Description
Taco Ranch Bites combine seasoned ground beef, creamy ranch dressing, spicy tomatoes, melted cheddar, and crisp miniature phyllo shells. These easy bite-sized appetizers are ideal for game day, potlucks, holiday parties, and casual family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
- 10 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 1/2 cup prepared ranch dressing
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 30 frozen miniature phyllo shells
- Sour cream, optional garnish
- Fresh cilantro leaves, optional garnish
- Sliced green onions, optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Arrange the frozen miniature phyllo shells in a mini muffin pan or closely together on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon.
- Cook the beef for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until no pink remains.
- Drain the excess fat, then return the skillet to the heat.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and stir for 1 minute so the spices coat the meat evenly.
- Add the undrained diced tomatoes and green chiles. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid evaporates and the mixture thickens.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the beef mixture cool for about 5 minutes.
- Stir the ranch dressing and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the cooled beef mixture.
- Spoon the filling into the miniature phyllo shells without overfilling them.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tops.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cheese melts and the phyllo shell edges turn golden.
- Let the bites cool for 3 to 4 minutes, then garnish with sour cream, cilantro, or sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Drain the cooked beef well so excess grease does not soften the phyllo shells.
- Simmer the tomato mixture until thick to prevent soggy bottoms.
- Let the beef cool slightly before adding the ranch dressing and cheese.
- Prepare the beef filling up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container.
- Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 7 to 9 minutes or in a 325°F air fryer for about 4 minutes.
- Nutrition values are estimated per serving of 3 bites.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 bites
- Calories: 262
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 760
- Fat: 19
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 55