Description
Zesty taco ranch bites bring Mexican-inspired flavors dancing across your palate with unexpected charm. Crispy, creamy morsels deliver a quick flavor explosion that beckons you to savor each irresistible bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Meat:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
Dairy Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 fluid ounces (8 oz) ranch dressing
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 ounce (1 oz) taco seasoning packet
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
- 5 packs of 15-count frozen phyllo tart shells
Instructions
- Ignite the oven to a precise 350ºF, creating the perfect thermal environment for culinary transformation.
- In a robust skillet, choreograph the ground beef’s sizzling dance over medium heat, ensuring complete browning until no pink remains. Expel excess fat through thorough draining.
- Infuse the meat with vibrant taco seasoning and integrate the untamed diced tomatoes and green chiles. Allow the mixture to harmonize and simmer for 5 minutes, then gracefully remove from heat.
- Craft a creamy alliance between shredded cheddar and Ranch dressing in a separate vessel. Marry this luxurious blend with the seasoned meat, stirring until perfectly integrated.
- Delicately spoon the zesty meat mixture into crisp phyllo tart shells, transforming them into compact flavor vessels. For future enjoyment, pause the preparation at this stage and freeze.
- Strategically arrange the filled shells on a baking sheet, then slide into the heated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes until thoroughly warmed. For frozen shells, extend cooking time by 2-3 minutes.
- Allow the tarts a moment to compose themselves before serving. Optionally crown with a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or scatter of green onions for a final flourish.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier.
- Customize heat levels by choosing mild or spicy taco seasoning based on personal preference.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for different dietary needs.
- Freeze unbaked tart shells for quick meal preparation during busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg