Loaded Bell Pepper Nachos are a low carb, keto-friendly alternative to classic Mexican nachos. This nutritious recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make and can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or meal.
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One of my favorite things to do is take classic recipes and make low carb and keto friendly versions of them. It’s one strategy to help keep me from falling too far off of my low carb lifestyle.
My fiancé and I love traditional nachos and order them pretty much anytime they are on the menu when we go out to eat. Sadly for us, keto nachos are never on the menu, so I decided to make them myself. This recipe, as written, has just 9 net carbohydrates per generous serving.
This is a healthier version of classic nachos that uses pieces of bell peppers as a replacement for the tortilla chips. You can even use this same idea in my recipe for Vegetarian Nachos.
Why This Recipe Works
These colorful nachos are just as quick and easy to make as any other nachos recipe. From start to finish, it takes less than 30 minutes to make.
It’s a perfect low carb, keto-friendly alternative to classic nachos that is equally as delicious. You still get a little crunch from the peppers and tons of cheesy flavor!
You can enjoy these nachos as an appetizer, game day snack or even as a complete meal.
How To Make Loaded Bell Pepper Nachos
Ingredients
- You can use any combination of bell peppers that you like. I prefer to use the mini peppers as they are really simple to cut into the perfect size.
- Swap in and out ingredients to suit your own tastes. You will find plenty of nacho topping suggestions further down this post.
The entire recipe and instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.
Prep!
Cut your peppers into smaller triangular pieces to resemble tortilla chips.
Chef’s Tip: mini peppers work great in this recipe. Simply trim the top off and slice straight down each side of the center membrane where the seeds are. Discard the membrane and seeds.
Shred the cheddar cheese from a block. Pre-shredded bagged cheese contains added starches and can make your cheese gritty when melted.
Chef’s Tip: you can prep your toppings while the nachos are baking in the oven.
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Create!
Add the ground beef, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking up until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Chef’s Tip: use a meat chopper to help get the meat finely ground up. I don’t recommend too many tools that aren’t the “norm,” but I love this. The chopper I use is from Pampered Chef, but there are a few brands that carry them now.
Place the bell pepper pieces, cut side up, on a baking sheet, spreading out as much as possible.
Fill each pepper with the ground beef mixture.
Top with the cheddar cheese.
Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted. You want the peppers to be warm, but still crisp.
Present!
Remove the nachos from the oven and top with slices of cherry tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, cilantro, sour cream and guacamole. Feel free to swap in and out toppings to suit your own taste. More suggestions are below.
More Nacho Topping Suggestions
In addition to the toppings suggested in the recipe, you may also like:
- pico de gallo
- diced red onion
- olives
- lettuce
- avocado
- kidney beans (if not keto)
- black beans (if not keto)
If you’d rather not use bell peppers, you can also make keto nachos with pork rinds or make your own tortilla chips with low carb tortillas. Using bell peppers is the most nutritious option.
Tips and Techniques
- You can use any combination of bell peppers that you like. Mini sweet peppers are really simple to cut into the perfect size.
- You can swap in and out ingredients to suit your own tastes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3 days. An added bonus to making nachos with bell peppers is that the leftovers don’t get soggy like they do when tortilla chips are used.
FAQ’s
Are Nachos Keto?
Classic nachos are not keto. Tortilla chips are made from corn which is high in carbohydrates.
Are Bell Peppers Keto?
Bell peppers are a keto friendly vegetable option. One medium pepper has approximately 5 grams of net carbs.
More Low Carb Appetizers
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If you try this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would please leave a comment and star rating. Thanks!
Loaded Bell Pepper Nachos
Ingredients
Bell Pepper Nachos
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 pounds bell peppers (or mini sweet peppers)
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
Nacho Toppings
- 10 cherry tomatoes (sliced or halved)
- 1 jalapeño pepper (sliced)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup guacamole
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Add the ground beef, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking up until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Place the bell pepper pieces, cut side up, on a baking sheet, spreading out as much as possible.
- Fill each pepper with the ground beef mixture. Top with the cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted. You want the peppers to be warm, but still crisp.
- Remove the nachos from the oven and top with slices of cherry tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, cilantro, sour cream and guacamole. See notes for more topping suggestions.
Notes
Tips and Techniques
- You can use any combination of bell peppers that you like. Mini sweet peppers are really simple to cut into the perfect size.
- You can swap in and out ingredients to suit your own tastes. See the nacho topping suggestions below.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3 days. An added bonus to making nachos with bell peppers is that the leftovers don’t get soggy like they do when tortilla chips are used.
More Nacho Topping Suggestions
In addition to the toppings suggested in the recipe, you may also like:- pico de galo
- diced red onion
- olives
- lettuce
- avocado
- kidney beans (if not keto)
- black beans (if not keto)
Jessica says
This recipe was just what I needed for a Kero Mexican fix!! The bell peppers were perfect consistency and it was very filling! Delicious!
Lauren Vavala says
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!
– Lauren
Sara LaFountain says
Made this twice for the kids and they loved it! What a great way to make nachos a little more exciting!
Carrie Robinson says
Yum! This looks like a must-make for the big game this weekend. 🙂
Wanda says
My husband won’t eat bell peppers but that’s okay, I’m making this recipe entirely for myself! Looks delicious!
Angela says
I love this recipe. So filling and much healthier then regular nachos.
Erika says
What an amazing sheet pan dinner! Love the use of bell peppers in place of chips.
Jen says
Such a fantastic way to not have to miss out on game day food but still staying on track. I am loving this!