Meow’s Quick and Healthy Nachos for One (Vegetarian)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 450.8 kcal
Recipe Category: Lunch, Snacks
Cuisine: Tex-Mex, Southwestern
Skill Level: Beginner
Dietary Info: Vegetarian, Low-Fat Options Available
Description
These quick and healthy nachos are perfect for when you’re in need of a comforting snack but don’t want to indulge in something too heavy. The combination of tortilla chips, veggies, black beans, and creamy light cream cheese gives you all the satisfaction of loaded nachos without the guilt! This is my go-to recipe when I’m tired or stressed but want something delicious that feels a bit indulgent. The recipe is flexible and forgiving, allowing you to adjust based on what you have on hand, and it can easily be adapted for the oven or microwave, depending on your preference.
Ingredients and Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (kcal) | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-fat tortilla chips | 10-12 chips | ~140 | ~7 | ~18 | ~2 | Provides crunch and base for nachos. |
| Light cream cheese | 1/2 oz | ~25 | ~2 | ~1 | ~1 | Adds creaminess. Mozzarella or another cheese can be substituted. |
| Roma tomato | 1 small, diced | ~20 | 0 | ~4 | ~1 | Fresh and juicy. Can swap with another tomato variety. |
| Red onion | 1/2 small, diced | ~10 | 0 | ~2 | ~0.2 | Adds a mild oniony bite. |
| Green pepper | 2 tbsp, chopped | ~5 | 0 | ~1 | ~0.2 | Crunchy and refreshing. |
| Black beans or refried beans | 1/2 cup | ~110 | ~0.5 | ~20 | ~7 | Packed with fiber and protein. |
| Black olives | 1-2 tbsp, sliced | ~10-20 | ~1 | ~1 | ~0.2 | Salty, briny flavor. Use green olives as a variation. |
| Romaine lettuce | 1/2-1 leaf, chopped | ~5 | 0 | ~1 | ~0.2 | Adds a fresh crunch and extra nutrition. |
| Sour cream (light or regular) | 1/2-1 tbsp | ~10-20 | ~1-2 | ~1-2 | ~0.2 | Creamy and tangy; use sparingly for lower fat content. |
| Salsa | To taste | ~10-20 | 0 | ~2-3 | ~0.5 | Provides a zesty kick of flavor. |
| Cumin | To taste | ~0 | 0 | ~0 | ~0 | Adds warmth and spice. |
| Kosher salt | To taste | ~0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Season to taste. |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450.8 kcal |
| Fat | 15.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 21.6 mg |
| Sodium | 892.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 42.5 g |
| Fiber | 14.7 g |
| Sugar | 3.7 g |
| Protein | 36.2 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the base:
Place the low-fat tortilla chips in a microwave-safe bowl or on a microwave-safe plate. If you’re using veggie crumbles, spread them evenly over the chips. These veggie crumbles give a hearty, meaty texture and boost the protein content. -
Heat the chips and veggie crumbles:
Pop the bowl or plate into the microwave and heat for about 1 minute, or until the veggie crumbles are thawed and warmed through. If you’re skipping the veggie crumbles, you can proceed directly to the next step. -
Add the beans and cream cheese:
Spoon 1/2 cup of black beans (or refried beans) over the chips and veggie crumbles. Dot the nachos with small amounts of light cream cheese. Cream cheese brings a nice creamy texture that melts into the chips, making these nachos extra indulgent while keeping them relatively low in fat. You can substitute the cream cheese with mozzarella or another cheese if preferred. -
Heat the beans and cheese:
Microwave the bowl or plate again for about 2 minutes, or until the beans are warmed through and the cream cheese has melted. You’ll notice the cream cheese creating little pockets of creamy goodness throughout the nachos. If you’d prefer to bake them, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5 minutes until the cheese is warm and slightly melted. -
Add fresh toppings:
Remove the nachos from the microwave (or oven, if you’re using it) and sprinkle diced roma tomatoes, chopped red onion, and green pepper over the top. You can also add black or green olives at this point if you like a bit of brininess in your nachos. -
Season to taste:
Season with a pinch of cumin and a sprinkle of kosher salt. The cumin adds a subtle smoky warmth to the dish, making it feel more like a Tex-Mex meal. Don’t skip this step—it really enhances the flavor of the nachos! -
Optional heat:
If you prefer your nachos piping hot, you can put them back in the microwave or oven for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on how warm you want the fresh toppings. This step is optional but helps meld the flavors together. -
Finish with cool toppings:
Just before serving, top the nachos with chopped romaine lettuce for a fresh crunch. Add a dollop of sour cream and drizzle salsa over the top for a zesty finish. Both light sour cream and regular sour cream work well in this recipe, and salsa gives the nachos that classic Tex-Mex kick.
Tips for Variations:
- Swap out the cream cheese: If you prefer a more traditional nacho cheese, feel free to substitute with shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses. The cream cheese, however, adds a unique creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the crunch of the chips.
- Try different beans: Black beans are my favorite for this recipe, but you can easily use pinto beans or even refried beans for a different flavor and texture.
- Add protein: For those looking to increase the protein content, you can add veggie crumbles, tofu crumbles, or even cooked lentils.
- Use the oven: If you want crispier nachos, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the chips are golden. This gives a crunchier texture compared to the microwave version.
Serving Suggestions:
These nachos are great as a snack or light meal, especially when you’re craving something fast but still nutritious. Pair them with a cold beverage, and you’ve got yourself a perfect 10-minute treat! Enjoy this recipe for lunch, an afternoon snack, or a late-night bite when you want something satisfying without the guilt.
Recipe Keywords:
Black Beans, Beans, Tex Mex, Southwestern U.S., Spicy, Microwave, Less than 15 Minutes, Oven, Beginner Cook, Easy, Inexpensive
