Loaded BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Potatoes

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Succulent russet potatoes are baked until tender, then halved and filled with a savory mixture of browned ground beef, smoky barbecue sauce, and classic burger seasonings. Heaps of crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese melt perfectly on top, creating a gooey, satisfying bite in every forkful. Finished with fresh green onions and optional jalapeños, these potatoes capture all the bold flavors of a loaded cheeseburger. Enjoy this hearty, crowd-pleasing dish warm, with textures ranging from creamy potato to crunchy bacon for ultimate comfort and flavor.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Sat, 16 Aug 2025 22:58:37 GMT
A plate of loaded BBQ bacon cheeseburger potato volcanoes. Save
A plate of loaded BBQ bacon cheeseburger potato volcanoes. | lilicooks.com

Loaded BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Potato Volcanos bring your favorite burger flavors together in a cheesy, satisfying, over-the-top way. Each baked russet potato turns into a crispy edible bowl, packed with smokey barbecue beef, sharp cheddar, and just-crisp bacon—perfect comfort food that will surprise and delight.

I first served these on a game night and everyone raved—now it is my go-to for any gathering with friends who love BBQ and melty cheese.

Ingredients

  • Russet potatoes: large and starchy so they bake up fluffy and hold the fillings well. Go for firm, unblemished potatoes with even skin.
  • Ground beef: savory richness forms the main flavor base. Look for 80 to 85 percent lean for juiciest results.
  • Barbecue sauce: sweet and tangy flavor that ties everything together. Choose your favorite variety—smoky or spicy both work.
  • Onion powder and garlic powder: easy pantry spices to season the meat quickly without needing to chop.
  • Salt and black pepper: bring out the best in the beef and round out the flavors.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: melts beautifully and gives that classic cheeseburger taste. Sharp cheddar stands up well to BBQ.
  • Cooked bacon: crispy and salty, it adds essential crunch. Use thick-cut for extra texture.
  • Sliced jalapenos (optional): for those who want a little kick and some freshness. Select fresh, firm peppers or go for jarred if you prefer milder heat.
  • Chopped green onions: a bright, fresh topping with just a hint of bite—pick vibrant, crisp bunches.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bake the Potatoes:
Scrub the russet potatoes well and poke each one a few times to let steam escape. Place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and bake at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit for forty five to sixty minutes until they give easily to a gentle squeeze.
Prepare the BBQ Beef Filling:
While the potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and sprinkle with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Break up the meat and cook until fully browned and crumbly, about eight to ten minutes. Stir in the barbecue sauce and let simmer for one to two minutes, so the flavors absorb.
Hollow Out the Potatoes:
Let the baked potatoes cool just enough to handle safely. Slice each in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, gently scoop out a small portion from the center of each potato half, making a well without breaking the sides or bottom.
Fill and Layer:
Spoon a generous helping of the BBQ beef mixture into the potato wells. Sprinkle crumbled bacon and plenty of shredded cheddar right over the top, aiming for even coverage so every bite is packed with flavor.
Bake to Finish:
Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven on a baking sheet. Bake for ten to fifteen minutes at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling at the edges.
Add Fresh Toppings and Serve:
Remove from the oven. Garnish with a sprinkle of green onions and sliced jalapenos to taste. Serve hot, ideally with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.
A plate of loaded BBQ bacon cheeseburger potato volcanoes. Save
A plate of loaded BBQ bacon cheeseburger potato volcanoes. | lilicooks.com

You Must Know

  • High in protein and very filling
  • A fun twist on both loaded potatoes and cheeseburgers
  • Works well for meal prep or make-ahead entertaining

My personal favorite part is the way the bacon crisps up again in the oven, almost like little savory nuggets on top. My kids are fiercely loyal to the extra cheddar I always pile on—no such thing as too much cheese in our house.

Storage Tips

These keep well refrigerated for four days in a tightly sealed container. To reheat, use a three fifty degree oven to preserve both the crispiness of the skins and the molten cheese topping. You can also freeze in a single layer and warm straight from frozen but expect a softer texture once thawed.

A plate of loaded BBQ bacon cheeseburger potato volcanoes. Save
A plate of loaded BBQ bacon cheeseburger potato volcanoes. | lilicooks.com

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground turkey or plant based ground meat for the beef and it stays delicious. Smoked gouda or pepper jack make great cheese swaps. For a lighter bite, try turkey bacon or even sautéed mushrooms as the topping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these loaded volcanos with a green salad for freshness or with oven roasted veggies for a complete meal. They also make a hearty game night main when placed on a platter and passed around. Leftovers can be sliced in half again and turned into savory potato bites for an easy lunch.

Cultural Context

Loaded potatoes are an American staple, but this recipe pulls burger night into potato night with a barbecue twist. The stuffed potato idea traces back to comfort food classics from southern diners, but it gets new life here with backyard grill flavors all packed into a single forkful.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the potato skins from tearing when scooping?

Allow the baked potatoes to cool slightly, then gently scoop a shallow pocket with a spoon. This helps preserve the structure and prevents tearing.

→ Can ground turkey be substituted for beef?

Yes, ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles can be used in place of beef for a lighter or vegetarian alternative.

→ What cheese works best for topping?

Shredded cheddar melts beautifully and adds a rich flavor, but you can use Colby Jack or Monterey Jack for variety.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

→ Are jalapeños necessary for this dish?

No, jalapeños are optional. They add extra heat and flavor, but the potatoes are delicious without them if you prefer mild tastes.

→ What can I serve alongside these potatoes?

Pair with a fresh green salad or classic coleslaw to balance the richness of the potatoes.

Loaded BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Potatoes

Crispy bacon, savory beef, cheddar, and BBQ sauce piled inside baked potatoes for a hearty, flavor-packed meal.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
45 min
Overall Time
60 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Potatoes

01 4 large russet potatoes

→ Meat

02 1 lb ground beef
03 1 cup barbecue sauce

→ Seasonings

04 1 tsp onion powder
05 1 tsp garlic powder
06 1 tsp salt
07 1 tsp black pepper

→ Toppings

08 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
09 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
10 1 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
11 1 cup chopped green onions

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub and poke the russet potatoes. Bake for 45–60 minutes until tender.

Step 02

While the potatoes bake, cook ground beef in a skillet with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Once browned, stir in barbecue sauce and cook for 1–2 minutes. Set aside.

Step 03

Once baked, let potatoes cool slightly. Cut in half and scoop out a little of the center to create a pocket.

Step 04

Fill each potato with the beef mixture, then top with bacon and cheddar cheese.

Step 05

Return to oven for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 06

Garnish with green onions and jalapeños, if using. Serve warm!

Tips

  1. Feel free to use ground turkey or plant-based meat as a substitution.
  2. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F.

Required Tools

  • Oven
  • Skillet
  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Spoon

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cheddar cheese).
  • May contain gluten if using a non-gluten-free barbecue sauce.
  • Contains pork (bacon).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 650
  • Fats: 38 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~