Description
These deliciously crispy, cheesy, and flavorful bites are not only easy to make but also perfect for a wide variety of occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, with juices
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 bottle (8 oz) ranch dressing
- 5 packages (15 count each) frozen phyllo cup shells
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, add the lean ground beef and cook it over medium heat. You want the beef to brown evenly and release any excess fat. Once browned, make sure to drain the fat to keep your Taco Ranch Bites from becoming greasy.
- Once your beef is perfectly browned, add the taco seasoning mix into the skillet along with the can of diced tomatoes (including all the juices). Stir everything together, making sure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes so that the flavors meld beautifully…
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated sharp cheddar cheese and ranch dressing. This mixture will create a creamy and flavorful filling for your bites. Stir well to ensure the cheese is coated with the ranch dressing.
- Now, carefully add the seasoned beef mixture to the bowl with the cheese and ranch. Stir everything together until well combined. You’re looking for a consistent mixture that captures all of the robust taco flavors.
- Using a spoon, fill each of the phyllo cup shells with the beef and cheese filling. Be generous but make sure not to overfill them, as they need space to expand while baking.
- Place the filled phyllo cups onto a baking sheet and pop them into your preheated oven. Bake for 10–13 minutes if the shells are frozen, or 8–10 minutes if they were thawed prior. Keep an eye on them until the filling is hot and the shells are golden brown…
Notes
Phyllo shells do not require thawing before baking; they go directly from the freezer to the oven. You can freeze the unbaked bites for up to a month, then bake them straight from the freezer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Protein: 3 g