Taco Ranch Bites
These crunchy, cheesy Taco Ranch Bites pack a bold Tex-Mex flavor punch in a fun, bite-sized snack. Perfect for parties, game day, or anytime you need a quick and irresistible appetizer!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey or chicken
- 1 packet taco seasoning store-bought or homemade
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Pepper Jack for a spicy kick
- 40 tortilla scoop chips like Tostitos Scoops
- ½ cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning, ranch dressing mix, and water. Simmer on low for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
- Arrange tortilla scoop chips on the prepared baking sheet.
- Fill each chip with a spoonful of the taco-ranch beef mixture, then top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and top with diced tomatoes or pico de gallo. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions.
- Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes
To prep ahead, make the beef mixture up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture. Customize with black olives, jalapeños, or sour cream. For a faster version, layer everything in a baking dish instead of filling chips individually. Store leftover beef mixture in the fridge for up to 3 days.