Taco-trained Beef Party Bites in Phyllo Shells Recipe
Introduction
These Party Bites are the perfect savory snack for any gathering. Packed with seasoned beef, cheese, and a creamy ranch twist, they’re easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

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
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain the excess fat.
- Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning and the undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing flavors to combine.
- Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing. Then add the cooked beef mixture and stir until well blended.
- Step 5: Spoon the beef and cheese mixture evenly into the frozen phyllo tart shells.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes if the shells are thawed, or 10 to 13 minutes if still frozen, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of cumin or chili powder to the beef while cooking.
- Try swapping cheddar cheese for pepper jack for a bit of heat.
- Serve with salsa or guacamole for a tasty dipping option.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with cooked black beans or lentils.
Storage
Store any leftover Party Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until warmed through, or microwave for 30–45 seconds.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these Party Bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bites a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated before baking. Just bake them fresh before serving.
Can I use different tart shells instead of phyllo?
Absolutely. Mini pastry shells, wonton wrappers, or even small tortilla cups can work well as substitutes.
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Taco-trained Beef Party Bites in Phyllo Shells Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 75 tart shells (5 packages x 15 shells each) 1x
Description
These Party Bites are a delicious, easy-to-make appetizer featuring seasoned ground beef mixed with cheddar cheese and ranch dressing, all served in crisp frozen phyllo tart shells. Perfect for gatherings, these bite-sized treats combine savory and tangy flavors baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bottle (8 oz) ranch dressing
Base
- 5 packages (15 count each) frozen phyllo tart shells
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the party bites.
- Cook Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat to keep the bites from becoming greasy.
- Season: Stir in the taco seasoning and the diced tomatoes with green chiles (including the juice) to the beef mixture. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken slightly.
- Mix: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing thoroughly. Then add the cooked taco beef mixture to this bowl and mix everything well until combined.
- Fill: Spoon the combined mixture evenly into the frozen phyllo tart shells, distributing enough filling to just fill each shell.
- Bake: Place the filled tart shells on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes if the shells are thawed, or 10 to 13 minutes if still frozen. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tart shells are lightly golden.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For spicier party bites, add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Make sure to drain the beef well to avoid soggy tart shells.
- These bites are best served warm but can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes.
- Phyllo tart shells can be found in the frozen section of most grocery stores and do not need to be pre-baked before filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Party Bites, phyllo tart shells, ground beef appetizer, taco seasoned, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing appetizer, easy entertaining food

