Chili Cheese Loaded Baked Potato Recipe
Introduction
Chili Cheese Loaded Baked Potato is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings or game day snacks. Combining rich, flavorful chili with a fluffy baked potato and melty cheddar, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to customize and share.

Ingredients
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 small can green chilies
- 1 packet chili seasoning
- 12 oz lager beer
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- Optional: leftover chopped brisket
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Sour cream
- Green onions, sliced
- Jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once cooked, remove the beef and drain excess fat.
- Step 2: Add the diced green bell pepper and onion to the Dutch oven and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste, green chilies, and chili seasoning packet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes to develop flavor.
- Step 4: Return the beef to the pot, pour in the lager beer, and let it reduce slightly to create a sauce. Then add the tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes. If using, add leftover chopped brisket now.
- Step 5: Place the Dutch oven on a smoker set to 250°F and let it cook for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent sticking and blend flavors.
- Step 6: While chili simmers, wash and pat dry the russet potatoes. Poke holes on each side with a fork, wrap in foil, and bake at 400°F for 45 minutes or until soft.
- Step 7: Cut open each baked potato and top with a ladle of the warm chili, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, and jalapeños if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, prepare the chili entirely on a smoker or add a touch of smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Add black beans or corn to the chili for added texture and nutrition.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a slightly sweeter twist.
Storage
Store any leftover chili and baked potatoes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chili on the stove or microwave until hot, and warm the potato in the oven or microwave before assembling the toppings again for best texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the chili ahead of time?
Yes, chili often tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Prepare it a day in advance and reheat gently before serving.
What can I use if I don’t have a smoker?
If you don’t have a smoker, you can cook the chili on the stovetop over low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to develop deep flavors.
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Chili Cheese Loaded Baked Potato Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Chili Cheese Loaded Baked Potato recipe combines tender ground beef chili simmered with vegetables and spices, served atop perfectly baked russet potatoes. It’s a comforting meal featuring savory chili topped with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, and green onions for a delicious and satisfying twist on a classic loaded potato.
Ingredients
Chili
- 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 small can green chilies
- 1 packet chili seasoning
- 12 oz lager beer
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- Optional: leftover chopped brisket
Baked Potatoes & Toppings
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Cheddar cheese, shredded (amount to taste)
- Sour cream (amount to taste)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Jalapeños (optional, sliced)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a dutch oven, brown 2 pounds of 80/20 ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Remove the beef and drain any excess fat to keep the chili from being greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables and Add Seasonings: In the same dutch oven, cook the diced green bell pepper and onion for 5-6 minutes until softened. Stir in the tomato paste, small can of green chilies, and chili seasoning packet, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes to develop flavor.
- Add Beef and Liquids: Return the browned ground beef to the pot and pour in the 12 oz of lager beer. Allow the beer to soak in and reduce slightly, forming a flavorful sauce. Then add the tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes. If desired, stir in leftover chopped brisket to enrich the chili.
- Simmer the Chili: Place the dutch oven on a smoker preheated to 250°F. Let the chili simmer for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to combine flavors and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Potatoes: While the chili cooks, wash and dry the russet potatoes thoroughly. Poke several holes on all sides of each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake the Potatoes: Coat each potato in olive oil and wrap individually in foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 45 minutes, or until potatoes are soft when pierced with a fork.
- Assemble the Loaded Potatoes: Cut open each baked potato lengthwise and fluff the insides lightly with a fork. Ladle warm chili over the potato, then top generously with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños if using, and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately for a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute lager beer with beef broth or a non-alcoholic beer if preferred.
- The chili can be made ahead and reheated; flavors deepen when allowed to rest overnight.
- For spicier chili, add extra jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Leftover chopped brisket is optional but adds a wonderful smoky depth.
- If smoking is unavailable, simmer the chili covered on low heat on the stovetop for 2 hours.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chili, Loaded Baked Potato, Ground Beef, Comfort Food, Slow Cooked Chili, Cheddar Cheese Potato

