These Ranch Taco Bites are the perfect Super Bowl appetizer! The meat cooks itself in the crockpot all day and then you just serve with Tostitos Scoops for a delicious appetizer everyone will love! I mean, who doesn’t love ranch and tacos, right?!
Ranch Taco Bites
The first time I made these Ranch Taco Bites was for a get-together with my best friends and their families, and they were a hit with everyone! The meat cooks itself in the slow cooker all day, so you have more time to mingle and enjoy your company instead of slaving away in the kitchen and missing out on all of the fun.
To make these Ranch Taco Bites is simple because you just add all of the ingredients, except the chips, to a crockpot and let it cook itself. You can take an extra step and brown the meat ahead of time and then add it to the crockpot with the rest of the ingredients if you need these bites to be done quicker. That’s how I usually do it, so we can start eating the dip within an hour!
When I know I’m going to be out of the house all day, I place the uncooked meat in the crockpot with the rest of the ingredients and come home to a delicious home cooked meal! I use the Ranch Taco meat for more than just serving with chips. It’s great as a filling for taquitos and enchiladas, and it’s super yummy spread on top of some nachos with beans!
What you need to make ranch taco bites:
- Lean ground beef
- Taco seasoning
- Ranch dip mix
- Salsa
- Cream cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Tostitos Scoops
Do I have to use beef?
Lean ground beef is my favorite meat for these Ranch Taco Bites, but sometimes I sneak in a pound of lean ground turkey and no one ever knows!
You can use ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken to make this ranch taco bites recipe.
What kind of ranch seasoning should I use?
I’m a sucker for Hidden Valley ranch dip mix, and I add it to all of my taco recipes, but any ranch seasoning, even homemade, will work. Just substitute 2 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning for every packet of ranch mix you need for this recipe.
If I don’t have salsa, can I use Rotel?
Yes! I have used Rotel to make these Ranch Taco Bites and it tastes equally delicious!
You can choose your level of heat for salsa and Rotel to meet your needs, depending on whether you like mild, medium, or hot taco bites. When serving for a crowd that includes children, I always opt for mild salsa.
How to make ranch taco bites:
- Add all ingredients, except chips, to a crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours. Stir and serve warm with Tostitos scoops
- OR brown your beef in a skillet and then add all ingredients, except the chips, to a crockpot and cook on low for at least 1 hour before serving
You can easily double or triple this recipe to feed larger crowds!
Other ways to use ranch taco meat:
This ranch taco bites meat mixture is versatile and can be used for more than just ranch taco bites! Try some of these alternate ideas for a full dinner.
Taquitos with Siete almond flour tortillas: Add 2 tablespoons meat mixture to flour or corn tortillas and roll up into skinny rolls. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes (10 minutes on one side, then flip and bake another 10 minutes on other side)
Enchiladas topped with enchilada sauce: Add meat and cheese mixture to corn tortillas and roll up. Place on a baking sheet and top with enchilada sauce. Bake at 400° for 15-20 minutes
Mexican lasagna (with salsa or enchilada sauce and Monterey Jack cheese): Add salsa or enchilada sauce to the bottom of a casserole dish. Layer oven-ready lasagne noodles and then top with meat and cheese mixture followed by a handful of Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat for another layer. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes, remove foil and bake another 5-10 minutes until top cheese layer is bubbly
Nachos: Add some chips to a plate, top with meat and cheese mixture. Top with black beans, shredded cheddar, salsa, guacamole, sour cream
Storing and Reheating Leftovers:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop in the microwave for 2 minutes, or use one of the other ways listed to use the ranch taco bites meat.
If you try this recipe for game day or your next party, let me know! I love hearing how you served my recipes!
A few of my other favorite game day appetizers:
Ranch Taco Bites
Equipment
- Crockpot, slow cooker
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoon homemade taco seasoning
- 1 packets ranch dip mix or 2 tablespoon homemade ranch mix
- 1½ cups salsa or 1 can Rotel
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces ⅓ less fat cream cheese
- 1 bag Tostitos Scoops
Instructions
- Add all ingredients, except chips, to a crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours. Stir and serve warm with Tostitos scoops
- OR brown your beef in a skillet and then add all ingredients, except the chips, to a crockpot and cook on low for at least 1 hour before serving