Description

Taco Ranch Bites are a delightful appetizer that combines the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef, creamy ranch dressing, and zesty tomatoes with green chiles, all nestled in crispy phyllo tart shells. They’re perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering where tasty finger foods are a must.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 lb lean ground beef
1 (1-ounce) package taco seasoning
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 (8-ounce) bottle ranch dressing
5 packages (15-count each) frozen phyllo tart shells

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
Add Seasoning and Tomatoes: Stir in the taco seasoning and the entire can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (including the liquid). Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Combine with Cheese and Dressing: In a large bowl, mix the shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing. Add the cooked beef mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
Fill Phyllo Shells: Place the frozen phyllo tart shells on a baking sheet. Spoon the beef mixture into each shell, filling them generously.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the shells are golden brown. If baking from frozen, add an additional 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Notes

Make Ahead: These bites can be assembled ahead of time and frozen. When you’re ready to serve, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Variations: Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also experiment with different cheeses or add ingredients like black beans or corn to the mixture.