Taco Ranch Bites: The Ultimate Party Snack
These Taco Ranch Bites are the ultimate party snack! With crispy phyllo tart shells filled with taco-seasoned beef, melty cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of creamy ranch, they deliver an irresistible combination of crunch, spice, and cheesy goodness. Perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or whenever you need a quick and delicious appetizer!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 75 bites (5 packs of 15 tart shells) 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes & green chilies
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 5 packs (15-count) frozen phyllo tart shells
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bottle (8 oz) ranch dressing (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange frozen phyllo tart shells on a baking sheet and set aside.
- Cook the Taco Meat:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain excess grease and stir in taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Assemble the Bites:
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the taco meat mixture into each phyllo tart shell.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each bite.
- Bake Until Golden & Melty:
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Drizzle with Ranch & Serve:
- Drizzle each taco bite with ranch dressing.
- Serve immediately and enjoy while warm!
Notes
- Use fresh shredded cheese for better melting consistency.
- Do not overfill tart shells to prevent spilling.
- Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Make the taco meat ahead of time and store it in the fridge for quick assembly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.
- To freeze, assemble the bites (without baking), freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.