Many people think potatoes should be avoided when trying to lose or maintain weight, but that is a misconception. Potatoes can be part of a balanced meal, especially when paired with lean protein and nutrient-packed toppings. This baked potato is hearty, creamy inside, and perfectly crispy on the outside. Try out this high protein chili cheese baked potato for your next meal prep.
Protein Benefits
Proteins are made of amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscles, making them especially important for strength training. You need protein for the growth and repair of your muscles.
A high-protein diet also supports your immune system, because the antibodies that fight infections are made of protein.
Protein helps you feel fuller for longer, which aids in appetite control and can support weight loss or maintenance.
Proteins are also an energy source.
Swapping Ingredient Comparison
If 1 serving is 1 medium baked potato topped with ¼ lb of beef, ¼ cup cheese, and 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt.
| Ingredient | Standard Version | Calories | Lean Swap | Calories | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 80% lean | 230 kcal (¼ lb / 4 oz) | 93% lean | 160 kcal | -70 kcal |
| Cheddar cheese | Full-fat | 110 kcal (¼ cup shredded) | Fat-free | 45 kcal | -65 kcal |
| Sour cream | Regular | 60 kcal (2 tbsp) | Plain Greek yogurt | 20 kcal | -40 kcal |
| Baked potato | Medium (5–6 oz) | 150 kcal | — | 150 kcal | 0 kcal |
| Total per serving | — | 550 kcal | — | 375 kcal | -175 kcal |
Estimated Protein Content
| Ingredient | Amount | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Lean ground beef (93%) | ¼ lb / 4 oz | ~23 g |
| Fat-free cheddar cheese | ¼ cup | ~7 g |
| Plain Greek yogurt | 2 tbsp | ~2 g |
| Baked potato (medium) | 5–6 oz | ~4 g |
| Total protein | — | ~36 g |
Ingredients
- Baked potatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Fat-free shredded cheddar cheese
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Green onions, sliced
Click on the images for the direct link to the ingredients/tools I used:
High Protein Chili Cheese Baked Potato Instructions
Wash the potatoes, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Microwave for 8–10 minutes (depending on size), then finish in the air fryer at 375F for about 7-10 minutes until the skins are crisp.
Heat a drizzle of oil in a pan and sauté the diced onion until translucent.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
Stir in paprika, onion powder, salt, cayenne, cumin, and tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.
Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, and black beans. Reduce the heat and let simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Slice each potato lengthwise and gently mash the inside with a fork.
Spoon chili into the potato, then top with shredded cheese, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and sliced green onions.
Enjoy!
Storage Tips
Store chili and potatoes separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Both will last for around 3-4 days.
To reheat the baked potato, just air fry the potato at 375°F for around 5-8 minutes.
You can freeze chili in freezer-friendly bags or containers in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Chili Cheese Baked Potato Tips
Choose Russet potatoes since they are starchy and fluffy.
You want to rub olive oil and salt on the skin before cooking it for the crispy skin.
Brown the beef before adding spices to deepen the flavor.
For extra heat, add jalapenos.
High Protein Chili Cheese Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
- Baked potatoes
- 1 onion diced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Fat-free shredded cheddar cheese
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Green onions sliced
Instructions
- Wash the potatoes, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Microwave for 8–10 minutes (depending on size), then finish in the air fryer at 375F for about 7-10 minutes until the skins are crisp.
- Heat a drizzle of oil in a pan and sauté the diced onion until translucent.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in paprika, onion powder, salt, cayenne, cumin, and tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.
- Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, and black beans. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Slice each potato lengthwise and gently mash the inside with a fork.
- Spoon chili into the potato, then top with shredded cheese, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and sliced green onions.
- Enjoy!
If you enjoyed this high protein chili cheese baked potato recipe, you might also like my macro-friendly chili cheese fries recipe.
