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    Home » Gluten-Free

    Loaded Mini Pepper Nachos (Low-Carb, Gluten-Free)

    September 27, 2021 by Agnieszka 16 Comments

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    Loaded Mini Pepper Nachos are a wonderful low-carb version of a Tex-Mex classic that is hearty, healthy and satisfying. Mini bell peppers are filled with super flavorful ground meat and black bean mixture, topped with grated cheese and baked to melty perfection. Add your favorite nacho toppings and wow your family with this easy, quick and spectacular weekday dinner or game day snack.

    a baking sheet with mini pepper loaded nachos on light gray surface

    Nachos are probably one of my kids’ top 3 favorite dinners of all times. They could probably eat loaded nachos 5 times a week with no complaints. While I love how easy, quick and versatile this dinner is, a mount of corn tortilla chips with melted cheese is not exactly a nourishing meal.

    I decided there must be a way to enjoy all the nacho flavors in a healthier way. The solution is simple but genius: mini bell peppers instead of tortilla chips! The peppers serve as fabulous vessels for all the nacho toppings – they bake fast (no need to pre-cook), they’re low-carb and they help you add more veggies to your day. That’s a true win, win, WIN type of dinner. 

    If you like Tex Mex flavors, be sure to also check out this super easy Instant Pot or Slow Cooker Green Chicken Chili recipe. 

    INGREDIENT NOTES

    mini pepper nacho ingredients laid out on light gray surface

    Mini Bell Peppers: they usually come bagged and can be found near regular bell peppers at the grocery store.

    Ground Turkey: I used 80% lean ground turkey but you can also use ground beef, pork or chicken, if you prefer.

    Canned Black Beans: my favorite brand of canned beans in Goya.

    Taco Seasoning: I recommend my kid-friendly homemade taco seasoning that I use for all my Mexican-inspired dishes but if you prefer, use a good quality store bought brand taco seasoning.

    Tomato Paste: to make the taco meat a little more saucy and add another layer of umami flavor.

    Grated Cheese: I used a mix of 1 cup of cheddar and ½ cup of mozzarella cheese but a taco blend or any other grated cheese will work.

    HOW TO MAKE MINI PEPPER NACHOS

    STEP 1: Prepare the filling. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink breaking the meat with a wooden spoon as you go. Then add tomato paste, taco seasoning and water. Stir everything together and cook another couple of minutes. Finally, stir in rinsed and drained black beans.

    cooking ground turkey in a skillet before and after adding spices

    cooking ground turkey in a skillet before and after adding black beans

    STEP 2: Prep the peppers. Cut them in half and remove all seeds and stems. Arrange the pepper halves on a large baking sheet in one layer. They should be close together.

    STEP 3: Scoop the meat and bean mixture into the pepper halves. It’s ok if it spills over and in between the peppers.

    mini peppers laid out on a baking tray before and after adding meat and beans

    STEP 4: Top your “nachos” with cheese. Start with 1.5 cups but if it looks like it could use more cheese, feel free to add more.

    STEP 5: Bake in the oven preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

    Note: After 15 minutes the peppers will be cooked al-dente (tender but not soft like when you make stuffed peppers). If you prefer softer peppers, you can also cover the baking tray with aluminum foil, bake 5-10 minutes longer, then remove the foil and cook a couple more minutes to get the cheese slightly brown. 

    mini pepper nachos before and after adding cheese

    STEP 6: Add your favorite nacho toppings. I topped mine with diced acovado, tomatoes, chopped cilantro, salsa, sliced jalapenos, sour cream and lime quarters (see more suggestions below)! Serve immediately. 

    a baking sheet with mini pepper loaded nachos on light gray surface

    TOPPINGS AND SERVING SUGGESTIONS

    There are so many different ways you can dress these low-carb nachos! They’re designed to be loaded so think big! Some topping ideas include:

    • Diced avocado or guacamole
    • Diced tomatoes or sliced cherry tomatoes
    • Diced red or sweet onions
    • Chopped cilantro, scallions or green onions
    • Cooked corn kernels
    • Your favorite salsa
    • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
    • Chopped black olives
    • Lime juice or quartered limes
    • Sliced fresh or pickled jalapeno peppers.

    a baking sheet with mini pepper loaded nachos on light gray surface

    STORAGE & MEAL PREP TIPS

    If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. If your mini pepper nachos are already topped with anything “wet”, such as avocado, chopped tomato, sour cream, it’s probably best to eat the leftovers in the first 24 hours or they might get too soggy. If you would like to meal prep these sheet pan low-carb nachos, bake them topped with meat, beans and cheese according to the recipe. Then divide between airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. Then add your favorite toppings and enjoy.

    SUBSTITUTIONS & SPECIAL DIETS

    As with regular nachos, the topping possibilities are endless. You can easily adjust what you put on the peppers to make this dish fit your dietary choices. Here are some suggestions on how to alter the recipe.

    • For a keto version, skip the black beans and go with all meat filling.
    • If you don’t want to use ground turkey, swap it for whatever ground meat you have – beef, pork or chicken will all work great. You can also use shredded chicken or pork, if you prefer.
    • For a plant-based variation, use impossible meat, chopped mushrooms or cooked lentils instead of turkey.
    • These mini pepper nachos are naturally grain and gluten free.

    a baking sheet with mini pepper loaded nachos on light gray surface closeup

    If you try this recipe and like it, I would love for you to leave me a comment below! No time to make it now? Pin it for later!

    MORE LOW-CARB DINNER IDEAS

    Chicken Caprese Sheet Pan Dinner

    Low-Carb Tuna Melt Zucchini Boats

    Egg Roll in a Bowl (Keto, Paleo)

    Spaghetti Squash with Bacon, Goat Cheese and Spinach Skillet

    Creamy Coconut Tomato Shrimp 

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

    Loaded Mini Pepper Nachos (Low-Carb, Gluten Free)


    ★★★★★

    5 from 16 reviews

    • Author: Agnieszka
    • Total Time: 30 minutes
    • Yield: 6 servings 1x
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Loaded Mini Pepper Nachos are a wonderful low-carb version of a tex-mex classic that is hearty, healthy and satisfying. Mini bell peppers are filled with super flavorful ground meat and black bean mixture, topped with grated cheese and baked to melty perfection or game day snack.


    Ingredients

    Scale

    1.5lbs mini bell peppers
    1 tablespoon olive oil
    1 lb ground turkey
    2 tablespooons homemade taco seasoning
    1 15 oz can of black beans
    2 tablespoons tomato paste
    2 tablespoons water
    1.5 cups grated cheese

    Toppings: diced avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, sliced cherry tomatoes, sliced jalapeno peppers


    Instructions

    1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
    2. Empty the black beans into a sieve, rinse with cold water and set aside to drain.
    3. Prep the meat. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, breaking the meat up with a wooden spoon. Once the meat is cooked, add tomato paste, taco seasoning and water. Stir together and cook for a couple more minutes. Add black beans and stir until combined.
    4. Wash the mini peppers, cut them in half lengthwise, remove the stems and seeds.
    5. Place the pepper halves in one layer (close together) on a large baking sheet.
    6. Using a spoon, fill the pepper halves with the turkey-black bean mixture. Top with grated cheese and bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
    7. Top with your favorite nacho toppings and serve immediately.

    Notes

    Any grated cheese that melts will work. I used 1 cup of cheddar and ½ cup of mozzarella. If you like lots of melty cheese on your nachos, feel free to add more.

    Though the recipe calls for turkey, you can also use ground beef, pork or chicken.

    Nutritional value is for the mini pepper nachos without the toppings.

    If you don't want to make homemade taco seasoning or don't have the time, feel free to use a good quality store bought taco spice. I prefer the kind without starch (only spices).

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 15 minutes
    • Category: lunch, dinner
    • Cuisine: American

    Keywords: mini pepper nachos, low carb nachos

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag me on Instagram @whollytasteful — I can't wait to see what you've made!

    This post includes affiliate links. 

    « Banana Carrot Oat Muffins
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kayla DiMaggio

      September 30, 2021 at 9:50 am

      Yum! I love how easy these were! It was so delicious and easy to make and my whole family loved it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    2. Tyanne

      September 30, 2021 at 11:12 am

      Mini peppers are so underrated. I am glad you made a recipe with them!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    3. Amanda Scarlati

      September 30, 2021 at 11:53 am

      Loved this idea to use mini peppers. so fun and the kids loved it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    4. Natalie

      September 30, 2021 at 11:58 am

      We are having a family movie night this Saturday. I'm going to make these nachos. Looks delicious. Yum! Can't wait to dig in!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    5. Addie

      September 30, 2021 at 8:23 pm

      Such a fun and delicious nacho recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    6. Brittany F.

      January 16, 2022 at 10:56 pm

      I live this recipe and recommend others trying it. Delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    7. kyleigh

      January 16, 2022 at 11:48 pm

      Such a great low carb alternative!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    8. Alexandra

      January 16, 2022 at 11:56 pm

      Super tasty and simple to prepare - a great dinner option!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    9. Freya

      January 17, 2022 at 12:57 am

      I love nachos and this is a recipe I hadn’t thought of trying! Thanks for sharing!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    10. Janelle

      January 17, 2022 at 1:41 am

      yummy these nachos hit the spot!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    11. Sue

      January 17, 2022 at 8:12 am

      Perfect!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    12. Natalie

      January 17, 2022 at 9:22 am

      Looks delicious! Fantastic dinner idea. I'm making this tonight.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    13. Jerika

      January 17, 2022 at 9:27 am

      Me and my kids love nachos!:) We will be trying your recipe. Thanks much.:)

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    14. Sabrina

      January 17, 2022 at 5:10 pm

      These are helping me stick to my healthy January challenge. So good, thanks!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    15. Stine Mari

      January 18, 2022 at 9:58 am

      I've been craving nachos for so long now, and this is definitely hitting the spot!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    16. Zuzana

      February 17, 2022 at 3:26 pm

      This was amazing!

      ★★★★★

      Reply

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    Hello and welcome to Wholly Tasteful, a healthy food and lifestyle blog! My name is Agnieszka and I am a busy mom of 3 living in and renovating a 1852 farmhouse in Maine. My recipes use ingredients that are healthy, whole and family friendly. More about me

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