Taco Ranch Bites (Print Format)

Bite-sized phyllo cups filled with seasoned taco meat, cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing for the perfect party appetizer.

# Ingredients:

→ Main filling ingredients

01 - 1 pound lean ground beef
02 - 1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
03 - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, with juices
04 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
05 - 1 bottle (8 oz) ranch dressing

→ For serving

06 - 5 packages (15 count each) frozen phyllo cup shells

# Steps:

01 - Get your oven nice and hot at 350°F so it's ready to go when your delicious bites are assembled.
02 - In a large skillet, brown your ground beef over medium heat until it's fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat that accumulates - nobody wants greasy bites!
03 - Stir in your taco seasoning mix and the diced tomatoes with green chiles, including all those flavorful juices. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully.
04 - In a large bowl, mix together your grated cheddar cheese and ranch dressing until well combined. Add your seasoned taco meat and stir everything together until you have a deliciously creamy, cheesy mixture.
05 - Place a generous dollop of your taco ranch mixture into each frozen phyllo shell - don't worry about thawing them first, they work perfectly straight from the freezer!
06 - Pop them in the oven for 8-10 minutes if using thawed shells, or 10-13 minutes if they're still frozen, until the filling is hot and bubbly and the shells are golden and crispy.
07 - Let them cool for just a minute or two, then serve these irresistible bites while they're still warm. Watch them disappear fast at your next party or gathering!

# Tips:

01 - These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for parties, game day, or any time you want something delicious that's easy to eat with one hand.
02 - You can make these completely ahead of time and freeze them before baking - just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
03 - Don't bother thawing the phyllo shells before filling them - they work perfectly straight from the freezer and won't get soggy.
04 - Try customizing the filling with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
05 - These make about 75 bite-sized appetizers, perfect for feeding a crowd or having plenty for leftovers.

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