Loaded mini pepper nachos offer a low-carb, flavorful alternative to traditional game day...
- 35 min
9 net carbs
Loaded mini pepper nachos
Loaded mini pepper nachos offer a low-carb, flavorful alternative to traditional game day snacks, combining seasoned beef, black beans, and cheese with fresh toppings for a healthier yet satisfying option.
- Recipe last updated: September 27, 2024
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Loaded mini pepper nachos
- Last Updated: September 27, 2024
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Low-carb loaded mini pepper nachos
*Net carbs are per serving
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 15-ounce can black beans, drained
- 1 pound mini peppers, halved and seeded
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Toppings: diced jalapeños, avocado, tomato, chopped cilantro, black olives, sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400F/200C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add the ground beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
- Season the ground beef with the spices: garlic powder, dried oregano, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes, pepper, and salt. Stir together and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Add the black beans and mix until well combined.
- Arrange the mini peppers in a single layer on the baking sheet, cut side up, with the peppers close together.
- Top the peppers with the ground beef, followed by the cheese.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Top with desired toppings and serve immediately. Enjoy!
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Notes
Serving size
This recipe makes about 8 servings as a main dish and about 12 servings as a side dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this low-carb loaded mini pepper nachos recipe Keto?
No, this recipe is not Keto. It makes 6 servings as an appetizer and has 9 net carbs per serving. Since a Keto diet limits daily carbs to 20 or less, this recipe’s carb count is too high for us to consider it Keto-friendly. *If you remove the black beans from the recipe, it has only 5 net carbs per serving, making it suitable for a Keto diet.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, our low-carb loaded mini pepper nachos are gluten-free.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
- Make-ahead: You can cook the ground beef mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the nachos with the beef and cheese when ready to serve.
- Storing leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the toppings separate to avoid sogginess.
- Freezing instructions: It’s best to freeze the cooked beef mixture separately. Once cooled, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Do not freeze the mini peppers, as they may become mushy.
- To reheat: Reheat the beef mixture in the microwave or stovetop, then assemble with fresh peppers and cheese. Bake the assembled nachos in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
Additional Details
Loaded mini pepper nachos are a simple, low-carb option for those looking to enjoy a healthier take on a popular game-day snack. You can cut down on carbohydrates by using mini bell peppers instead of traditional tortilla chips while still enjoying the classic nacho flavors. This recipe combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, and cheddar cheese with a variety of fresh toppings, making it a satisfying choice for people managing their carbohydrate intake, including those with diabetes.
Nachos have long been a favorite snack, originating in Mexico in the 1940s. Typically made with fried tortilla chips and cheese, they’ve evolved into a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course, often loaded with toppings like ground beef, beans, sour cream, and salsa. However, traditional nachos can be high in carbohydrates due to the chips, which can be a challenge for people with diabetes. This version swaps out the chips for mini bell peppers, offering a more diabetes-friendly alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Details about ingredients
The key ingredient that sets this recipe apart is mini bell peppers. These peppers are naturally low in carbohydrates and provide a slight sweetness that balances the savory beef and cheese. Ground beef is the main protein, seasoned with a blend of garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and other spices to create a rich, taco-style flavor. Black beans are added to provide extra fiber and protein, which can help with blood sugar management. Shredded cheddar cheese brings the dish together, and a variety of toppings like avocado, jalapeños, and sour cream allow for customization based on personal preference.
Variations
While the base recipe calls for ground beef and black beans, there are many ways to modify this dish to suit your dietary needs or preferences. For example, you could:
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content.
- Omit the black beans for an even lower-carb version.
- Use dairy-free cheese alternatives if you’re lactose intolerant or avoiding dairy.
- Add more vegetables like diced onions or tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a slightly different taste.
These variations allow you to tailor the recipe to your dietary requirements while maintaining the core flavors.
Serving pairings
Loaded mini pepper nachos work well as an appetizer or a light main dish. They pair nicely with a variety of side dishes, especially those that are low-carb and diabetes-friendly. Some options include:
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Cauliflower rice or a cauliflower-based side to keep the meal low in carbs.
- A refreshing cucumber and tomato salad.
- Low-carb dips, like guacamole or salsa, that complement the nacho flavors.
These pairings can round out the meal without adding extra carbohydrates, making it easier to manage blood sugar levels.
Benefits for people with diabetes
One of the main benefits of this recipe for people with diabetes is the use of mini bell peppers in place of tortilla chips. Bell peppers are low in carbohydrates and high in vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which supports overall health. Combining protein from ground beef and fiber from the black beans also helps slow the absorption of carbohydrates, leading to more stable blood sugar levels. By avoiding chips and using fresh, whole ingredients, this recipe provides a diabetes-friendly way to enjoy nachos without the blood sugar spikes that typically come with traditional nachos.
Tips
Here are a few tips to ensure the best results when making mini pepper nachos:
- Make sure to cut the mini peppers in half and remove the seeds to create a sturdy base for the toppings.
- For crispier peppers, you can pre-bake the pepper halves for a few minutes before adding the toppings.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or add hot sauce to the ground beef mixture.
- When serving, offer a variety of toppings so everyone can customize their nachos to their taste. Popular choices include jalapeños, avocado, diced tomatoes, black olives, and chopped cilantro.
- For meal prep, you can cook the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply assemble the peppers, beef, and cheese and bake for a quick and easy snack or meal.
Loaded mini pepper nachos offer a flavorful, low-carb alternative to traditional nachos, making them a great option for people with diabetes who want to enjoy a healthier game-day snack. This recipe uses simple, whole ingredients like mini bell peppers, seasoned ground beef, and cheddar cheese, making it easy to make and customize. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these nachos provide a satisfying, diabetes-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
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