Taco Ring
The Taco Ring is a creative twist on traditional tacos, designed as a shareable, ring-shaped appetizer. This festive dish features a crisp circle of tortillas filled with a savory blend of seasoned taco meat and refried beans, then topped with melted cheese and an assortment of fresh, colorful toppings. It’s as fun to look at as it is to eat—perfect for gatherings where you want to impress your guests with both flavor and presentation!
Equipment
- 9-inch round springform pan or ring mold
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Oven
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- For the Taco Ring:
- 1 lb ground beef or substitute with ground turkey/chicken for a lighter version
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 10 –12 small flour tortillas use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option; warming them slightly makes them more pliable
- 1 can 15 oz refried beans
- For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato diced
- 1/2 cup black olives sliced
- 1/4 cup diced red onion optional
- 1/2 cup salsa choose your favorite heat level
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 9-inch round springform pan or ring mold.
- Cook the Meat:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef.
- Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Assemble the Base:
- Spread a thin, even layer of refried beans along the bottom of your prepared pan.
- Arrange the tortillas around the edge of the pan in a circular pattern, overlapping slightly to form a solid ring. (Warming the tortillas for 10–15 seconds in the microwave helps them bend without cracking.)
- Fill and Layer:
- Spoon the seasoned meat into the center of the tortilla ring.
- Drizzle the salsa evenly over the meat layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top.
- Bake:
- Place the assembled ring in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Remove the taco ring from the oven. If using a springform pan, carefully remove the sides to reveal the ring.
- Top the warm dish with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, and red onion (if using).
- Add dollops of sour cream and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately with extra salsa or tortilla chips on the side for dipping.
- Details:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8 (as an appetizer)
- Category: Appetizer, Party Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Adaptable to gluten-free (using corn tortillas) and can be modified for vegetarian diets
- Keywords:
- taco ring, party appetizer, taco dip, Mexican recipe, layered taco dish, fun taco recipe, crowd-pleaser
- Nutrition (per serving, approx. based on 8 servings):
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
- Note: These values are approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Notes
Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, substitute the ground meat with sautéed vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, and corn) or use black/pinto beans for extra protein.
Tortilla Tip: Slightly warm tortillas in the microwave before assembly to prevent cracking and help them mold into a neat ring.
Customization: Feel free to adjust toppings and spice levels according to your taste. Add avocado slices or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick!
Serving Suggestion: Best served immediately while the cheese is melty and the tortillas are crisp. Consider pairing with a fresh side salad or additional tortilla chips.
Enjoy your delicious and eye-catching Taco Ring—perfect for sharing and guaranteed to be a hit at your next get-together!
Tortilla Tip: Slightly warm tortillas in the microwave before assembly to prevent cracking and help them mold into a neat ring.
Customization: Feel free to adjust toppings and spice levels according to your taste. Add avocado slices or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick!
Serving Suggestion: Best served immediately while the cheese is melty and the tortillas are crisp. Consider pairing with a fresh side salad or additional tortilla chips.
Enjoy your delicious and eye-catching Taco Ring—perfect for sharing and guaranteed to be a hit at your next get-together!