Description
These bite-sized taco ranch snacks are perfect for parties, game days, or a fun appetizer. Loaded with seasoned taco meat, creamy ranch flavor, and topped with cheese, they’re baked to golden perfection for a delicious treat.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Filling:
- 250 g (1/2 lb) ground beef or turkey
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 2 tbsp water
- 60 g (1/4 cup) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp ranch dressing
- 100 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
For the Cups:
- 1 package (250 g) of refrigerated crescent roll dough (or puff pastry, cut into squares)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and water to the meat. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the seasoning is fully incorporated.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in the cream cheese, ranch dressing, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cups:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a mini muffin tin.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut into 24 small squares. If using puff pastry, roll it out and cut into squares slightly larger than the muffin tin openings.
- Press each square of dough into the mini muffin tin to form small cups.
- Assemble the Taco Ranch Bites:
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture into each dough cup.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of each bite.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve:
- Allow to cool for a few minutes, then carefully remove the bites from the muffin tin.
- Top with sour cream, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or green onions as desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- These bites can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes before serving.
- Substitute ground meat with black beans for a vegetarian option.