For those following a ketogenic diet, the craving for familiar comfort foods can be intense. Nachos, with their irresistible combination of crispy chips, savory toppings, and melted cheese, often top the list of forbidden delights. However, with a few clever substitutions, it's entirely possible to create keto-friendly nachos that satisfy those cravings without derailing your diet. These easy keto nachos are going to change the game and satisfy all your nacho cravings!
Why Keto Nachos?
Nachos are the perfect snack, party appetizer and dinner. This is one of the first questions I asked myself because I love love love chips. If you’re in dire needs of chips this very moment, we have a TOP 10 BEST KETO CHIPS blog post that will blow your mind and leave with all the chips you desire. Best of all, this big pile of deliciousness is so easy to make. The whole thing can be ready in less than 30 minutes! Just cook up ground beef with Mexican-inspired seasonings, spoon over low carb nacho chips, add your cheese, and toss it in the oven. And if you ask me, getting to add all my favorite toppings after they bake makes homemade nachos taste even better than the restaurant version.
The Foundation: Keto-Friendly Chips
Traditionally, tortilla chips form the base of nachos, but these are high in carbohydrates and unsuitable for a keto diet. Fortunately, several excellent alternatives exist:
- Low-Carb Tortillas: These can be cut into triangles, sprayed with coconut oil, and baked or broiled until crispy.
- Pork Rinds: These provide a satisfying crunch and are naturally low in carbs. It's best to use large, puffy pork rinds in this recipe. And please use pork rinds and not pork crackling.
- Bell Peppers: Sliced bell peppers offer a colorful and nutritious base, adding a slightly sweet flavor. The colors are so beautiful, and they serve as a fun and flavorful vessel.
The Heart of the Matter: Savory Ground Beef
Ground beef is a classic nacho topping, providing protein and flavor. To keep the carb count low, opt for 80/20 ground beef, which has a higher fat content. The detailed instructions and step-by-step photos are included in the recipe card. Cook the ground beef until it's no longer raw.
Seasoning the Beef
The right blend of spices elevates the ground beef, creating that signature nacho flavor. A combination of chili powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, chipotle chili powder, salt, and pepper works well.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
The Glue That Holds It Together: Cheese
Cheese is essential for any nacho recipe, providing a creamy, melty element. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack are all excellent choices. Sprinkle generously over the chips and meat before broiling.
The Finishing Touches: Toppings Galore
The beauty of nachos lies in their versatility. A wide array of toppings can be added to customize the flavor and nutritional profile. Some keto-friendly options include:
- Guacamole: A healthy source of fat and flavor.
- Sour Cream: Adds a tangy creaminess.
- Diced Tomatoes: Provide a burst of freshness.
- Jalapenos: For a spicy kick.
- Olives: Kalamata olives add a lovely depth.
- Lettuce: For added crunch.
- Salsa: Choose a low-sugar or homemade version.
Recipe: Keto Nachos with Low Carb Tortilla Chips
These keto nachos would definitely be the show stopper of any party you throw, but you shouldn’t stop there. Not these ones!
Ingredients:
- Low-carb tortillas
- Coconut oil spray
- Ground beef (80/20)
- Onion, chopped
- Taco seasoning
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
Instructions:
- Prepare the Low Carb Tortilla Chips:Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Cut your low carb tortillas up into triangles and place them onto the baking sheet so they aren’t touching one another.Spray them with coconut oil spray and bake for 5-7 minutes (watch them because they will burn quickly if left unattended).Turn the heat to broil for 1-2 minutes, while keeping an eye on them, for a crispy, browned tortilla chip.Best stored in a zip top bag on the counter.
- Cook the Ground Beef:Heat a large skillet to medium high heat and add the beef and onion.Break up the meat using a spoon and cook through until no longer pink and the onions are tender.Add all of the seasonings and combine until fully incorporated. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Nachos:Create a layer of your baked tortilla chips or pork rinds in an oven safe skillet.Top the chips/pork rinds with the meat and then with the cheese and diced tomatoes.
- Broil:Broil for 1-2 minutes until cheese has melted.
- Add Toppings:Top with remaining toppings and serve immediately.
Recipe: Cheesy Bell Pepper Keto Nachos
These Cheesy Bell Pepper Keto Nachos are a delicious low carb snack or meal that you'll completely devour!
Ingredients:
- Bell peppers
- Ground beef
- Taco seasoning
- Beef broth
- Yellow cheddar cheese
- White cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Wash and dry your bell peppers, then cut into small triangles.
- Place the cut peppers on a baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Set aside.
- While the peppers are in the oven, brown the ground beef in a skillet on the stove over medium heat. Drain any excess liquids.
- Next, add taco seasoning and beef broth and bring to a boil.
- Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes with the lid off so that the seasoning can infuse with the ground beef.
- Remove the lid and continue simmering until the taco meat reduces and becomes thick. You don’t want it liquidy. It should be nice and thick.
- Spoon the ground beef mixture onto each bell pepper covering from end to end as much as possible.
- Sprinkle the yellow cheddar cheese on top of the ground beef mixture then top with the white cheddar cheese.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven on the top shelf and bake for 5 minutes, then turn the oven to broil and broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and gets nice and bubbly.
Tips and Variations
- Use different meat: Swap the beef for ground chicken, pork, or turkey.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef for extra heat.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different combinations of toppings to find your favorites.
- Make it ahead: Cook the ground beef and prepare the toppings in advance for a quick and easy meal.
- BBQ Chicken Nachos: Use shredded chicken, BBQ Sauce, and avocado as your toppings.
Storing and Reheating
I don’t recommend storing Keto Nachos. If you don’t think you’ll eat the full low carb nacho recipe, just store the ground beef and other topping separately. You can keep the meat mixture for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat it in the microwave. I don't recommend trying to keep leftovers of the whole dish. The pork rinds will become soggy. Nachos must be reheated, in order for it not to be soggy. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Place your tortilla chips on the baking sheet, followed by the shredded cheese, and half the salsa. Transfer the sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. Remove the nachos from the oven. Top with spoonfuls of guacamole and the cheese sauce. Sprinkle the freshly chopped vegetables on top, and drizzle with sour cream. Serve immediately.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Keto Nachos: An Appetizer or Main Course?
The original dish is simply tortilla chips topped with melted cheese. It originates in Mexico and is served as an appetizer or a snack. Variations like mine, which include ground beef, can be served as a main course. As a main course, this recipe feeds four. When I serve these nachos as a main course, I add a simple steamed vegetable or a salad.
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto