Name: Chopped Cheese Potato Bowls: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 95 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and pierced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup milk; 4 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional); 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1 pound ground beef; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 4 slices American cheese, roughly chopped; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; Shredded lettuce; Diced tomatoes; Pickled jalapenos; Mustard; Mayonnaise

Chopped Cheese Potato Bowls are about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine! Imagine the iconic flavors of a New York City chopped cheese sandwich – that savory ground beef, the melty cheese, the crisp lettuce, and juicy tomatoes – all piled high on a fluffy, baked potato. It's a flavor explosion that's both comforting and incredibly satisfying.

While the chopped cheese itself is a relatively recent culinary invention, born in the bodegas of New York City, its spirit of satisfying, no-fuss deliciousness resonates with generations of home cooks. It's a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined in a way that's undeniably craveable. This recipe takes that beloved sandwich filling and elevates it to a complete meal, offering a fun and interactive way to enjoy a classic.

People adore this dish for so many reasons! The combination of textures – the creamy potato, the savory beef, the crisp vegetables, and the gooey cheese – is simply irresistible. Plus, it's incredibly customizable. You can easily adjust the toppings to your liking, making it a perfect meal for picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a baked potato loaded with deliciousness? These Chopped Cheese Potato Bowls are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a hearty and flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to prepare. Get ready to experience a new family favorite!

Ingredients:

For the Loaded Potato Bowls:

4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and pierced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
1/4 cup chopped green onions

For the Chopped Cheese Filling:

1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
4 slices American cheese, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Optional Toppings:

Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Pickled jalapenos
Mustard
Mayonnaise

Preparing the Potatoes:

Preheat the Oven: First things first, let's get that oven ready! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure the potatoes cook evenly and get that lovely crispy skin.
Prepare the Potatoes: Now, give those russet potatoes a good scrub under running water. We want to remove any dirt or debris. Once they're clean, use a fork to pierce each potato several times. This allows steam to escape while they bake, preventing them from exploding (trust me, you don't want that!).
Season and Bake: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure each potato is well coated. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack (or on a baking sheet if you prefer less mess). Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork. The baking time will depend on the size of your potatoes, so keep an eye on them.
Cool Slightly: Once the potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. This will make them easier to handle when we scoop out the insides.

Making the Chopped Cheese Filling:

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy chopped cheese!
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Cook for another minute, until the garlic is fragrant. This step is crucial for building flavor!
Simmer with Ketchup and Worcestershire: Add the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This is where the magic happens!
Incorporate the Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the chopped American cheese and stir until it is melted and evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The cheese should be nice and gooey!

Assembling the Chopped Cheese Potato Bowls:

Prepare the Potato Bowls: Carefully slice each baked potato lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out some of the potato flesh, leaving about 1/2 inch of potato around the edges to create a bowl shape. Don't throw away the scooped-out potato! We'll use it to make the filling even better.
Mash the Potato Filling: In a medium bowl, mash the scooped-out potato with sour cream, milk, and melted butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This will create a creamy and delicious base for our bowls.
Fill the Potato Bowls: Spoon the mashed potato mixture back into the potato skins. Top with a generous amount of the chopped cheese filling. Don't be shy!
Add Cheese and Bake (Optional): Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each potato bowl. If you want an extra cheesy and melty topping, place the filled potato bowls under the broiler for a minute or two, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch them carefully to prevent burning!
Add Toppings: Garnish with cooked and crumbled bacon (if using), chopped green onions, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled jalapenos, mustard, and mayonnaise, or any other toppings you desire. Get creative and customize your bowls to your liking!
Serve Immediately: Serve the chopped cheese potato bowls immediately while they are hot and delicious. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

Potato Choice: While russet potatoes are the classic choice for baked potatoes, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly creamier texture.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the chopped cheese filling. Provolone, mozzarella, or pepper jack would all be delicious options.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chopped cheese filling.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu.
Make Ahead: You can bake the potatoes and prepare the chopped cheese filling ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the bowls just before serving.
Air Fryer Option: For a quicker cooking method, you can bake the potatoes in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the potatoes for 40-50 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork.
Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and peppers for an earthier flavor in the chopped cheese filling.
Use Different Sauces: Instead of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, try using a combination of barbecue sauce and hot sauce for a different flavor profile.
Add a Fried Egg: Top your chopped cheese potato bowl with a fried egg for an extra protein boost and a runny yolk that adds richness.
Make it a Pizza Bowl: Add pizza sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese to the potato bowl for a pizza-inspired twist.

Serving Suggestions:

These chopped cheese potato bowls are a complete meal on their own, but you can also serve them with a side salad or coleslaw for a more balanced meal. They are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a game day gathering, or a fun weekend treat.

Enjoy experimenting with different toppings and variations to create your own signature chopped cheese potato bowl! The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let's be real: you absolutely need to make these Chopped Cheese Potato Bowls. I'm not even kidding. The combination of fluffy baked potatoes, that savory, perfectly seasoned ground beef, the melty cheese, and all those fresh toppings? It's a symphony of flavors and textures that will have you craving them again and again. Trust me, this isn't just another potato bowl recipe; it's a complete meal that's satisfying, comforting, and surprisingly easy to throw together. Why is this a must-try? Because it takes the iconic chopped cheese sandwich, a true New York staple, and reimagines it in a fun, customizable, and frankly, more exciting way. It's the perfect weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing party snack, or even a decadent lunch. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up any leftover ground beef you might have lurking in the fridge. But honestly, you'll probably want to make extra just so you can have these bowls again the next day! But the best part? You can totally make these your own! Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. Add a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick, or throw in some diced jalapeños for extra heat. Serving Suggestions and Variations: * For a lighter version, use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes. The sweetness of the sweet potato pairs beautifully with the savory beef. * Want to add some extra veggies? Sauté some bell peppers and onions with the ground beef for added flavor and nutrients. * Don't forget the toppings! I love the classic lettuce, tomato, and onion combo, but feel free to get creative. Pickled onions, avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or even some crumbled bacon would be amazing additions. * Consider serving these bowls with a side of coleslaw or a simple green salad for a complete and balanced meal. * For a party, set up a "Chopped Cheese Potato Bowl Bar" with all the ingredients and let your guests customize their own bowls. It's a guaranteed hit! And if you're looking to elevate the cheese factor (because, let's face it, who isn't?), try using a blend of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and provolone. The more cheese, the merrier, right? You could even add a drizzle of cheese sauce for an extra decadent touch. I'm genuinely excited for you to try this recipe. It's one of my go-to meals when I'm craving something comforting and satisfying, and I know you'll love it just as much as I do. So, grab your potatoes, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of these Chopped Cheese Potato Bowls. Once you've made them, I'd absolutely love to hear what you think! Did you try any variations? What were your favorite toppings? Share your photos and experiences in the comments below. Let's create a community of Chopped Cheese Potato Bowl enthusiasts! Happy cooking! I can't wait to see what delicious creations you come up with. Don't forget to rate the recipe once you've tried it! Your feedback helps others discover this amazing dish.