Taco Ranch Bites
Party snack? Game day food? Random Tuesday because you have ground beef in the fridge? Yes to all three. These little Taco Ranch Bites are one of those recipes I keep coming back to because they are just so stupidly simple and everyone loves them.
There is taco seasoning and there is ranch seasoning and together they do something really good. Serve them warm with sour cream and salsa on the side and watch them disappear.
Ingredients
Makes about 24 bites and that is never enough honestly.
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning (the dry packet, not the liquid kind)
- 1/4 cup water
- 24 mini tortilla scoop chips, I use Tostitos Scoops
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped up
Optional toppings:
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa
How to Do It
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Put your skillet on the stove and turn it to medium heat. Add the ground beef in there. Break it up while it cooks, it takes maybe 7 or 8 minutes. No pink should be left when it is done. Drain the fat off after, this part is important so the bites are not greasy.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings
Both seasonings go in now, plus the water. Stir it all around so the meat gets coated. Let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens up a little. The water will mostly soak in. Smells really really good at this point.
Step 3: Get Your Bites Ready to Bake
Turn your oven on to 350°F (175°C). Line your chips up on a baking tray while the oven heats. The scoop shape is what makes these work so do not swap them for flat chips.
Put a small spoon of meat into each one. Add some tomato pieces and then cheese on top. Not too much filling or it spills everywhere.
Step 4: Bake
Put the tray in the oven. Five to seven minutes is all it needs. You just want the cheese melted and a little bubbly, that is the sign they are ready. The chips can get a burnt taste if you leave them too long so watch them close. First time making these, stay near the oven.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches and Serve
Take them out and put cilantro on top right away. Warm is how you want to serve these, do not wait. Set out little bowls of sour cream, salsa, and guacamole on the side.
People can pick what they want. Someone always hates one of the three so it is good to have all of them out.
Taco Ranch Bites
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450 g ground beef
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning or ranch dressing mix
- 1/4 cup water
- 24 mini tortilla scoop chips e.g. Tostitos Scoops
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 small tomato diced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Optional toppings:
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, and water to the skillet. Stir to coat and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tortilla scoop chips on a baking tray. Fill each with a spoonful of seasoned beef, diced tomatoes and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top with chopped cilantro. Serve warm with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side.
