Description

These irresistible Taco Ranch Bites combine seasoned ground beef, creamy ranch dressing, and melty cheese in crispy tortilla bundles. Perfect for parties, game days, or a fun family dinner, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast! Make ahead and customize with your favorite toppings for an appetizer everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
¾ cup ranch dressing (plus extra for dipping)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
12 small flour tortillas (about 6 inches each)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks (about 5-6 minutes). Drain excess fat.
Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat, add ⅓ cup water, stir to combine, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup ranch dressing. Allow to cool slightly.
Lay tortillas flat on a clean surface. Brush each lightly with melted butter, then sprinkle with garlic powder and chili powder.
Place approximately 2 tablespoons of meat mixture in a line down the center of each tortilla. Top with a generous pinch of both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
Fold in the sides of each tortilla, then roll up tightly like a burrito. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 12-14 minutes, until tortillas are golden brown and cheese is melted.
Let rest for 2-3 minutes, then slice each roll into 3-4 bite-sized pieces. Arrange on a platter, sprinkle with cilantro if desired, and serve with extra ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

For crispier rolls, make sure your tortillas are completely dry before brushing with butter.
To make ahead: Prepare the meat mixture up to 2 days in advance and store refrigerated. Assemble completely and refrigerate, unbaked, for up to 24 hours, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Customize with different proteins like shredded chicken or beans for a vegetarian option.
For spicier bites, add diced jalapeños to the filling or use pepper jack cheese.
Try the “Form Variations” section in the article for different serving styles like cups or quesadillas!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 pieces
Calories: 320
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 590mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: taco ranch bites, party appetizers, taco roll ups, ranch taco cups, Mexican appetizers, game day food, easy party food, cheesy taco bites, ground beef appetizers, make ahead appetizers