Description
Succulent Taco Ranch Bites deliver a flavor explosion of zesty Mexican-inspired ingredients nestled in crisp tortilla cups. Quick and irresistible party appetizers promise to elevate gatherings with their bold, creamy ranch-infused charm you’ll absolutely crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 250 g (½ pound) ground beef or turkey
- 1 package (250 g) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 100 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons water
- 60 g (¼ cup) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Green onions
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium flame and thoroughly cook the ground meat until no pink remains, draining any accumulated fat.
- Introduce taco seasoning to the meat, stirring vigorously to distribute evenly and create a robust flavor profile.
- Reduce skillet temperature and fold in cream cheese, ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar, creating a creamy, cohesive filling mixture.
- Preheat oven to 190C and generously grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Carefully separate crescent roll dough and slice into 24 precise squares, ensuring uniform size for consistent cooking.
- Gently press each dough square into muffin tin cavities, forming delicate pastry vessels with slightly raised edges.
- Meticulously spoon meat mixture into each prepared dough cup, filling approximately 3/4 full to prevent overflow.
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese atop each bite, creating a golden, melted topping.
- Slide muffin tin into preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until pastry turns a rich golden brown and cheese bubbles enticingly.
- Remove from oven and allow bites to rest for 2-3 minutes, facilitating easier removal from tin.
- Garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or chopped green onions for added freshness and texture.
Notes
- Customize meat selection by using ground chicken or plant-based crumbles for dietary variations.
- Ensure even cooking by draining excess fat completely from the meat to prevent soggy pastry bottoms.
- Prevent dough from sticking by lightly spraying the mini muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray before pressing in the dough squares.
- Control spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning amount or using a mild version for sensitive palates.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg