Taco Ranch Bites (Printable Version)

Crispy phyllo cups loaded with taco-seasoned beef, creamy ranch, and melted cheese for the ultimate party appetizer.

# What You Need:

→ Meat Filling

01 - 1/2 pound ground beef
02 - 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Ranch Mixture

05 - 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
06 - 2 tablespoons ranch dressing

→ Cheese & Toppings

07 - 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
08 - 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
09 - 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
10 - 2 tablespoons sliced black olives (optional)

→ Base

11 - 24 mini phyllo shells or scoop-shaped tortilla chips

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F.
02 - In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned and crumbly, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat.
03 - Stir in taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
04 - In a bowl, mix the cream cheese and ranch dressing until smooth. Fold in the cooked beef.
05 - Arrange phyllo shells or tortilla scoops on a baking sheet. Fill each with a spoonful of the beef-ranch mixture.
06 - Top each bite with shredded cheddar cheese.
07 - Bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Remove from oven and garnish with green onions, diced tomatoes, and olives as desired. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything you love about tacos in one adorable, popable bite that nobody can resist
  • The creamy ranch mixture balances the seasoned beef perfectly, no extra condiments needed
  • Ready in under 40 minutes but tastes like you spent way more effort on them
02 -
  • Let the beef cool for at least 5 minutes before mixing with the cream cheese or the heat will separate your creamy mixture
  • Phyllo shells can get soggy if they sit too long with filling, so bake them within 30 minutes of assembly
  • Use room temperature cream cheese or you will fight impossible lumps in the ranch base
03 -
  • Place a layer of paper towels under your cooling rack to catch any cheese drips and keep your counter clean
  • Set out a small bowl of salsa and guacamole on the side for dipping, even though the bites are perfect on their own

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