How to Create Perfect Taco Ranch Bites

Wonton Cup Perfection

Creating crispy, golden cups that maintain their crunch while supporting wet fillings.

Flavor Layering

Building distinct flavor zones with ranch cheese base, seasoned meat, and fresh toppings for a complete taste experience in each bite.

Temperature Balance

Managing warm and cool components to achieve an optimal eating experience.

Assembly Timing

Coordinating preparation steps to ensure maximum freshness and structural integrity when serving.

Baking Tips

Prepare the wonton cups and taco meat ahead of time and assemble just before serving for maximum crispness.

For a spicier version, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the taco meat or use pepper jack cheese in the ranch cheese mixture.

Make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with black beans or plant-based ground meat.

Create a toppings bar and let guests customize their own bites for an interactive party experience.

If wonton wrappers aren't available, you can use mini phyllo shells or cut flour tortillas into circles and shape them in the muffin tin.

For a lower-carb option, use lettuce cups instead of wonton wrappers.

These bites can be served at room temperature, but the wonton cups are crispiest when freshly baked.

Taco Ranch Bites

Name: Taco Ranch Bites
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 24 bites
Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Ingredients: For the wonton cups:; 24 wonton wrappers; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; For the taco meat filling:; 1 pound ground beef (85% lean); 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning; 1/4 cup water; For the ranch cheese mixture:; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup ranch dressing; 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix; For the toppings:; 1 cup shredded lettuce; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes; 1/4 cup diced red onion; 1/4 cup sliced black olives; 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional); 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup guacamole; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro; 2 tablespoons sliced green onions; 1 lime, cut into wedges

Taco Ranch Bites feature crispy wonton cups filled with seasoned ground beef, creamy ranch-infused cheese, and fresh toppings for the perfect party appetizer. Each bite-sized cup delivers a satisfying crunch followed by zesty taco flavors mellowed by cool, tangy ranch, creating an irresistible finger food that combines two classic American flavor profiles in one convenient package.

Prep Time

25 Minutes

Cook Time

15 Minutes

Total Time

40 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the wonton cups:

24 wonton wrappers

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the taco meat filling:

1 pound ground beef (85% lean)

1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning

1/4 cup water

For the ranch cheese mixture:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup ranch dressing

1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix

For the toppings:

1 cup shredded lettuce

1/2 cup diced tomatoes

1/4 cup diced red onion

1/4 cup sliced black olives

1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)

1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 cup guacamole

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons sliced green onions

1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush both sides of the wonton wrappers with vegetable oil.

Press wonton wrappers into the cups of a mini muffin tin, creating a cup shape. The edges will extend above the tin and may fold slightly.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and let cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

While the wonton cups are baking, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Drain excess fat from the skillet, then add taco seasoning and water. Stir well and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the meat is fully seasoned. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

In a medium bowl, combine shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until well blended and creamy.

To assemble the bites, spoon about 1 teaspoon of the ranch cheese mixture into the bottom of each wonton cup.

Top with a tablespoon of the seasoned taco meat.

Add another small dollop of the ranch cheese mixture on top of the meat.

Place the filled cups on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before adding toppings.

Top each bite with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, black olives, and jalapeños (if using).

Finish with a small dollop of sour cream and guacamole, then sprinkle with chopped cilantro and green onions.

Arrange on a serving platter with lime wedges. Serve immediately while still warm.

Taco Ranch Bites

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

How to Create Perfect Taco Ranch Bites

Taco Ranch Bites

Ingredients

Instructions