Ingredients
Gathering the ingredients for Taco Ranch Bites is as easy as a stroll through your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 package wonton wrappers (about 24 wrappers)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: 1 jalapeño, finely diced for an extra kick
If you’re aiming for a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. For a vegetarian twist, swap the meat for black beans or lentils. The goal is to make these bites your own, just as I learned from my grandmother, who never shied away from adapting recipes to fit our family’s tastes.
Instructions
Ready to bring these bites to life? Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a muffin tin with olive oil.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning mix to the beef, along with 1/4 cup of water. Stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the seasoning is well incorporated.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Stir in the cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, and green onions.
- Place a wonton wrapper in each muffin cup, pressing gently to form a cup shape.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the beef mixture into each wonton cup.
- If you’re using jalapeños, sprinkle them over the top for an extra spicy kick.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the wonton wrappers are golden brown and crispy.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm for the best flavor experience.
Cooking these bites reminds me of helping my abuela in the kitchen, where attention to detail and love were the most important ingredients. It’s a feeling I hope you’ll experience too.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International