30-Minute Mini Taco Bites with Phyllo Shells
Crispy frozen phyllo cups filled with seasoned ground beef, black beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, topped with melted Mexican cheese. Quick-cooking appetizer ready in under 25 minutes. Customize with lettuce, sour cream, tomato, avocado, and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 10 ounce can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)diced tomatoes with green chiles (canned)1:1substitute
similar flavor profile
- ½ cup black beans, drained
- 1 envelope taco seasoning
- 1 envelope ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 3 1.9 ounce packages frozen miniature phyllo tart shellsmini wonton wrappers baked in muffin tins1:1alternative vessel
different texture
- shredded lettuce(optional)
- sour cream(optional)
- tomato(optional)
- avocado(optional)
- chopped cilantro or parsley(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F
- 2
Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through and no longer pink, then drain fat
- 3
Stir in Rotel, black beans, taco seasoning, and ranch dressing mix, then simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes
- 4
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese
- 5
Place frozen phyllo shells on a large ungreased rimmed baking sheet
- 6
Fill shells with taco meat mixture
- 7
Bake for 6-8 minutes until cheese is melted
- 8
Serve with desired toppings
Tips
Do not overbake phyllo shells as they brown quickly; 6-8 minutes ensures melted cheese without burning the shells
Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent soggy tart shells
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate uncooked filled shells up to 4 hours before baking. Store leftovers in airtight container up to 2 days.
Brown beef mixture up to 1 day ahead; reheat and fill shells just before baking.
Arrange on platter with toppings on the side so guests can customize.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip draining ground beef to avoid soggy phyllo shells
Do not bake longer than 8 minutes to avoid over-browning or burning the delicate phyllo
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
similar flavor profile
different texture