Weight Watchers-Friendly Taco Ranch Bites
Ingredients:

  • 1 lb 99% fat-free ground turkey (instead of ground beef to reduce points)
  • 1 (1-oz) packet low-sodium taco seasoning
  • 1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, with their juices (look for no-salt-added or reduced-sodium options)
  • 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese (instead of 2 cups)
  • 1/2 cup fat-free ranch dressing (or use a low-calorie version)
  • 5 (15-count) frozen phyllo tart shells

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175°C).
  2. In a skillet, brown the ground turkey until no longer pink. Drain off any excess liquid.
  3. Stir in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined. Remove from heat.
  4. In a mixing bowl, blend together the reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese, fat-free ranch dressing, and the taco meat mixture.
  5. Evenly distribute the taco mixture into the frozen phyllo tart shells.
  6. Arrange the filled tart shells on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. If baking from frozen, add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
  7. Once baked, remove your Taco Ranch Bites from the oven and serve them warm.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 75 bites
POINTS; 1 point (based on WW Blue Plan; check your current plan for accuracy)

Nutritional Information (per bite):

  • Calories: 30 kcal
  • Protein: 2g
  • Carbs: 2g
  • Fat: 1g

Tips:

  • Substitute Ingredients: Opt for ground turkey instead of beef and use reduced-fat cheese and fat-free ranch dressing to keep the points low.
  • Portion Control: These bite-sized snacks make it easy to enjoy without overindulging, helping you stay within your daily points.
  • Customize Toppings: You can top each bite with a small amount of fresh pico de gallo or a sprinkle of cilantro for extra flavor without adding points.

Benefits:

  • Lower Points: This version reduces points by using lean ground turkey and low-fat dairy products, making it a guilt-free option.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: These bites are perfect for parties or gatherings, offering a satisfying snack that fits within your Weight Watchers plan.
  • High Protein: Ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese contribute to a higher protein content, helping you feel fuller longer.

These Weight Watchers-friendly Taco Ranch Bites are a tasty and satisfying option for any occasion!