🌶️🧀 HIGH-PROTEIN BELL PEPPER NACHOS
Cheesy, flavorful, veggie-packed nachos made with bell peppers instead of tortilla chips—with plenty of protein from seasoned lean ground beef and cheese! 💪❤️
🛒 Ingredients — 4 servings
Nachos
- 1½ lb (680 g) lean ground beef or extra-lean ground turkey
- 3 large bell peppers, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- ½ cup reduced-fat mozzarella, optional for extra protein
- ½ cup taco sauce
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped for topping
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Cooking spray
Optional high-protein toppings
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Jalapeños
- Salsa
- ¼–½ avocado
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the protein
Brown the lean ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Add taco seasoning and the recommended amount of water from the seasoning packet. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring until well coated.
- Prepare the dish
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly spray a glass baking dish with cooking spray.
- Layer everything
Add the chopped bell peppers to the bottom of the dish.
Spread the seasoned ground beef evenly over the peppers.
Drizzle with taco sauce.
Add a layer of Mexican cheese.
Top with chopped bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
Finish with the remaining Mexican cheese and mozzarella. 🧀😍
- Bake
Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the peppers are tender.
For a more golden cheese topping, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end while watching closely.
- Serve
Let it sit for 2–3 minutes, then add a dollop of Greek yogurt, cilantro, salsa, or jalapeños.
💪 Protein Boost
Using 1½ lb lean ground beef + 2½ cups protein-rich cheese + Greek yogurt topping can make this a very protein-dense meal. Exact protein depends on the brands and quantities you use.
Tip: For the highest protein with less added fat, choose 93–96% lean ground beef, reduced-fat cheese, and plain Greek yogurt. ❤️🌶️
