Pin it A hearty, comforting dish featuring fluffy baked potatoes topped with savory chili, creamy beans, and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick meal or customizable family dinner.
I remember the first time I made loaded baked potatoes for movie night. Everyone was excited to personalize their spuds, and the chili plus cheese combo quickly became a favorite in our house.
Ingredients
- Russet potatoes: 4 large, scrubbed
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Sea salt: 1 tsp
- Prepared chili: 2 cups (meat or vegetarian)
- Black beans: 1 cup canned, drained and rinsed
- Cheddar cheese: 1 cup shredded
- Sour cream: 1/2 cup
- Green onions: 1/4 cup chopped
- Tomatoes: 1/4 cup diced
- Jalapeño: 1, sliced (optional)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Set oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare potatoes:
- Prick potatoes several times with a fork. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Bake potatoes:
- Place potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until skins are crisp and flesh is tender.
- Heat chili and beans:
- While potatoes bake, heat chili and beans in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.
- Slice and fluff:
- Remove potatoes, let cool slightly, slice lengthwise, and gently fluff insides with a fork.
- Top potatoes:
- Spoon chili and beans evenly over potatoes.
- Add toppings:
- Add shredded cheese to melt, then top with sour cream, green onions, tomatoes, jalapeño, and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, with extra toppings as desired.
Pin it This recipe brings back memories of chilly evenings when we'd gather around the table and let everyone customize their own loaded potato. It always sparks conversation and laughter!
Required Tools
Oven, baking sheet (optional), saucepan, knife, fork
Allergen Information
Contains dairy from cheese and sour cream. This meal is gluten-free if you choose gluten-free chili and check labels for cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480. Total Fat: 17 g. Carbohydrates: 62 g. Protein: 18 g per serving.
Pin it This loaded baked potato with chili and cheese is sure to become a weeknight go-to. Enjoy customizing your bowl and digging in with friends or family!
Recipe FAQs
- → What potatoes work best for baking?
Russet potatoes are ideal for baking due to their fluffy texture and thick skin, which crisps nicely in the oven.
- → Can I prepare the chili and beans ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the chili and beans in advance saves time. Simply reheat gently before topping the potatoes.
- → How do I ensure the potato skins get crispy?
Rubbing potatoes with olive oil and sprinkling sea salt before baking helps create crispy, flavorful skins.
- → Are there vegetarian options for the chili topping?
Using meat-free chili and beans provides a satisfying vegetarian version without losing flavor.
- → What are good additional toppings to add?
Avocado slices, crushed tortilla chips, hot sauce, or extra diced vegetables can add texture and flavor variety.