Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Satisfying comfort food: The combination of fluffy potatoes, robust chili, and creamy toppings creates a deeply comforting and filling dish.
Quick & convenient: Use homemade or store-bought chili, and even microwave the potatoes to save time.
Perfect for gatherings: Set up a “baked potato bar” and let everyone customize their own toppings fun and versatile!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Russet potatoes
Olive oil
Yellow onion, diced
Garlic cloves, minced
Kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
Black beans, drained and rinsed
Lentils (optional, for extra heartiness)
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Chili powder (plus optional spices like smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne)
Bay leaf
Vegan Mexican-style shredded cheese
Vegan sour cream (for topping)
Green onions, chopped (for topping)
Jalapeños, sliced (for topping)

Directions

Bake the potatoes: Preheat oven to 350 °F. Scrub russet potatoes, poke them with a fork, wrap individually in foil, and bake for about 90 minutes or until tender.
Simmer lentils: With about 45 minutes remaining on the potatoes, cook lentils (if using) with water in a small saucepan over medium heat for around 20 minutes, checking to prevent burning.
Make the chili: With roughly 30 minutes left on the potatoes, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent (~5 minutes). Add beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, and bay leaf. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, then remove bay leaf.
Assemble and serve: Unwrap baked potatoes and cut a top slit. Fluff the insides with a fork, spoon chili over the potatoes, then top with vegan cheese, vegan sour cream, green onions, and jalapeños.

Servings and timing

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Total time: Around 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

Make ahead: The chili can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat before assembling.
Microwave shortcut: If you’re short on time, microwave the potatoes by cooking on high for 4–5 minutes per side instead of baking.
Alternate toppings: Try adding avocado, cilantro, cheese sauce, crispy onions, roasted pumpkin seeds, sriracha, or crushed tortilla chips for extra flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

Chili: Can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for about 2 months.
Baked potatoes: Not recommended for freezing, as the texture may suffer upon thawing.

FAQs

What type of potatoes are best for baked potatoes?

Russet potatoes are ideal they’re starchy and become light and fluffy when baked.

What’s a good substitute for beans in vegan chili?

You can use tempeh or vegan meat crumbles for a meaty, bean-free alternative.

How will I know when the potatoes are done?

They’re perfectly baked when a fork goes in easily and the interior is tender.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes the chili can be made ahead. For best potato texture, bake them just before serving.

Can I freeze this?

Freeze the chili in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Freezing baked potatoes is not recommended.

Are there alternatives to vegan sour cream for topping?

Yes consider creamy avocado slices or a drizzle of vegan cheese sauce as tasty options.

Can I skip the lentils?

Absolutely. Lentils are optional but add a heartier texture and extra protein.

Is there a way to reduce chili spice?

Adjust or omit spicy ingredients like chili powder or jalapeños according to your preference.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes ensure your chili powder, tomato sauce, and any packaged toppings are gluten-free.

Is this suitable for weeknight meals?

Definitely. With minimal prep and optional shortcuts like microwaving, it’s a great weeknight dinner idea.

Conclusion

This Vegan Chili Baked Potato delivers rich, comforting flavors with fluffy potatoes, hearty chili, and creamy, customizable toppings all while being plant-based and crowd-friendly. Perfect alone or as part of a casual meal spread, it’s sure to satisfy. Enjoy creating and customizing this cozy favorite.

Chili Baked Potato (Vegan)