Ultimate Keto Nachos (Bell Pepper Base, Cheesy & Flavorful!)

Ultimate Keto Nachos (Bell Pepper Base, Cheesy & Flavorful!)

Satisfy your nacho cravings the keto way with these Ultimate Keto Nachos! Crisp bell pepper slices replace traditional chips, piled high with perfectly seasoned ground beef (or sausage) and melted Mexican cheese. They’re a quick, easy, low-carb, high-protein, and gluten-free meal or appetizer that’s bursting with classic nacho flavor!

Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 to 6 medium bell peppers (any color, e.g., red, yellow, orange, green), sliced into ¼-inch thick “chip” shapes or large nacho-sized pieces
• 2 pounds ground beef or ground sausage (or a mix of both)
• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning (KETO NOTE: Crucial to choose a sugar-free, low-carb blend)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar, Monterey Jack)
• Optional: Avocado oil or cooking spray (for baking sheet)

Optional Keto-Friendly Toppings (for serving):

• Diced avocado or guacamole
• Sour cream
• Sugar-free salsa (e.g., Pace Picante Sauce Zero Sugar)
• Sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Diced red onion

Equipment:

• Large baking sheet(s)
• Aluminum foil (for lining baking sheet)
• Large skillet
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Bell Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
   • Wash and dry the bell peppers. Slice them in half, remove seeds and membranes, then slice them into sturdy, chip-like pieces (about ¼-inch thick).
   • Arrange the bell pepper slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
   • Sprinkle the bell peppers evenly with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
   • Pre-bake Bell Peppers: Bake in the preheated oven for 7-8 minutes, or until they are slightly softened but still have a good crunch. This step helps them hold up better under the toppings. Remove from oven.
2. Cook & Season Meat: While the bell peppers are pre-baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is thoroughly browned.
   • Drain any excess grease from the cooked meat.
   • Add the taco seasoning to the browned meat according to package directions (typically involves adding a small amount of water and simmering until absorbed). Stir well to ensure the meat is fully coated and seasoned.
3. Assemble & Final Bake: Spoon the seasoned ground meat mixture evenly over the pre-baked bell pepper slices on the baking sheet.
   • Generously top the entire pan of “nachos” with the shredded Mexican cheese blend.
   • Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden.
4. Serve & Garnish: Remove from the oven. Let cool for a minute.
   • Serve hot, and add any desired keto-friendly toppings like diced avocado, sour cream, sugar-free salsa, jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or diced red onion. Enjoy your ultimate keto nachos!

Tips for Success:

• Keto Taco Seasoning: Most commercial taco seasonings contain sugar or maltodextrin. Crucially, choose a brand specifically labeled sugar-free/low-carb, or make your own blend (chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper).
• Bell Pepper Firmness: Don’t over-bake the bell peppers in the first step; you want them slightly softened but still firm enough to act as a “chip.”
• Drain Grease: Draining the fat from the meat prevents the nachos from being greasy.
• Customization: Add other keto-friendly toppings like cooked crumbled bacon, olives, or sautéed mushrooms to the meat mixture.
• Ground Meat Choice: Ground beef provides a classic taste; ground sausage (check for sugar-free) adds more flavor and spice.

Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:

• High Protein: Yes, from the ground meat and cheese.
• Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb by using bell peppers as the base.
• Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly, provided the taco seasoning is sugar-free/low-carb.
  • Bell Peppers: A low-carb vegetable that makes an excellent crunchy base.
  • Ground Meat/Cheese: Keto staples.
  • Taco Seasoning: This is the critical ingredient. Users must select a specifically low-carb, sugar-free, or keto-friendly blend.
• Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Read on how to prepare Keto Orange Chicken.

Enjoy!! ❤️