Mini Bell Pepper 'Nachos'
A vibrant, low-carb twist on classic nachos, these Mini Bell Pepper 'Nachos' use crisp bell pepper halves as the base, loaded with savory seasoned ground turkey or black beans, and melted cheese, making for a guilt-free and delicious snack or appetizer.
For 4 servings
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Wash and thoroughly dry the mini bell peppers. Slice each pepper in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and white membranes. Arrange the pepper halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
If using ground turkey: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant. (If using black beans: Drain and rinse 1 cup of black beans thoroughly. In a small bowl, mash them slightly with a fork. Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.)
Evenly spoon the seasoned turkey or black bean mixture into each bell pepper half.
Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the filling in each pepper half.
Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the peppers are slightly tender-crisp. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately with salsa and sour cream on the side.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't Overcook Peppers: For the best texture, bake just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Overcooking will make the peppers too soft and watery.
- 2Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite nacho toppings like diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, green onions, or a dollop of guacamole.
- 3Meal Prep Friendly: Cook the ground turkey or season the black beans ahead of time. Store in the fridge and assemble/bake when ready for a quick snack.
- 4Spice It Up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat/bean mixture or top with pickled jalapeños.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian/Vegan
Use seasoned black beans or crumbled plant-based meat substitute. For vegan, use dairy-free shredded cheese.
Breakfast NachosBreakfast Nachos
Top with scrambled eggs, cooked breakfast sausage or bacon bits, and a sprinkle of cheese.
Mediterranean TwistMediterranean Twist
Use ground lamb or chickpeas, seasoned with oregano and sumac, topped with feta cheese and a drizzle of tzatziki.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins
Bell peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin C and A, supporting immune function and eye health.
Low-Carb & High Fiber
A great option for those managing carbohydrate intake, with bell peppers and beans (if used) providing beneficial dietary fiber.
Lean Protein Source
Using lean ground turkey provides a good source of protein essential for muscle repair and satiety, without excessive saturated fat.
Frequently asked questions
You can prep the bell peppers and cook the filling ahead of time. Store separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture.
