This Cozy Chili Cheese Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food dish that brings people together with its epic, flavorful combination of tender potatoes, zesty chili, and melty cheese. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly days and cozy gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Cozy Chili Cheese Potato Bake
This comforting casserole is a delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of chili and cheese in a baked potato form. The potatoes become wonderfully creamy and tender, while the chili and cheese create a lush, velvety topping that’s irresistibly craveable. It’s a warm, satisfying dish that’s packed with bold, zesty flavors and loaded with melty goodness in every bite. Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare, making it the perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
This Cozy Chili Cheese Potato Bake calls for a simple list of familiar ingredients that come together to create a truly epic dish. You’ll need russet potatoes, ground beef, chili seasoning, canned diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and a few basic pantry staples.
- 4-6 medium russet potatoes – scrubbed and pricked with a fork
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp chili seasoning
- 1 (15oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Use ground turkey or plant-based ground meat (for a vegetarian option)
- Cheddar Cheese: Try a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack or pepper jack for an extra zesty kick
How to Make Cozy Chili Cheese Potato Bake
This comforting casserole is a breeze to prepare, with easy-to-follow steps that lead to a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing dish.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Scrub the potatoes and prick them with a fork several times. Microwave the potatoes until they’re tender, about 8-10 minutes, then let them cool slightly.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the chili seasoning and diced tomatoes. Simmer the chili mixture for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Slice the baked potatoes in half and scoop out the insides, leaving a thin layer of potato on the skin. In a large bowl, mash the potato flesh with a bit of butter or milk until smooth and creamy. Spread the mashed potatoes into the prepared baking dish, then top with the chili mixture and shredded cheese.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the Cozy Chili Cheese Potato Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. Serve the casserole hot, garnished with any desired toppings like sour cream, diced green onions, or crispy bacon.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For an extra-creamy texture, stir in a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese to the mashed potatoes.
- Crunchy Topping: Top the casserole with crispy fried onions or crushed tortilla chips for a delightful crunch.
- Complete Meal: Serve the Cozy Chili Cheese Potato Bake with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables on the side.
- Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chili mixture for a little extra heat.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: Reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy meal.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the Cozy Chili Cheese Potato Bake in advance. Assemble the casserole up to 2 days ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed.
Nutrition Information
This Cozy Chili Cheese Potato Bake is a comforting and indulgent dish that’s perfect for those chilly winter days. Each serving provides a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 440 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbs: 39 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of potato?
While russet potatoes work best for their fluffy, creamy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the cooking time and texture may vary slightly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or black beans. For a vegan option, use vegan cheese or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a little extra heat, you can add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chili mixture. You can also use a spicier variety of chili seasoning or cheese.
Can I freeze this Cozy Chili Cheese Potato Bake?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Cozy Chili Cheese Potato Bake in advance. Assemble the casserole up to 2 days ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed.
Try These Next
Print
Cozy Chili Cheese Potato Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cozy Chili Cheese Potato Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty potatoes with spicy chili and melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Ingredients
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cups chili (canned or homemade)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot, boil the diced potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, chili, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Transfer the potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and garnish with chopped green onions.
Notes
For a spicier version, use spicy chili or add jalapeños to the mix.
Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese or add more toppings such as avocado or cilantro.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chili, cheese, potatoes, bake, casserole