shells are unavailable, mini tart or tartlet shells can be a suitable substitute.

Storage

Store any leftover Taco Ranch Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350ºF for about 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. You can also freeze assembled but unbaked tart shells; bake directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How to Serve

The image shows several small cups made from crispy, golden-brown filo dough with slightly burnt edges, each filled with a layer of chunky, dark brown cooked meat mixed with reddish sauce, topped with a small dollop of white cream and garnished with bright green chopped herbs. The cups are closely placed on a patterned white plate with red, black, and green decorative designs. A wedge of light yellow lemon with some green leaves is placed among the cups. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the tart shells with the filling and freeze them before baking. When ready, bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Are phyllo tart shells difficult to work with?

Frozen phyllo tart shells are usually pre-formed and easy to use—simply fill and bake without any delicate handling. Just be sure not to thaw them before filling to maintain their crisp texture after baking.