Description
Savory Taco Ranch Bites deliver a flavor explosion that perfectly blends zesty Mexican spices with creamy ranch dressing. Quick and easy appetizers promise to delight guests with their irresistible combination of crispy tortilla cups and bold, tangy fillings you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Dairy and Seasonings:
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Binding and Base:
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef with taco seasoning, thoroughly mixing until the meat is evenly coated with spices.
- Add ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, eggs, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the seasoned meat.
- Gently fold and mix all ingredients until well incorporated, being careful not to overwork the mixture to maintain a tender texture.
- Use clean hands or a small scoop to form compact, golf ball-sized bites, placing them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the bites are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Remove from the oven and let the bites rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and enhance flavor.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with additional chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve hot with extra ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game day snack.
Notes
- Customize the taco ranch bites for different dietary needs by substituting ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative to suit various preferences.
- Enhance the moisture and flavor by adding a small amount of finely diced jalapeños or bell peppers to the meat mixture for an extra kick of taste and texture.
- Prevent dry bites by avoiding overmixing the ingredients and using a light touch when forming the meatballs, which helps maintain a tender and juicy interior.
- Maximize make-ahead convenience by preparing the mixture in advance and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking, allowing flavors to meld and develop more depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 412
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 859 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 92 mg