Iowa Party Bites (Cheesy Ranch Beef Bundles)

Optional Add-Ins:

  • Cooked and crumbled bacon – ½ cup
  • Jalapeño, finely diced – 1
  • Shredded mozzarella or pepper jack cheese – ½ cup

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
  • Drain any excess fat.
  • Stir in ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Prepare the Cheese Filling

  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar.
  • Mix until smooth and uniform.
  • Fold in any optional add-ins like bacon, jalapeño, or extra cheese for added flavor and texture.

4. Assemble the Party Bites

  • Open the can of crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles or squares.
  • Place about 1 tablespoon of the beef-cheese mixture in the center of each piece.
  • Fold the dough over the filling and pinch edges tightly to seal.
  • Shape into neat, small bundles.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

  • Place the bundles on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Optional: brush the tops with melted butter for extra shine and flavor.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.

6. Serve and Enjoy

  • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
  • Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, spicy mayo, or marinara.

Chef’s Tips

  • Even Cooking: Make sure the beef is fully cooked and drained to avoid soggy dough.
  • Flavor Boost: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives into the filling for extra freshness.
  • Customizable Heat: Include diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble the bundles and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Freezing Option: Freeze unbaked bundles on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the cooking time.

These Iowa Party Bites are easy to prepare, fully customizable, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering.

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