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When you want to turn nacho night into a backyard party or treat your family to something unexpected, Bundt Pan Nachos are my go-to for crowd-pleasing, eye-catching fun. Each crunchy bite is packed with melty cheese and savory beef, then finished with your favorite toppings for an all-in-one centerpiece. This nacho ring not only tastes amazing but also brings everyone together around the table with big smiles and a few happy surprises.
I started making this playful nacho ring after realizing just how quickly traditional sheet pan nachos would disappear from our table. The Bundt pan shape makes every bite stunningly cheesy and crisp. It felt like a food celebration the first time we tried it — now it is requested for every movie night and game day.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: one pound of lean meat keeps things hearty and gives less greasy results
- Onion: diced small to blend well and provide sweet richness to the beef
- Salt: flavor booster that brings out richness in cheese and meat
- Black pepper: fresh grinding gives a little warm bite and brightness to every bite
- Water: a splash helps loosen everything and distributes seasoning beautifully
- Taco seasoning: homemade or store bought both work to add that signature zest
- Colby jack cheese: shred your own for the meltiest pull and best clean flavor
- Tortilla chips: thick and sturdy work best so the nachos hold their crunch and dont collapse
- Optional toppings: pick fresh sour cream tomatoes or cilantro for final pops of color and flavor that balance the richness
Instructions
- Prep the Oven:
- Ensure your oven reaches 450 F before you begin This high heat is key to crisp edges and gooey cheese in every slice
- Brown the Beef and Onion:
- Place a large skillet on medium high heat Add the diced onion and ground beef Cook for about seven minutes Stir often to break up the beef You want the onions soft and the beef fully browned
- Season the Filling:
- Pour in the water and sprinkle over your taco seasoning Stir the mixture well Let it simmer for two to three minutes This step infuses the meat with bold flavor and allows most moisture to evaporate
- Layer in the Bundt Pan:
- Take a greased Bundt pan Scatter half the shredded cheese into the bottom Next spoon in half of the cooked beef mixture Add a layer of sturdy tortilla chips on top
- Repeat Layers:
- Add the rest of the cheese followed by the remaining beef mixture and top with another third of chips Do not press the layers as this will help keep the nachos crisp and bold
- Bake to Golden:
- Slide the Bundt pan into the hot oven Bake for about ten minutes The cheese will bubble at the edges and the chips around the top will look lightly golden and crisp
- Flip and Garnish:
- Remove from oven and set a large heat safe plate over the pan Flip it over so the nacho ring releases easily Carefully peel off the pan any browned cheese left behind just put it back on top Spoon on your chosen garnishes like cool sour cream fresh tomatoes and chopped cilantro
For me Colby jack cheese always steals the show It melts into silky ribbons and hugs the chips perfectly I will never forget the night my kids all reached for the cheesiest edge at once and ended up laughing with tangled chips
Storage Tips
Bundt Pan Nachos are best right after baking but if you have leftovers let them cool then store in a tight container in the fridge. The chips will soften a bit but you can refresh them with a short burst in the oven or air fryer when ready to serve again. Do not use the microwave or you lose that signature crunch.
Ingredient Substitutions
No Colby jack on hand Try cheddar Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor. For a vegetarian twist replace the beef with black beans or a plant based crumble. You can also swap in your favorite taco seasoning blend to suit your family’s taste.
Serving Suggestions
Slice your nacho ring just like a cake and let each person pull their favorite crunchy wedge. Set out small bowls of salsa guacamole or pickled jalapenos for dipping party style. These nachos are fantastic alongside a fresh green salad or a cilantro lime slaw for contrast.
This nacho ring is a showstopper that will bring joy to any table. Try it once and it might become your family’s new celebration favorite.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use other cheeses besides Colby jack?
Yes, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all melt well and add delicious flavor to these nachos.
- → How do I prevent the chips from getting soggy?
Layer chips gently without pressing down, and use sturdy chips to help keep them crisp during baking.
- → What's the best way to flip the Bundt pan?
Let the nachos rest a minute, then place a large plate over the pan and invert quickly for an easy release.
- → Can I make these vegetarian?
Swap in seasoned beans or sautéed vegetables for the ground beef for a tasty vegetarian version.
- → Are other garnishes recommended?
Try sliced jalapeños, sliced olives, or avocado for extra flavor and a burst of vibrant color on top.