Taco Ranch Bites – Full Detailed Recipe

Crispy, savory, and creamy all in one bite, these Taco Ranch Bites are perfect for sharing. Ground beef is seasoned with taco spices, then mixed with beans, corn, tomatoes, ranch, and cheese, and baked into crispy wonton cups. It’s like a taco explosion in one crunchy, creamy mouthful.

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Ingredients (Makes 12–16 bites, depending on muffin tin size)

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef – Choose lean (90/10 or 93/7) for less grease.

• 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz / 28 g) – Store-bought or homemade.

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) water

• 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

• 1/2 cup corn kernels – Frozen (thawed), canned (drained), or fresh

• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, drained – Canned works well; avoid excess liquid

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese – Or use a Mexican blend

• 1/4 cup ranch dressing – Adds creamy, herby flavor

• 1 package wonton wrappers (about 30 wrappers) – Square or round

• Cooking spray – For greasing the muffin tin

• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

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Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

⏱️ Total Time: 25 minutes

️ Servings: ~12–16 bites

Calories: ~185 kcal per bite

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

  • Tip: If using a regular muffin tin, you may need to use two wrappers per cup for structure.

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2. Cook the Beef

• In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 lb ground beef.

• Break apart with a spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.

• Drain off any excess fat to prevent sogginess in the wonton cups.

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3. Add Taco Flavor

• Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in 1/4 cup water.

• Stir everything together and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, until the mixture thickens and the seasoning is fully absorbed.

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4. Add Mix-Ins

• Reduce heat to low or remove skillet from heat.

• Stir in:

  • 1/2 cup black beans

  • 1/2 cup corn

  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes

• Combine gently so the beans and tomatoes stay intact.

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5. Stir in Cheese & Ranch

• Add 1/2 cup cheddar, 1/2 cup Monterey Jack, and 1/4 cup ranch dressing.

• Stir until the cheese just begins to melt and coat the mixture.

  • Tip: Do not overheat or the cheese may separate.

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6. Assemble the Bites

• Place one wonton wrapper into each mini muffin cup, pressing gently to form a cup shape.

  • The corners will stick out like flower petals – that’s perfect!

• Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the filling into each wonton cup. Don’t overfill.

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7. Bake

• Place the tin into the preheated oven.

• Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until:

  • Wonton wrappers are golden brown and crisp

  • Cheese is melted and bubbly

• Watch the edges closely around the 12-minute mark to avoid burning.

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8. Garnish & Serve

• Remove the bites from the oven and let cool for 2–3 minutes in the pan.

• Carefully lift each cup out with a spoon or offset spatula.

• Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro, if desired.

• Serve warm, with extra ranch or salsa on the side.

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Tips & Variations

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.

• Vegetarian: Skip the beef and use sautéed mushrooms or crumbled tofu.

• Chicken Swap: Use shredded rotisserie chicken with taco seasoning instead of ground beef.

• Cheesy Top: Sprinkle a bit of cheese on top before baking for a golden melted cap.

Make-Ahead / Storage

• Prep ahead: Assemble and refrigerate unbaked bites for up to 8 hours.

• Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes to re-crisp.

• Freeze: Freeze baked bites on a tray, then store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.

Muffin Tin Size Tips

• If using a standard muffin tin, you may need to double up the wrappers for stability or pre-bake the wrappers alone for 5 minutes to crisp them before filling.

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Serving Ideas

Serve your Taco Ranch Bites with:

• A drizzle of hot sauce or chipotle mayo

• Side of guacamole or salsa

• A Mexican salad or corn salad

• As part of a taco night appetizer board

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Nutrition Estimate (per bite)

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These Taco Ranch Bites are the ultimate easy finger food: crispy, melty, hearty, and customizable. Ideal for game day, family nights, or entertaining.