These Taco Ranch Bites are tiny flavor bombs! With crispy tortilla shells filled with seasoned beef, cheese, and a tasty ranch sauce, they’re perfect for snacking.
It’s hard to stop at just one! I love serving them at parties because they’re super easy to grab. Plus, who doesn’t love a little taco goodness in a bite-sized form? 🌮✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A classic, but you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you prefer. I often use turkey for a leaner option!
Taco Seasoning: If you don’t have a packet, make your own by mixing cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. It’s fresh and you can adjust it to your taste.
Wonton Wrappers: These create a crispy cup, but corn tortillas cut into circles and baked can also work. Just keep an eye on baking time since they might cook faster!
Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to, but Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend adds a nice twist. Use dairy-free cheese if you need to keep it vegan.
Sour Cream or Ranch Dressing: If you’re avoiding dairy, try using Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative. They both offer a nice tang!
How Do You Make Perfectly Crispy Wonton Cups?
Getting those wonton wrappers just right is key. Follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven and grease the muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Press the wrappers firmly into the tin so they hold their shape.
- Watch them closely while baking; you want them crisp but not browned, about 5-7 minutes. This will give them a nice structure for holding fillings!
Once they are crispy, they’re ready to fill with the seasoned beef and cheese. Baking them again after filling helps everything melt together wonderfully!
How to Make Taco Ranch Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
For the Shell:
- 12 wonton wrappers
For the Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup sour cream or ranch dressing
For Greasing:
- Cooking spray or oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes for cooking, with a total time of about 30-35 minutes. You’ll spend a little time browning the beef and preparing the wonton cups, then simply bake and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grab a muffin tin and lightly grease it with some cooking spray or oil. This prevents the wonton cups from sticking.
2. Bake the Wonton Wrappers:
Take each wonton wrapper and gently press it down into the muffin tin cups to create small cup shapes. Try to keep them well-shaped! Bake these in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes until they start to crisp but aren’t browned—just perfect for holding all that delicious filling.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
In the meantime, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook it, stirring often, until it’s browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease to keep your bites from being too greasy.
4. Add Taco Seasoning:
Next, stir in the taco seasoning mix according to the packet’s instructions. Usually, you’ll need to add some water and simmer for a few minutes until it thickens up nicely. This is where all the flavor comes from!
5. Assemble the Bites:
Now it’s time to fill those wonton cups! Spoon a small amount of your seasoned beef mixture into each baked cup, being careful not to overfill. You want room for the cheese, too!
6. Add the Cheese:
Top each filled cup with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. The more, the merrier in my opinion!
7. Bake Again:
Pop the filled and topped cups back into the oven for another 5-8 minutes. This will help the cheese melt beautifully and bubble up for extra deliciousness.
8. Final Touches:
After removing them from the oven, let them cool a bit. Then, top each bite with a dollop of sour cream or ranch dressing, some diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. It’s all about those fresh toppings!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, it’s time to serve these tasty Taco Ranch Bites warm and enjoy every delicious, cheesy bite!
These Taco Ranch Bites are perfect for game day, parties, or just a fun family dinner. They’re easy to make and pack all the favorite taco flavors into a crunchy, cheesy package. Enjoy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works just as well and makes for a leaner option. Just cook it the same way as you would the beef, following the same instructions for seasoning.
What Can I Substitute for Wonton Wrappers?
If you can’t find wonton wrappers, you can use small corn tortillas instead! Simply cut them into circles and bake them in the muffin tin to form cups. Just keep an eye on the baking time as they might cook faster.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven briefly until warmed through, or use the microwave, but be mindful as the wontons may soften.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and bake the wonton cups in advance. Just fill and top them right before baking if you want them fresh out of the oven. This makes for quick and easy entertaining!
