Description
Taco Ranch Bites are a fun, easy Mexican appetizer featuring crispy tortilla cups filled with spiced beef, creamy ranch, melty cheese, and fresh toppings. Perfect for parties, these bite-sized snacks are always a crowd-pleaser and can be customized for any dietary need.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred, or substitute ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1/3 cup frozen corn, thawed (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (about 2–3 stalks)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning mix (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 12 small flour tortillas (6-inch; use gluten-free if needed)
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1/2 cup diced fresh tomatoes (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Extra green onions or sliced jalapeños (for garnish)
- Sour cream or more ranch for drizzling (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.
- Use a 3.5-inch round cutter (or trace around a glass) to cut 24 circles from your tortillas.
- Press each circle into a mini muffin cup, pleating gently to fit. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
- Bake tortilla cups for 6 minutes, or until just starting to firm up. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned (about 5-6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in taco seasoning and 1/3 cup water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Add black beans, corn, red bell pepper, and green onions. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, stir together ranch dressing and dry ranch seasoning mix until smooth.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon ranch mixture into the bottom of each tortilla cup.
- Add 1 tablespoon of the taco filling to each cup, pressing down gently.
- Top with a generous pinch of cheddar and a little mozzarella.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the tortillas are golden brown.
- Let bites cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Use a butter knife to gently lift each bite out.
- Top with diced tomatoes, cilantro, extra green onions, and a drizzle of ranch or sour cream before serving.
Notes
For gluten-free, use gluten-free tortillas and seasonings. For vegetarian, substitute beef with plant-based meat or refried beans. Parbake tortilla cups for crispiness. Drain beans and corn well to avoid soggy cups. Make filling and cups ahead for easy assembly. Top with your favorite garnishes for extra flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: taco ranch bites, Mexican appetizer, party food, finger food, mini tacos, ranch, tortilla cups, easy appetizer, game day snacks, crowd pleaser