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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!

Hand grabbing a mini pepper nacho from the tray.
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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.

How to cut a mini pepper for nachos.

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

Steps on how to make mini pepper nachos.

FAQs

What are the best healthy nacho toppings

Alternatives to ground turkey for homemade nachos

Baking sheet full of stuffed mini pepper nachos.

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!

White plate with mini pepper nachos. Avocado in background.

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What you will need to make this recipe

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Gray baking sheet filled with mini pepper nachos.

Paleo Mini Pepper Nachos

Mini pepper nachos are the perfect healthy dinner or snack food! This kid friendly recipe is so fun to eat and is naturally low carb, paleo, Whole30, keto, dairy free and gluten free! Ready in under 20 minutes and great for parties too!
5 from 4 votes
Print Pin Save Rate
Course: dinner, Snack
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: bell pepper nachos, keto nachos, mini pepper nachos, paleo nachos
Prep Time: 6 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4

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

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.
Alternatives to ground turkey for homemade nachos:
What 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.
Storage:
Store in airtight container up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in microwave (1:30 minutes) or preheated 400F oven for 7-10 minutes. 

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
Amount per Serving
Calories
172
Fat
 
3
g
Carbohydrates
 
9
g
Fiber
 
3
g
Sugar
 
5
g
Protein
 
29
g
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database.
DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?Let others know by rating and leaving a comment below!

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.

Recipe Rating




Shana

Sunday 5th of August 2018

These are extremely good. Made them twice already. Added a dollop of guacamole to them and they disappeared lol.

Theresa

Wednesday 31st of January 2018

Oh, so yummy! Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Pinned & sharing. See you again soon.

Miz Helen

Monday 29th of January 2018

Your Paleo Mini Pepper Nachos will be a great addition for the big game day! Hope you are having a great day and thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and come back to see us real soon! Miz Helen

Manchester Mummy

Monday 22nd of January 2018

These look amazing and super yummy - easy to make too so have no excuse but to give them a try :) Sim x #MMBH

Gwen

Thursday 7th of April 2016

Amazing