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Party Bites Recipe

Party Bites Recipe

4.8 from 27 reviews

Delicious and easy-to-make Party Bites featuring seasoned ground beef, zesty tomatoes and chiles, creamy ranch dressing, and melty cheddar cheese all served in crispy phyllo tart shells. Perfect for gatherings and appetizer platters.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Mixture

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained

Dressing Mixture

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 bottle (8 oz) ranch dressing

Base

  • 5 packages (15 count each) frozen phyllo tart shells

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the assembled party bites.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of lean ground beef until it is no longer pink. Be sure to break it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain the excess fat to keep the bites from becoming greasy.
  3. Season Beef: Return the skillet with cooked beef to the stove. Add 1 package (1 oz) of taco seasoning and 1 can (10 oz) of diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained. Stir well and cook together for an additional 5 minutes so the flavors meld and excess moisture reduces slightly.
  4. Mix Cheese and Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese with 1 bottle (8 oz) of ranch dressing. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Meat and Cheese Mixture: Add the cooked taco meat mixture to the bowl with cheese and ranch dressing. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly, ensuring every bite will be flavorful.
  6. Fill Tart Shells: Arrange 5 packages of frozen phyllo tart shells (15 count each) on baking trays. Spoon the combined beef, cheese, and ranch mixture evenly into each tart shell, filling them generously.
  7. Bake: Place the filled tart shells into the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cheese mixture is bubbly and the shells are golden brown and crisp.
  8. Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. These party bites are best enjoyed warm as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for gatherings and celebrations.

Notes

  • For added freshness, garnish with chopped cilantro or sliced green onions before serving.
  • You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Phyllo tart shells are delicate; handle gently to avoid breaking.
  • Make ahead by preparing the filling and assembling tart shells, then refrigerate until ready to bake.
  • These party bites can be customized with additional toppings like jalapeños or olives.

Nutrition

Keywords: party bites, appetizer, phyllo tart shells, ground beef, taco seasoning, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, Tex-Mex appetizer