Taco Ranch Bites
These bite-sized Taco Ranch Bites are a crowd-pleasing appetizer loaded with seasoned taco meat, tangy ranch dressing, and melted cheddar cheese, all served in crispy phyllo tart shells. Perfect for parties, game days, or a quick snack, they’re easy to make and packed with flavor!
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef preferably lean
- 1 oz packet taco seasoning
- 1 can 10 oz diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese preferably aged for richer flavor
- 8 oz bottle Ranch dressing
- 5 packs of 15-count frozen phyllo tart shells
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the Meat: Stir in the taco seasoning and the undrained can of diced tomatoes and green chiles. Mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese with the Ranch dressing. Add this mixture to the cooked taco meat and stir until well blended.
- Assemble the Tarts: Spoon the taco meat mixture into the frozen phyllo tart shells. If freezing for later, freeze at this stage before baking.
- Bake: Arrange the filled tart shells on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until heated through. If baking from frozen, increase the time by 2–3 minutes.
- Serve: Let the tarts cool slightly before serving. For added garnish, top with sour cream, chopped cilantro, or diced green onions, if desired.
Notes
Make Ahead: These tarts can be frozen before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
Garnish Options: Try topping with sour cream, a sprinkle of cilantro, or diced green onions for an extra flavor boost.
Handle with Care: Phyllo tart shells are delicate, so fill them gently to avoid breakage.
Garnish Options: Try topping with sour cream, a sprinkle of cilantro, or diced green onions for an extra flavor boost.
Handle with Care: Phyllo tart shells are delicate, so fill them gently to avoid breakage.