Description
These Taco Ranch Bites are the perfect easy appetizer for parties, tailgating, or a quick snack! Made with seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, and crispy phyllo tart shells, they come together in just 25 minutes. Make ahead and freeze for a stress-free, crowd-pleasing dish!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (1-oz) packet taco seasoning
- 1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes & green chiles, undrained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (8-oz) bottle ranch dressing
- 5 (15-count) frozen phyllo tart shells (75 total tarts)
Instructions
Prepare the Taco Filling:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chiles.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Assemble & Bake:
- In a bowl, combine cooked taco meat, shredded cheese, and ranch dressing.
- Spoon mixture into frozen phyllo tart shells. (At this point, you can freeze them for later!)
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. (If baking from frozen, add 2-3 extra minutes.)
Notes
- Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or use spicy taco seasoning.
- Meat swap: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Cheese alternatives: Try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend cheese.
- Serving suggestion: Top with sour cream, fresh cilantro, or diced avocado before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tarts
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg