Bell Pepper Nachos – A Healthy, Flavor-Packed Twist on Classic Nachos
These Bell Pepper Nachos are a fresh, low-carb twist on traditional nachos! Loaded with seasoned beef, corn, jalapeños, melty cheese, and creamy queso, they’re perfect for game day, family dinners, or healthy snacking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Nachos are one of those foods that bring people together—whether it’s a game-day party, a family movie night, or just a casual weeknight dinner. But let’s be honest: traditional nachos aren’t always the healthiest option. That’s where Bell Pepper Nachos come in.
Instead of tortilla chips, we’re using crisp bell pepper wedges as the base. They’re sturdy enough to hold all the toppings, colorful enough to make the dish visually irresistible, and naturally sweet, which pairs beautifully with the spicy taco beef and creamy cheese.
This recipe is:
Wholesome but indulgent – lower in carbs, but still cheesy and satisfying.
Crowd-pleasing – perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or tailgates.
Quick & easy – on the table in under 30 minutes.
Customizable – swap proteins, add toppings, or make it vegetarian.
Your family (and even the picky eaters!) will dive right into these nacho-style peppers.
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at each ingredient and why it makes this recipe a winner:
Bell Peppers (6, cut into wedges)
The star of the dish! Bell peppers are crunchy, colorful, and naturally sweet. Using them instead of chips lowers carbs, increases nutrients, and makes the nachos more filling without being heavy. A mix of red, yellow, orange, and green peppers makes the tray extra vibrant.
💡 Tip: Slice them into wide wedges so they can hold more toppings.
Ground Beef (1 lb)
This is the protein powerhouse of the recipe. Ground beef adds richness and makes the nachos a complete meal. For a leaner option, choose 90/10 ground beef, or swap for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles.
Taco Seasoning (½ packet)
A shortcut seasoning blend that gives the beef that classic Tex-Mex flavor. If you prefer homemade, you can mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano.
Frozen Corn (1 package)
Corn adds sweetness, color, and extra texture. It pairs perfectly with peppers and beef while keeping the dish hearty.
Red Onion (½, diced)
Red onion gives crunch and sharpness, balancing out the richness of the beef and cheese.
Jalapeños (2, diced)
For a little heat! Jalapeños add zing without overpowering. If you like things spicier, leave in the seeds; if not, remove them.
Shredded Mexican Cheese (1 cup)
The melty cheese blanket that ties everything together. Mexican cheese blends usually include cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla for gooey perfection.
White Queso (1 cup)
The final touch! Drizzling queso ensures every bite is cheesy and decadent, even without chips.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep the Peppers
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
Cut bell peppers into wedges and arrange them evenly on the pan.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, brown 1 lb ground beef over medium-high heat.
Sprinkle with ½ packet taco seasoning.
Once nearly cooked, add frozen corn, diced red onion, and jalapeños.
Cook about 5 minutes until veggies soften.
Step 3: Assemble the Nachos
Spoon the beef mixture evenly over bell pepper wedges.
Sprinkle generously with shredded Mexican cheese.
Drizzle white queso evenly over the peppers.
Step 4: Bake
Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melty and peppers are slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 5: Serve
Remove from oven and serve hot.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, salsa, or avocado if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
Don’t overbake the peppers: You want them to stay firm enough to act as “chips.”
Double the queso: If you love cheese (and who doesn’t?), serve extra queso on the side for dipping.
Meal prep friendly: Cook the beef mixture ahead of time, then assemble and bake when ready.
Health boost: Use lean ground beef or turkey and add black beans for extra fiber.
Variations & Customizations
One of the best parts of nachos is how versatile they are. Try these variations:
Vegetarian Nachos: Swap beef for black beans, kidney beans, or lentils.
Buffalo Chicken Nachos: Use shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce with ranch drizzle.
Breakfast Nachos: Add scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese for a morning twist.
Keto Version: Skip the corn and onions, and add extra cheese and avocado.
Serving Suggestions
These Bell Pepper Nachos are so versatile. Serve them:
For game day – A healthier but hearty appetizer.
As dinner – With rice or cauliflower rice on the side.
At potlucks – Easy to make in a big batch.
For family nights – Let everyone add their favorite toppings.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving too long (it softens the peppers).
Why You’ll Will Love This Dish
This recipe is proof that you can make something healthier without sacrificing flavor. It has all the cheesy, savory, and spicy elements of nachos but swaps chips for nutrient-packed bell peppers. It’s a dish that works equally well for family dinners and entertaining guests.
Bell Pepper Nachos
These Bell Pepper Nachos are a fresh, low-carb twist on traditional nachos! Loaded with seasoned beef, corn, jalapeños, melty cheese, and creamy queso, they’re perfect for game day, family dinners, or healthy snacking.
Ingredients
- 6 bell peppers, cut into wedges
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ packet taco seasoning
- 1 package frozen corn
- ½ red onion, diced
- 2 jalapeños, diced
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese
- 1 cup white queso
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Arrange bell pepper wedges on pan.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef. Add taco seasoning. Once mostly cooked, stir in corn, onion, and jalapeños. Cook 5 minutes.
- Spoon beef mixture over bell peppers. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. Drizzle queso on top.
- Bake 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and peppers are tender.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like salsa, sour cream, or avocado.
If you make these Bell Pepper Nachos, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment below, share your creations on Instagram, and tag me so I can cheer you on.
📌 Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest so you can make it again for your next game day or family night.
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