If you’re looking for the ultimate weeknight comfort food that feels special enough for a Saturday splurge, these Chili Cheese Loaded Potatoes are exactly what your cravings have been whispering about. Imagine crispy roasted baby potatoes blanketed in a rich, hearty homemade chili, all crowned with a generous pour of gooey, spicy cheese sauce and a flurry of fresh toppings. Every bite is a blend of creamy, savory, spicy, and tangy notes that make this dish an instant favorite, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself at the end of a long day.

Chili Cheese Loaded Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One amazing thing about Chili Cheese Loaded Potatoes is how each ingredient shines and layers into something spectacular. These basics are your secret to maximum flavor, crispy texture, and golden comfort.

Baby Potatoes: These small gems roast quickly and deliver creamy insides with crispy, golden skins—perfect for a hearty base.
Oil of Choice: Olive, avocado, or even canola oil will work; the oil helps those potatoes achieve their roasted glory.
Salt & Pepper: The essential flavor boosters—don’t be shy!
Chili Flakes: Adds a subtle heat that wakes up the tastebuds without overpowering the dish.
Paprika Powder: Brings smoky, vibrant color and depth to both the potatoes and the chili.
Garlic Powder: Delivers that warm, savory undertone we all love.
Onion: Essential for a flavorful, aromatic chili base.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and a pop of color to the chili.
Ground Beef: Makes the chili rich and satisfying—you can swap for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles, if you’d like.
Tomato Paste: Intensifies the savory, umami flavor in the chili layer.
Oregano: Just a pinch lends brightness and that classic chili aroma.
Milk: The key to a luscious, smooth cheese sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: Pick a sharp cheddar for the best melt and flavor punch.
Hot Sauce (Frank’s or your favorite): Gives the cheese sauce a perky, spicy edge that’s irresistible.
Sour Cream & Chives: The finishing touch—cool, fresh, and perfect for scooping it all up!

How to Make Chili Cheese Loaded Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and thoroughly dry your baby potatoes, then halve or quarter them based on size—keeping the pieces even helps them roast up beautifully. Toss them in a large bowl with oil, salt, pepper, chili flakes, paprika, and garlic powder, ensuring every bit is coated. Spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they cook evenly and crisp up all around.

Step 2: Roast to Golden Perfection

Pop those seasoned potatoes in the oven and let them roast for about 30 minutes. Flip them halfway through, if you like, for extra crunch. You’re looking for irresistibly crisp edges and fluffy centers. This is the base that supports all the bold flavors that’ll come next.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce

While the potatoes turn golden, grab a skillet and heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high. Add chopped onion and diced red bell pepper, sautéing until just soft. In goes the ground beef, broken up and cooked until browned all over. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper, mixing well. Simmer it down so flavors meld and the sauce thickens, about 10–15 minutes. This chili layer is what truly makes Chili Cheese Loaded Potatoes so next-level.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

While your chili simmers, work your magic on the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, gently warm the milk over low-medium heat, then whisk in the grated cheddar. Stir until it’s melted and totally smooth, then add hot sauce for zing. Let the sauce thicken for about 5 minutes—don’t rush, that creaminess is your reward!

Step 5: Assemble Your Chili Cheese Loaded Potatoes

Here comes the best part! Remove the crispy potatoes from the oven and arrange them on a platter or shallow baking dish. Spoon the meaty chili sauce all over, making sure every potato gets a little love. Finally, drizzle on that glorious cheese sauce so it flows into every nook and cranny. Top it all with dollops of sour cream and a shower of chopped chives. Serve immediately while everything’s hot, melty, and utterly tempting.

How to Serve Chili Cheese Loaded Potatoes

Garnishes

The right garnishes take Chili Cheese Loaded Potatoes from good to unforgettable. Classic sour cream and chives are essential for cool contrast and fresh bite. Sprinkle on finely diced red onions, sliced jalapeños, or even a handful of pickled onions for a flavor pop. A scatter of extra cheese or tortilla strips adds great texture and color, too.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it welcomes crunchy, zesty sides like a crisp green salad, tangy coleslaw, or even grilled corn on the cob. Keeping the sides fresh and light really helps balance out the warm, rich potatoes and chili cheese magic.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Chili Cheese Loaded Potatoes family-style in a big platter, or go for a fun twist by plating individual servings in small cast iron skillets or bowls. For parties, scoop the loaded potatoes into mini cups as appetizers—guests go wild for them! Or turn them into a DIY nacho bar, letting everyone build their own loaded creation with all the fixings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), simply transfer everything to airtight containers once fully cooled. Keep the potatoes, chili, and cheese sauce separate if possible—this helps preserve their textures when you reheat. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

The chili portion of Chili Cheese Loaded Potatoes freezes beautifully—just let it cool, then pack it into freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months. The roasted potatoes and cheese sauce are best fresh, though you can freeze potatoes in a pinch. Cheese sauce can sometimes separate upon thawing, but a good stir and gentle reheat will revive it.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the potatoes and chili separately in the oven or on the stove, then assemble and drizzle with freshly warmed cheese sauce. The microwave works too for a quick fix—just heat in short bursts, stirring frequently, until everything’s hot and melty again.

FAQs

Can I make Chili Cheese Loaded Potatoes vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or even black beans and corn for a veggie-packed chili. The flavors are just as bold and comforting without the meat.

What’s the best type of potato for this recipe?

Baby potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture and crispy skin, but you can use Yukon Golds or even red potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces. Just aim for similar sizes so they roast evenly.

Can I prepare any components in advance?

Yes! You can make the chili and cheese sauce ahead of time and keep them in the fridge. Just roast the potatoes fresh before serving for the signature crispness that makes Chili Cheese Loaded Potatoes irresistible.

Is it possible to make this dish less spicy?

Very easy—simply reduce or omit the chili flakes and use a milder hot sauce or none at all in the cheese sauce. You’re always in control of the heat level with this customizable recipe.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese for the sauce?

You can, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and gives your cheese sauce the dreamiest texture. If using pre-shredded, just be sure to stir well and melt gently to avoid clumping.

Final Thoughts

Give these Chili Cheese Loaded Potatoes a spot on your table soon—they truly are the kind of dish everyone gravitates toward and comes back for seconds. With crispy, savory potatoes, bold meat chili, and luscious cheese sauce, they’re a pure comfort food win. Try them once, and they’re sure to become one of your most-requested, go-to favorites!

Chili Cheese Loaded Potatoes Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 8 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Chili Cheese Loaded Potatoes are a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for a comforting meal. Crispy baby potatoes loaded with seasoned ground beef, flavorful sauces, and topped with melted cheese, sour cream, and chives.

Instructions

Prep The Potatoes – Preheat oven. Wash, cut, season, and bake potatoes until golden and crispy.
Make the Meat Sauce – Sauté onion, pepper, cook ground beef, add tomato paste, spices, and simmer with tomato sauce.
Let’s Melt Some Cheese – Heat milk, add grated cheese, hot sauce, and cook until smooth and creamy.
Assemble Everything Together! – Layer potatoes, top with meat sauce, pour cheese sauce over, garnish with sour cream & chives.

Notes

You can customize the toppings based on your preference, such as adding jalapenos or avocado.
Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili flakes and hot sauce.
This dish can be a great appetizer for parties or a main course for a cozy dinner.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Sautéing
Cuisine: American