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Crispy Loaded Nacho Ring Wreath

crispy loaded nacho ring wreath - featured image

This festive nacho ring wreath is a party-perfect centerpiece, featuring crispy tortilla chips, melty cheese, smoky beef, and vibrant toppings. Quick to make and endlessly customizable, it’s guaranteed to wow guests and satisfy every craving.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups thick-cut corn tortilla chips (about 225g)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 8 oz), freshly grated
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 4 oz)
  • 2 medium fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (seeds removed for milder heat)
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 2 medium Roma tomatoes, diced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (for drizzling)
  • 1 cup guacamole (for dipping)
  • Pickled jalapeños (optional)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a round or rectangular baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion for 4-5 minutes, breaking apart meat as it browns. Stir in garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook another 2 minutes until fragrant. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss tortilla chips with half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Arrange chips in a ring shape on the prepared baking sheet, overlapping slightly to form a wreath.
  4. Sprinkle cooked beef mixture evenly over the chips. Scatter black beans and diced red bell pepper on top. Layer the remaining cheese over everything.
  5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and chips are crisped around the edges. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  6. Remove from oven and immediately top with diced tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, and fresh jalapeño slices. Spoon dots of sour cream and guacamole around the wreath, or serve in bowls in the center.
  7. Add lime wedges for squeezing over the top. Serve hot, using tongs or a spatula to pull apart sections. Keep dipping bowls in the center for easy access.

Notes

Use thick-cut chips for best crunch. Shred your own cheese for optimal melting. Add wet toppings only after baking to keep chips crispy. For vegetarian, skip beef and add extra beans or roasted veggies. Watch closely during baking to prevent burning. Can be made ahead by assembling base and toppings (without wet ingredients) and baking just before serving.

Nutrition

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