Baked Potato Bar

I'm always on the lookout for new meatless meal ideas. This one is easy - baked potatoes topped with a simple chili, but you can add ground beef if you'd like. Also - you can use chili (have some leftovers?) over the baked potatoes with the suggested toppings. I make myself sweet potatoes, but my husband prefers russet potatoes. Delicious and easy!

Baked Potato Bar

4 russet potatoes or sweet potatoes
1/2 onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 lb ground beef (optional)
2 c. cooked, drained beans - kidney or black
1 c. diced tomatoes
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
salt and pepper (season to taste - if using canned beans, much less salt is needed)

toppings - use whichever ones you like
grated cheese - cheddar or monterey jack
thinly sliced green onions
shredded romaine lettuce
sour cream
diced avocado
fresh salsa

Wash potatoes and poke holes with a fork. Put directly on oven rack with a cookie sheet below and bake in 350 degree oven until easily pierced with a fork, about 1 hour.

Saute chopped onion and minced garlic in a splash of olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes. (If using ground beef, add to pan and cook until browned.) Then add beans, chopped tomatoes, and spices. Cook until heated through.

Cut baked potatoes in half, add a pat of butter and salt and pepper. Mash the potato slightly. Top with the bean mixture and toppings.