Save 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.
This recipe became a staple in my home when we needed a fuss-free dinner everyone could customize. The combination of warm potatoes and hearty chili has brought cozy, memorable dinners to our table more times than I can count.
Ingredients
- Potatoes: 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Sea salt: 1 tsp
- Chili: 2 cups prepared chili (meat or vegetarian)
- Black beans: 1 cup canned black beans, 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 Potatoes:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). 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 to 60 minutes until skins are crisp and flesh is tender.
- Heat Chili & Beans:
- While potatoes bake, heat chili and black beans in a saucepan over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare Potatoes for Topping:
- Remove potatoes from oven, let cool slightly, slice each lengthwise, and gently fluff the insides with a fork.
- Add Chili & Beans:
- Spoon chili and bean mixture evenly over each potato.
- Add Toppings:
- Top with shredded cheese and allow it to melt. 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 Sharing these loaded baked potatoes with my family has become a cherished comfort dish. Everyone piles on their favorite toppings, making dinner fun and personal for all ages.
Required Tools
Oven, baking sheet (optional), saucepan, knife, fork
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese, sour cream). Gluten-free if using gluten-free chili and toppings. Check labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 480, Total Fat 17 g, Carbohydrates 62 g, Protein 18 g
Save Loaded baked potatoes make for an easy, hearty meal that brings everyone together. Try different chili varieties or toppings next time for a new twist.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure potatoes bake evenly?
Prick potatoes with a fork several times to allow steam to escape and rub with olive oil and salt for crisp skin. Bake directly on the oven rack for even heat circulation.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, bake the potatoes and prepare the chili mixture in advance. Reheat and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
- → What are good vegan alternatives for cheese and sour cream?
Plant-based vegan cheeses and sour cream options are excellent substitutes to keep this dish dairy-free while preserving creaminess.
- → How can I add more heat to this dish?
Include sliced jalapeños as a topping or add hot sauce or chili flakes to the chili mixture before serving.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, provided the chili and toppings used are gluten-free. Always check labels to avoid cross-contamination.