Here’s a delicious Taco Ranch Bites recipe that’s perfect for parties, game day, or a fun family snack. These are flavorful, cheesy, and super easy to make.
🌮 Taco Ranch Bites Recipe
✅ Ingredients
For the Filling:
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1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
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1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt)
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1/2 cup water
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1/4 cup ranch dressing
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)
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1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
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2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional)
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1 small can diced green chiles (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Base:
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1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough or biscuit dough
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Non-stick cooking spray or a little oil
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Muffin tin (mini or regular size)
🧑🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Lightly grease a muffin tin with non-stick spray.
2. Cook the Meat
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Add taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water. Simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes).
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Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Mix the Filling
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In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked taco meat, ranch dressing, cream cheese, shredded cheese, and green onions/chiles if using.
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Stir until fully mixed. The filling should be creamy and thick.
4. Prepare the Dough
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Roll out the crescent dough and separate into triangles (or flatten biscuit dough slightly).
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Cut into squares or rounds (large enough to press into the muffin tin cups).
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Press dough pieces into each muffin cup, gently molding them to form little “cups.”
5. Assemble the Bites
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Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the taco-ranch filling into each dough cup.
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Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top if desired.
6. Bake
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Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
7. Serve
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Let cool for a couple of minutes before removing from the muffin tin.
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Serve warm with optional garnishes: sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro, or jalapeño slices.
📝 Tips & Variations
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Use rotisserie chicken instead of ground meat for a quicker version.
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Add black beans or corn to the filling for more texture and flavor.
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For a spicier bite, mix in chipotle sauce or hot sauce into the filling.
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Use a mini muffin pan for bite-sized appetizers.