Name: Taco Ranch Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 tbsp taco seasoning; 1 tbsp ranch seasoning (or ranch dressing mix); 1/4 cup water; 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; Sour cream; Guacamole; Salsa

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Introduction

Taco Ranch Bites are a fun and flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings or a tasty snack. These little tortilla scoops filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese bring a delightful mix of Tex-Mex flavors in every bite.

A white round plate holds twelve bite-sized taco cups arranged in a loose circle. Each taco cup has three main layers: a golden-brown, crispy shell forming the base with a wavy edge; inside, a layer of browned ground beef topped with melted yellow cheese creating a gooey texture; the top layer has fresh, chopped red tomatoes and finely chopped green cilantro leaves, giving a bright and fresh look. Some cups have a light drizzle of creamy white sauce with herbs, adding contrast. The plate is placed on a wooden board on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 tbsp taco seasoning
1 tbsp ranch seasoning (or ranch dressing mix)
1/4 cup water
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
Sour cream, for serving
Guacamole, for serving
Salsa, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat.
Step 2: Add the taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, and water to the skillet. Stir well to coat the beef, then let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the tortilla scoop chips on a baking tray and spoon the seasoned beef evenly into each chip. Top each with diced tomato and shredded cheese.
Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve warm with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a few drops of hot sauce to the beef mixture before baking.
Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.
Try adding black beans or corn to the beef filling for additional texture and taste.
Swap out the cheddar for pepper jack cheese if you prefer a spicy kick.

Storage

Store any leftover Taco Ranch Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to keep the chips crispy and the cheese melty. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chips soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows small crispy taco cups arranged on a white plate sitting on a wooden board with a white marbled texture underneath. Each taco cup has three layers: the bottom layer is a golden brown crispy shell shaped like a small bowl, filled with dark browned cooked meat. The middle layer has melted light yellow cheese slightly browned on top of the meat. The top layer is fresh and colorful, made of diced red tomatoes, small pieces of purple onion, and green chopped cilantro leaves. Extra cilantro leaves are scattered on the plate near the taco cups. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these Taco Ranch Bites ahead of time?

You can assemble the bites in advance and refrigerate them unbaked for a few hours before baking. Just add the fresh cilantro and sides after baking for best results.

What can I use if I don’t have ranch seasoning?

If ranch seasoning is not available, use ranch dressing mix or a blend of dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder to mimic the flavor.