Taco Ranch Bites Recipe
Introduction
Taco Ranch Bites are flavorful mini taco cups that make the perfect portable snack. They combine seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a delicious game day treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 12 wonton wrappers
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through, then drain any excess fat.
- Step 3: Stir in the packet of taco seasoning according to the package instructions, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Press each wonton wrapper gently into the cups of a muffin tin, forming little cups.
- Step 5: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly into each wonton cup.
- Step 6: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over each beef-filled cup.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, until the wonton edges are crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Step 8: Remove from the oven and drizzle ranch dressing on top of each bite before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra crunch, add some chopped green onions or jalapeños on top before baking.
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Try using a flavored ranch dressing for a twist in taste.
- Serve with salsa or guacamole on the side for added flavor options.
Storage
Store leftover Taco Ranch Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep the wontons crispy. Avoid microwaving as it may make the wrappers soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the taco cups and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Baking just before serving ensures the best texture.
What can I use instead of wonton wrappers?
If you don’t have wonton wrappers, small tortilla rounds or phyllo dough cups can be good substitutes to hold the filling.
Print
Taco Ranch Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites 1x
Description
Taco Ranch Bites are flavorful, bite-sized snacks that capture the essence of tacos in a convenient, portable form. Perfect for game day or any casual gathering, these mini taco cups combine seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of ranch dressing all baked inside crispy wonton wrappers.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Assembly
- 12 wonton wrappers
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the taco bites.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 lb of ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease and then stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning until the meat is evenly coated and flavorful.
- Prepare Wonton Wrappers: Lightly press each wonton wrapper into the cups of a muffin tin, shaping them to form little cups ready to hold the filling.
- Fill and Top: Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture into each wonton wrapper cup, dividing it evenly among the 12 cups. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of each filled cup.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the wonton wrappers are golden and crisp and the cheese has melted.
- Serve with Ranch: Once baked, remove the taco bites from the oven and drizzle each with ranch dressing for a creamy and tangy finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to press the wonton wrappers firmly in the muffin tin to avoid any spills during baking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped onions or jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- These bites can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes; avoid microwaving to maintain crispiness.
- Use gluten-free wonton wrappers if you need a gluten-free option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: taco bites, mini tacos, appetizer, game day snack, finger food, taco cups, ranch dressing
