Description
Bell Pepper Nachos are a vibrant and healthier twist on traditional nachos, using fresh chopped bell peppers as a crunchy base topped with seasoned ground beef, taco sauce, a blend of Mexican cheeses, and fresh vegetables. This delicious and colorful dish is baked to melted perfection, making it perfect for a quick appetizer or a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 2-3 bell peppers, chopped (for the base)
- 1 pound ground beef, cooked and seasoned with taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup taco sauce
- 1½ cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded
Toppings
- Additional chopped bell peppers
- Chopped onions, about 1/2 cup
- Chopped tomatoes, about 1/2 cup
- Extra Mexican cheese, shredded, for topping (about 1/2 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the nachos.
- Prepare the Pan: Lightly spray a glass baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Layer Bell Peppers: Spread the chopped bell peppers evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking pan for a crunchy, flavorful base.
- Add Seasoned Ground Beef: Evenly distribute the cooked and taco-seasoned ground beef over the bell peppers.
- Drizzle Taco Sauce: Pour the taco sauce evenly over the beef and bell peppers to add tangy spice and moisture.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded Mexican cheese blend over the taco sauce layer to create a melty, cheesy topping.
- Add Fresh Vegetables: Scatter the additional chopped bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes on top for freshness and color.
- Top with Extra Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded Mexican cheese over the fresh vegetables for extra cheesy goodness.
- Bake: Place the pan uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve Hot: Remove from the oven and serve the nachos hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can customize the vegetables based on preference, such as adding jalapeños for more heat.
- Use low-fat cheese or lean ground beef to make this dish lighter.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with seasoned black beans or lentils.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
- Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side for added flavor.
