The Ultimate Guide to Irresistible Taco Ranch Bites: Your New Go-To Appetizer
These Taco Ranch Bites are the perfect quick appetizer — crispy, cheesy, flavorful, and ready in minutes! They’re great for parties, game nights, or whenever you want a fun twist on classic tacos. The crunchy phyllo shells pair perfectly with the creamy ranch and taco-seasoned beef for a bite-sized snack everyone will love.
Ingredients
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1 lb lean ground beef
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1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
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1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes & green chiles, undrained
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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8 oz Ranch dressing
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5 packs (15-count each) frozen phyllo tart shells
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). -
Cook the Beef
In a skillet, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat. -
Season the Meat
Add taco seasoning and the entire can of tomatoes with green chiles.
Stir and simmer for 5 minutes. -
Mix the Filling
In a bowl, combine cheddar cheese and Ranch dressing.
Add this mixture to the taco beef and stir until fully combined. -
Assemble the Bites
Spoon the filling into the frozen phyllo tart shells.
(If freezing for later, freeze at this step.) -
Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until hot and lightly golden.
If baking from frozen, add 2–3 extra minutes. -
Serve Warm and enjoy!
Notes
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Use aged cheddar for a richer, sharper flavor.
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Don’t overfill the tart shells — they bake more evenly when filled level.
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Make-ahead friendly: Freeze unbaked filled shells for up to 2 months.
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Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili powder or jalapeños to the meat.
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Topping ideas: Sour cream, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.