Save to Pinterest 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 first made loaded baked potatoes with chili and cheese for a casual family get-together. Everyone loved piling on their favorite toppings and it quickly became a requested comfort meal in our home.
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
- Prepare Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare Potatoes:
- Prick each potato 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 50–60 minutes, or until skins are crisp and flesh is tender.
- Heat Chili and Beans:
- While the potatoes are baking, heat the chili and black beans together in a saucepan over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally.
- Slice and Fluff Potatoes:
- Remove potatoes from the oven. Let cool slightly, then slice each potato lengthwise and gently fluff the insides with a fork.
- Add Chili and Beans:
- Spoon the chili and bean mixture evenly over each potato.
- Add Toppings:
- Top with shredded cheese (allow to melt), then add sour cream, green onions, diced tomatoes, and jalapeño slices as desired. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, with additional toppings on the side if desired.
Save to Pinterest Sharing loaded baked potatoes is a favorite comfort meal in our family. It's always fun watching everyone assemble their own perfect creation at the table.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy from cheese and sour cream. Ensure chili and cheese are gluten-free if needed, and check labels to avoid cross-contamination.
Required Tools
Oven, saucepan, knife, fork, and optionally a baking sheet for easier clean-up.
Nutrition Facts
Each serving provides approximately 480 calories, 17 g fat, 62 g carbohydrates, and 18 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Loaded baked potatoes with chili and cheese are always a hit, whether enjoyed for a cozy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend gathering. Customize each to please every family member.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of potatoes work best for this dish?
Large russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffy texture when baked and sturdy skins that hold toppings well.
- → Can I prepare the chili and beans ahead of time?
Yes, pre-cooked chili and beans can be warmed on the stove just before assembling for convenience.
- → How do I get the potato skins crispy?
Rubbing potatoes with olive oil and sea salt before baking directly on the oven rack ensures crisp skins.
- → Are there vegetarian or vegan options available?
Using vegetarian chili and plant-based cheese and sour cream offers vegan-friendly variations.
- → What toppings complement this dish?
Fresh options like green onions, diced tomatoes, sour cream, sliced jalapeño, avocado, and crushed tortilla chips add flavor and texture.