These Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are crispy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor in every bite. Golden baked tater tots form crunchy cones that are filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, creating the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or fun weekend snacks, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy and cheesy texture in every bite
Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
Great for appetizers, snacks, or dinner
Family-friendly and fun to serve
Perfect for game nights and gatherings
Customizable with your favorite toppings and sauces
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound ground beef
24 frozen tater tots
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly coat a muffin tin with cooking spray.
Place 4 frozen tater tots into each muffin cup. Bake for 10 minutes until slightly softened.
Remove the muffin tin from the oven. Using the back of a spoon or a small cup, press the softened tater tots along the sides and bottom of each muffin cup to create cone-shaped shells.
Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes until the tater tot shells are crispy and golden brown.
While the shells are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until fully combined.
Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in half of the cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese.
Spoon the cheeseburger filling into each crispy tater tot cone.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake for 5 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the cones cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
Add diced pickles for extra cheeseburger flavor.
Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy version.
Add chopped jalapeños for heat.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
Top with burger sauce or garlic mayo before serving.
Mix sautéed mushrooms into the beef filling for added flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover cones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place them in a 375°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
You can freeze the baked cones for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven until hot.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and shape the tater tot shells ahead of time, then bake before serving.
Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well in this recipe.
How do I keep the cones crispy?
Bake the tater tots until deeply golden and avoid adding too much liquid to the filling.
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby cheese are great options.
Are these good for parties?
Yes, they are perfect finger foods for gatherings and game nights.
Can I make them spicy?
Yes, add jalapeños, chili flakes, or spicy cheese for extra heat.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes, the tater tot shells can be crisped in the air fryer before filling.
What sauces pair well with this recipe?
Ketchup, ranch dressing, garlic sauce, and burger sauce are all delicious choices.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, let them cool completely before freezing in an airtight container.
What side dishes go well with these cones?
A fresh salad, fries, or roasted vegetables pair nicely with this recipe.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are a delicious combination of crispy potatoes, juicy beef, and gooey melted cheese. They are easy to make, packed with comforting flavors, and perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or fun family dinner, these crispy cones are always a crowd-pleaser.
These Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are crispy potato shells filled with seasoned cheeseburger beef and gooey melted cheese, creating a fun and flavorful comfort food perfect for parties or family dinners.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
24 frozen tater tots
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly coat a muffin tin with cooking spray.
Place 4 frozen tater tots into each muffin cup and bake for 10 minutes until slightly softened.
Remove the muffin tin from the oven and press the softened tater tots along the sides and bottom of each muffin cup using the back of a spoon to create cone-shaped shells.
Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes until the tater tot shells are crispy and golden brown.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart while cooking. Drain excess grease if needed.
Mix in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in half of the cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese.
Spoon the cheeseburger filling into each crispy tater tot cone.
Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 5 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Allow the cones to cool slightly before removing from the muffin tin and serving warm.
Notes
Add diced pickles for extra cheeseburger flavor.
Pepper jack cheese creates a spicy variation.
Ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef.
Sautéed mushrooms add extra savory flavor.
Burger sauce, ranch, or garlic mayo pair well for dipping.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 375°F for best crispiness.
Freeze baked cones for up to 2 months and reheat directly from frozen.
