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.
Loaded baked potatoes have always been a favorite in our house, especially on busy weeknights when everyone wants something hearty but fuss-free. The comforting combination of chili, cheese, and fluffy potatoes satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
- Potatoes: 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp sea salt
- Chili & Beans: 2 cups prepared chili (meat or vegetarian); 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- Toppings: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1/4 cup diced tomatoes; 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes:
- Preheat the 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 60 minutes, or until skins are crisp and flesh is tender.
- Heat Chili & Beans:
- While the potatoes are baking, heat the chili and black beans together in a saucepan over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare Potatoes for Filling:
- Remove potatoes from the oven. Let cool slightly, then slice each potato lengthwise and gently fluff the insides with a fork.
- Assemble:
- 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 We love making a big batch of chili and saving some just for baked potato night. Everybody creates their own loaded potato masterpiece, making dinner feel fun and interactive for all ages.
Required Tools
Oven, baking sheet (optional), saucepan, knife, fork
Allergen Information
Contains dairy from cheese and sour cream; gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free chili and cheese. Always check product labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 480 calories, 17 g total fat, 62 g carbohydrates, 18 g protein
Save Loaded baked potatoes are a crowd-pleaser and make weeknight dinners exciting. Enjoy customizing every bite!
Common Questions
- → What type of potatoes work best?
Large russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy, fluffy interior that crisps well when baked.
- → Can I use vegetarian chili?
Yes, vegetarian chili works perfectly and maintains the hearty flavors of the dish.
- → How do I ensure the potatoes bake evenly?
Prick potatoes with a fork and bake them directly on the oven rack to achieve crisp skins and fluffy insides.
- → What toppings can be added besides cheese and sour cream?
Try green onions, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, avocado, or crushed tortilla chips for extra flavor and texture.
- → Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free chili and toppings, the dish remains gluten-free and safe for sensitive diets.
- → How to melt the cheese properly?
Place the cheese on the hot chili immediately after spooning it on potatoes to allow gentle melting from residual heat.