Description
Succulent zesty taco ranch party bites deliver explosive Mexican-inspired flavor in compact, crowd-pleasing morsels. Crisp tortilla cups cradle spicy seasoned meat, tangy ranch drizzle, and fresh garnishes that make party guests cheer.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (preferably lean)
Main Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 ounce (28 grams) packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups (454 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (preferably aged for richer flavor)
Supplementary Ingredients:
- 1 can (10 ounces/283 grams) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
- 8 fluid ounces (237 milliliters) bottle ranch dressing
- 5 packs of 15-count frozen phyllo tart shells
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F for preparing these tantalizing mini appetizers.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet until completely cooked, eliminating any remaining fat thoroughly.
- Incorporate taco seasoning into the meat, then blend in diced tomatoes and green chiles, allowing the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes to enhance flavor complexity.
- Whisk ranch dressing with shredded cheddar cheese until smoothly integrated.
- Fold the cheese-ranch mixture into the seasoned taco meat, creating a robust and creamy filling.
- Delicately transfer the savory mixture into crisp phyllo tart shells, ensuring even distribution.
- Optional: Freeze unbaked tarts for convenient future entertaining.
- Position filled tart shells on a baking sheet, then bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
- When using frozen tarts, extend baking time by 2-3 minutes to guarantee proper heating and optimal crispness.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier protein option that keeps the zesty flavor intact.
- Use low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt instead of ranch dressing to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture and tangy taste.
- Prepare these bites ahead of time and freeze unbaked for convenient party planning or unexpected guests, saving valuable prep time.
- Consider adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat, allowing guests to customize spice levels according to their preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 346
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 849 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 54 mg