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Taco Ranch Bites

Taco Ranch Bites

Taco Ranch Bites are quick, healthy, and flavorful snacks, bursting with zesty ranch flavors and packed with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a satisfying appetizer.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 24 bites
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup milk
For the Filling
  • 1 pound ground beef browned and drained
  • 1 ounce taco seasoning 1 packet
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • Diced tomatoes Optional
  • Black olives Optional
  • Jalapenos Optional

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • Cookie cutter or glass
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Add oil and milk. Stir until a dough ball forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 2-3 minutes.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine browned ground beef, taco seasoning, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
  5. Roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness.
  6. Use a cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles.
  7. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each circle.
  8. Fold the dough over and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  10. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For extra flaky dough, use very cold milk and oil. Don’t over-knead the dough, as this can make it tough. Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite taco toppings – consider adding a splash of hot sauce for some extra heat. When browning the ground beef, make sure to drain off any excess grease. This will prevent your Taco Ranch Bites from becoming soggy. Be careful not to overfill the circles to make sealing easier. If your dough is sticking, lightly flour your work surface. Store any leftover Taco Ranch Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven, microwave, or air fryer until warmed through. Don’t substitute full fat dairy prodcuts for low-fat, as this will affect the texture. Taco Ranch Bites are an excellent make-ahead option because you can prepare the filling and dough separately ahead of time. Remember to season the beef and other fresh ingredients well to unlock the greatest potential flavor.