Paleo Mini Pepper Nachos
Mini bell pepper nachos are the perfect healthy meal or snack that you are going to want to make on repeat! These low carb nachos are packed with flavor and so simple to make!
Naturally gluten free, dairy free, paleo, Whole30 and keto friendly these nachos are a great way to get your Mexican food fix anytime of the day!
Why you will love this recipe
- Instead of chips, these bell pepper nachos use mini bell peppers as the base! This makes these nachos lower in carbs and a great way to get in more veggies!
- This lighter version of nachos is a great way to get picky eaters excited about dinner, who doesn’t love eating with their hands!
- Load up these turkey nachos with your favorite toppings! The possibilities are endless!
- Serve these mini bell pepper nachos at your next Super Bowl party, as they are sure to be a hit with any crowd!
Why use mini bell peppers for nachos
Sweet mini bell peppers can be found at most grocery stores in the produce department. They are just a smaller version of typical bell peppers but because they are smaller, they are often sweeter and are the perfect size for nachos!
Bell peppers (and sweet mini bell peppers) are a great source of Vitamin C, so this recipe is perfect for cold and flu season!
Mini bell peppers typically have less seeds than traditional bell peppers making them quick to assemble.
How to cut mini peppers for nachos
You will cut the mini peppers in half from the tip of the pepper up through the stem. Once cut, you will use your fingers to remove the stem along with any seeds/white pith remaining.
TIP: Sometimes it’s easier to bang the seeds out of the peppers than to use your fingers. Simply turn them upside down once you remove the stem and lightly bang them on the cutting board.
When cutting the mini peppers in half, you want to think about filling the peppers with filling before cutting them. You may initially think that cutting them so they are wide and flat is best (I certainly did), but actually cutting them so they are more domed and thinner is best.
However, if you cannot tell, don’t worry, they will still be incredible no matter how you cut them up!
How to make mini pepper nachos
Ingredients
- Mini peppers
- Ground turkey
- Garlic powder
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Salsa
- Salt
- Fresh cilantro
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Start by preheating the oven to 400F.
Step 2: Next cut the mini peppers in half, remove the stem and the seeds and place them cut side up on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake the peppers in the oven for 12 minutes.
Step 4: While the peppers are baking, cook the ground turkey on the stove in a large skillet over medium heat (about 6-7 minutes).
Step 5: Once the turkey is cooked through (and no longer pink), add the spices, salt and salsa to the cooked ground turkey and stir well.
Step 6: Take the peppers out of the oven and allow to cool slightly.
Step 7: Stuff each mini bell pepper with a spoonful of the turkey mixture.
Step 8: Top the nachos with your favorite toppings and enjoy
FAQs
What are the best healthy nacho toppings
- Chopped tomatoes
- Chopped romaine lettuce
- Guacamole
- Sliced jalapenos (fresh or jarred)
- Sliced olives
- Finely chopped red onion
- Chopped cilantro
- Roasted corn (frozen and defrosted or fresh)
- Refried beans or black beans
- Dairy free sour cream or yogurt
- Dairy free nacho cheese sauce
- Chipotle Mayo or Spicy Tahini Sauce
- Cilantro Lime Tahini or Lime Tahini Sauce
Alternatives to ground turkey for homemade nachos
- Ground beef
- Ground lamb
- Ground bison
- Ground chicken
- Chopped mushrooms and walnuts (like the filling for these stuffed zucchini boats)
- Lentils and rice
- Black beans
If you can’t find mini peppers
If you cannot find mini peppers at your store, you can cut up bell peppers into thick strips and bake them the same way as the mini peppers and they will work just as well.
What to do with leftover ground turkey
Depending on how much you stuff your nachos, there may be some leftover ground turkey. This goes great on taco salads, on burrito bowls (with cilantro lime cauliflower rice), served with plantain chips for a different kind of nacho or stuffed in tacos or burritos the next day!
Can these paleo nachos be reheated
Yes! You can store these paleo nachos in the fridge for up to 3 days after cooking.
To reheat, simply reheat in the microwave (1:30 minutes or so until hot) or in a 400F oven for 7-10 minutes until hot. I like to use the toaster oven for this!
If you love this recipe, you should try
- Black bean sweet potato nachos
- Jalapeno Cilantro Hummus
- 10 Minute Taco Chicken Skillet
- Black bean soup
- Black bean dip
- Cauliflower Lentil Tacos
- Cauliflower Black Bean Tacos
- Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken
What you will need to make this recipe
- Extra large baking sheet
- Silicone liner or parchment paper
- Sharp chefs knife
- Stainless steel skillet or cast iron skillet
- Ground meat chopper
Paleo Mini Pepper Nachos
Guided Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 2 small packages mini peppers - organic if possible
- 1 pound ground turkey - see alternatives below
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tbs. chili powder
- 1/2- 1 cup organic salsa
- pinch sea salt
- 2 tbs. chopped fresh cilantro
- non-stick spray - avocado oil, olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F.
- Slice the peppers length wise, then remove the stem and seeds. Place on a baking sheet that has been lined with foil or parchment paper for easy clean up. Spray with non-stick spray (avocado oil or olive oil spray).
- Place peppers in the oven for 12 minutes.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add ground turkey and allow to cook through, breaking up the turkey into small pieces.
- Cook about 7 minutes, until no longer pink.
- Add the garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, organic salsa and pinch of salt. Allow to cool slightly while waiting on peppers to finish.
- Stuff the peppers with a small spoon once they come out of the oven. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro.
- Add your favorite toppings. Serve hot or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ground beef
- Ground lamb
- Ground bison
- Ground chicken
- Chopped mushrooms and walnuts (like the filling for these stuffed zucchini boats)
- Lentils and rice
- Black beans
Nutrition Information
Update Notes: This recipe was originally posted in January of 2016, but was published again in February 2020 to include step by step directions, recipe notes and new photos.
This is a great idea for nachos! I’m going to try this with a cheddar-pepper jack mix on top. Thanks for sharing at Turn It Up Tuesday.
We have been eating more turkey mince as my daughter is reacting to beed and these sounds really good. #freefromfridays
I AM MAKING THESE. Yes. I. Am! YUMMM!
Well, dang, these look amazing! I’m on a lowcarb diet right now, and this recipe is an answer to my good-tasting food dreams. Pinned this one!
-G
gingerwroot.com
Haha ohmygoodness if I made these they would be finished before the party even begins! I already know this is delicious, meat and peppers are so yum! Might just pretend I’m having a party and make these now actually haha
These look absolutely delicious, Sam! My sister just found out she has a slight glutten allergy and this would be a perfect recipe to give her! Thanks so much for sharing this with #SHINEbloghop last week. Hopefully we’ll see you again this week for another round :)
So creative! They look amazing- going to add them to my Super Bowl menu! :)
These look so good! My kids d-e-v-o-u-r tacos! They also love peppers so this might be the perfect combination for my family too! :) I’ve been slowly and sneakily trying to phase out all the junk from our pantry (although my hubby eats more like a toddler than my actual toddlers do…) ;) Thanks for the great recipe! Will definitely be trying this!
Yuuummmm!!! I love anything in miniature, and this is such a creative use of the mini pepper! Much less guilt than a big pile of tortilla chips ;) I shared your recipe on Pinterest and Twitter.
One word: Mmmmmm!
Lemons are a must-buy for me! Sounds weird, but I tend to need them when I least expect it (batches of hummus, or…lemon bars? haha).
Sorry Dave is having trouble!! Good thing he’s got an awesome cook in the house ;)
These are just too fun! And so colorful! Mini peppers always just make me happy – they are so cute!
I love those little mini peppers! My mom just bought some from TJs for the first time and they are so fun!
oh yeah! Healthier nachos, I’m all in for these :)
I could eat these ALL DAY LONG. Love me some minipeppers! They are excellent vehicles for nacho flavors!