why make this recipe
These Party Bites bring warm, cheesy, spicy flavor in a small shell. They cook fast and fit many hands at a party. If you like quick finger food, try this idea and also look at a sweet snack like strawberry crunch cheesecake bites for a dessert to balance the meal.
introduction
This recipe uses ground beef, taco spice, tomatoes with chiles, cheese, ranch, and small phyllo shells. It is easy to make and fills a tray quickly. For another small-bite idea, see a simple strawberry cheesecake bite recipe to serve after the savory snacks.
how to make Party Bites
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook ground beef in a skillet until no longer pink. Drain fat.
- Add taco seasoning and the canned tomatoes with green chiles to the beef. Cook 5 minutes more.
- In a bowl, mix shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing. Add the cooked taco meat and stir to combine.
- Spoon the mixture into frozen phyllo tart shells.
- Bake 8-10 minutes if thawed, or 10-13 minutes if still frozen, until shells are hot and cheese melts.
For a shorter prep, you can cook the beef ahead and reheat, which speeds the fill-and-bake step and matches other quick bites like other party-sized treats.
Ingredients :
- 1 pound lean ground beef.
- 1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning.
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
- 1 bottle (8 oz) ranch dressing.
- 5 packages (15 count each) frozen phyllo tart shells.
Directions :
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook ground beef in skillet until no longer pink. Drain fat.
- Add taco seasoning, tomatoes and chiles to beef. Cook 5 minutes more.
- In bowl, combine cheese and ranch dressing. Add cooked taco meat and mix.
- Spoon mixture into frozen phyllo shells.
- Bake 8-10 minutes, or 10-13 minutes if frozen.
how to serve Party Bites
Serve warm on a platter. Add small toothpicks so guests can grab them fast. You can also put a bowl of extra ranch or salsa nearby for dipping. For a varied table, pair with cold sweet bites like cheesecake-flavored mini bites so guests have both sweet and savory options.
how to store Party Bites
Cool the bites to room temperature. Place in an airtight container. Store in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes or until hot. Do not leave at room temperature more than two hours.
tips to make Party Bites
- Drain the beef well so the shells do not get soggy.
- Fill shells gently; do not overpack.
- If you want extra crisp, bake a few minutes longer and watch closely.
- Make the meat mix a day ahead to save time the day of the party.
variation (if any)
- Swap beef for cooked shredded chicken and use taco seasoning for a lighter bite.
- Mix in chopped jalapeño for more heat.
- Use cream cheese instead of ranch for a tangy, thicker filling.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
A: Yes. Use cooked lentils or a plant-based ground beef substitute and follow the same steps.
Q: Can I freeze the filled shells before baking?
A: You can freeze them, but bake from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Q: How many Party Bites does this recipe make?
A: It depends on shell count, but with five 15-count packages you may get about 75 bites total.
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Yes. Pepper jack adds spice, and Monterey Jack melts nicely.
Conclusion
These Party Bites are an easy and tasty party snack you can make fast. For local catering ideas and event space that fit a party serving like this, consider Party Bites Kitchen & Catering and Event Space for more event help. For a different take with hatch chiles and extra cheese, see the simple recipe notes at Hatch Chile Party Bites & A Cheesy Miracle.
Party Bites
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 oz taco seasoning 1 package
- 10 oz diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained 1 can
Cheesy Filling
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz ranch dressing 1 bottle
Shells
- 75 pieces frozen phyllo tart shells 5 packages of 15 count each
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook ground beef in a skillet until no longer pink. Drain fat.
- Add taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with chiles to the beef. Cook for 5 minutes more.
- In a bowl, mix shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing. Add the cooked taco meat and stir to combine.
- Spoon the mixture into frozen phyllo tart shells.
Cooking
- Bake for 8-10 minutes if shells are thawed, or 10-13 minutes if still frozen, until shells are hot and cheese melts.
