Description
Taco Ranch Bites are a flavorful appetizer combining seasoned ground beef with taco and ranch seasonings, served on crunchy mini tortilla scoops with melted cheese, fresh tomatoes, and cilantro. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, these bite-sized treats are quick to prepare and full of Tex-Mex deliciousness.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning (or ranch dressing mix)
- 1/4 cup water
Assembly
- 24 mini tortilla scoop chips (e.g. Tostitos Scoops)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
To Serve
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat to keep the filling flavorful but not greasy.
- Season: Add the taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, and water to the skillet with the beef. Stir well to evenly coat the meat, then allow the mixture to simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, intensifying the flavors.
- Assemble the Bites: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the mini tortilla scoop chips evenly on a baking tray. Spoon the seasoned beef carefully into each tortilla scoop, then add a sprinkle of diced tomatoes and top with shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese for a cheesy finish.
- Bake: Place the baking tray in the oven and bake for 5–7 minutes until the cheese melts completely and starts to bubble, melding all the flavors together.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the tray from the oven and garnish each bite with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve them warm accompanied by sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for dipping or topping according to your preference.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to minimize excess fat and calories.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Make sure to drain the beef well to prevent soggy chips.
- You can substitute the ranch seasoning with ranch dressing for a creamier texture if desired.
- These bite-sized snacks are best served fresh and warm to enjoy the melted cheese and crisp chips.
