Bite-sized phyllo cups filled with seasoned taco meat, cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing for the perfect party appetizer.
Ingredients
→ Main filling ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, with juices
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 bottle (8 oz) ranch dressing
→ For serving
5 packages (15 count each) frozen phyllo cup shells
Steps
Get your oven nice and hot at 350°F so it’s ready to go when your delicious bites are assembled.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
- 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.
- You can make these completely ahead of time and freeze them before baking – just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Don’t bother thawing the phyllo shells before filling them – they work perfectly straight from the freezer and won’t get soggy.
- Try customizing the filling with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- These make about 75 bite-sized appetizers, perfect for feeding a crowd or having plenty for leftovers.
Required Tools
- Large skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheets
- Small spoon for filling
Allergy Information
Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
