Indulge in the Best Chili Cheese Potato Bake Recipe Ever!

Get ready to dive into a hearty, cheesy, and utterly delicious dish with our Chili Cheese Potato Bake! This casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender roasted potatoes, savory chili, and a melty cheese topping that’ll have your taste buds doing the happy dance. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side, this Chili Cheese Potato Bake is sure to become a new family favorite. Let’s dive in and explore the layers of flavor that make this dish so irresistible!

Table of Contents

Ingredients Breakdown: Building the Perfect Chili Cheese Potato Bake

The key to a fantastic Chili Cheese Potato Bake lies in the quality of the ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this comforting casserole:

For the Potatoes:

• 2 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder

For the Chili Layer:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1 oz) chili seasoning
• 1 can (15 oz) chili beans or kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese

Optional Garnish:

• Sour cream
• Sliced green onions
• Jalapeño slices

Step-by-Step Instructions: Bringing the Chili Cheese Potato Bake to Life

Roast the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until well coated. Spread the seasoned potatoes in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and roast for 20 minutes, or until they’re tender and lightly golden.

Cook the Chili

While the potatoes are roasting, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion, and cook until the beef is browned, about 7 to 8 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Season the Chili

Stir in the chili seasoning, beans, diced tomatoes with chiles, and beef broth. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, until it’s slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Bake

Remove the roasted potatoes from the oven and reduce the temperature to 375°F. Pour the chili mixture evenly over the potatoes. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.

Bake to Perfection

Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden finish, broil the top for 1 to 2 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy

Allow the Chili Cheese Potato Bake to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Top with a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, and jalapeño slices, if desired. Get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite!

Cooking Tips and Tricks

To ensure your Chili Cheese Potato Bake turns out perfectly, here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind:

• For the best texture, use a combination of russet and Yukon gold potatoes. The russets will become fluffy, while the Yukon golds will hold their shape.
• When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small crumbles for even distribution in the chili layer.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, to change up the flavor profile.
• For a creamier cheese topping, mix in a spoonful or two of cream cheese or sour cream with the shredded cheeses.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili seasoning, or by using a milder or spicier variety of diced tomatoes.

Nutritional Information

One serving of this Chili Cheese Potato Bake provides a satisfying balance of nutrients. Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 550
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 50g

While the Chili Cheese Potato Bake is a comforting and indulgent dish, the combination of nutrient-dense potatoes, lean ground beef, and a variety of vegetables and beans helps to make it a relatively well-balanced meal. For a healthier twist, you can consider using low-fat or reduced-fat cheeses, and adding more vegetables to the chili layer.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about this Chili Cheese Potato Bake is its versatility. Here are some ideas for switching it up:

Vegetarian or Vegan Options

To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat, or use a combination of black beans, kidney beans, and lentils. For a vegan option, omit the cheese and top the bake with a creamy cashew or almond milk-based sauce.

Alternative Proteins

If you’re not in the mood for beef, try using ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even crumbled tofu or tempeh in the chili layer.

Gluten-Free Modifications

This dish is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to use a gluten-free chili seasoning packet and check the labels on any canned goods to ensure they’re gluten-free.

Cheese Variations

Mix and match different cheeses to suit your preferences, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Veggie-Packed Chili

For an extra nutritional boost, add diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to the chili layer.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Chili Cheese Potato Bake is a hearty and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side. Here are some delicious ideas for serving and pairing it:

• Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or a simple steamed vegetable for a complete meal.
• Pair it with crusty garlic bread or warm, fluffy dinner rolls to soak up all that cheesy, chili-infused goodness.
• For a casual gathering, serve the Chili Cheese Potato Bake in individual ramekins or small baking dishes for a fun, shared-plate experience.
• Complement the flavors with a crisp, refreshing beer or a bold, full-bodied red wine.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chili to make Chili Cheese Potato Bake?

Absolutely! Using leftover chili can save time and enhance the flavor of your Chili Cheese Potato Bake. Just make sure to heat the chili before layering it over the roasted potatoes. If the chili is thick, you might want to add a splash of beef broth or water to achieve a better consistency for layering.

What is the best way to reheat Chili Cheese Potato Bake?

The best way to reheat Chili Cheese Potato Bake is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning, and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of reheating.

Can I make Chili Cheese Potato Bake vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or additional beans like black beans or lentils. You can also load it up with more vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

How can I adjust the creaminess of the cheese topping?

To adjust the creaminess of the cheese topping, you can add a layer of cream cheese or sour cream mixed with the shredded cheese before baking. Alternatively, consider using creamy cheeses like cream cheese or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a different texture. Adjusting the ratio of cheese can also impact the creaminess, so feel free to experiment!

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Bacon Ranch Chicken Taquitos
• Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf Bites
• Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Skillet

Conclusion

The Chili Cheese Potato Bake is a true comfort food classic that brings together the best of both worlds: tender roasted potatoes and a hearty, flavor-packed chili, all topped with a melty blanket of cheese. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, this casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So go ahead, dive in, and savor every bite of this irresistible Chili Cheese Potato Bake!

For more snack ideas and kitchen inspiration, follow me on Pinterest.

Print