If you love cheeseburgers and tater tots, then combining the two into Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones is nothing short of genius. These crispy, cheesy, golden cones are stuffed with a savory beef mixture and finished with melty cheese. They’re fun to eat, customizable with your favorite toppings, and perfect for parties, game nights, or even a creative family dinner.
Unlike regular sliders or casseroles, these cones are handheld, crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with cheeseburger flavor. In this recipe, I’ll walk you step by step through how to create these little edible cones of happiness, along with variations, storage tips, and serving ideas.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 24 pieces frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: pickles, diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce, burger sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Tater Tots
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer and bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crisp. These tots will later form the base of your cones.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheeseburger Filling
While the tots are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onions, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in ketchup and mustard for that classic cheeseburger tang. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before adding cheese.
Step 3: Shape the Tater Tot Cones
Once the tots are baked and slightly cooled, grease a muffin tin lightly. Begin lining each muffin cup with tater tots, pressing them together to form a cone or cup shape. Be sure to overlap them so there are no gaps.
Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes. This step crisps them up further and helps set the cone shape.
Step 4: Add the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the beef mixture with shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Spoon this cheesy mixture into each tater tot cone, pressing it down gently to pack.
Top with extra cheese if desired, then return the cones to the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Carefully loosen the tater tot cones from the muffin tin with a spoon or butter knife. Serve them hot, garnished with your favorite cheeseburger toppings like pickles, lettuce, diced tomatoes, or a drizzle of burger sauce.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Jalapeño Cones: Add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese for heat.
- BBQ Cheeseburger Cones: Swap ketchup and mustard for smoky BBQ sauce.
- Vegetarian Cones: Replace beef with seasoned black beans or veggie crumbles.
- Breakfast Style: Fill with scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheddar for a morning twist.
Tips for Success
- Press the tots firmly when shaping cones so they hold together.
- Don’t overstuff the cones—pack gently so they don’t break apart.
- Let cones rest a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin to avoid crumbling.
- Experiment with cheeses like gouda, pepper jack, or Swiss for different flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions
Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones can be enjoyed in so many ways:
- As a fun appetizer at parties or tailgates.
- With a side of fries or onion rings for a comfort-food meal.
- Paired with a fresh salad to balance the richness.
- Drizzled with burger sauce or ranch for dipping.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individually in foil and freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: Warm in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cones soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade tater tots instead of frozen?
Yes! Homemade tots will work, but make sure they’re firm enough to hold the cone shape.
2. How do I keep the cones from falling apart?
Press the tots tightly together in the muffin tin and bake twice (before and after shaping). This gives them stability.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef mixture and shape the tater tot cones in advance. Fill and bake them just before serving.
4. What other toppings work well?
Try avocado, sriracha mayo, pickled jalapeños, or even caramelized onions for a gourmet twist.
5. Do I need both cheddar and mozzarella?
Not necessarily. Cheddar adds sharpness, mozzarella adds stretch. Using both creates balance, but you can use your favorite cheese.
6. Are these kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the crispy cone shape and cheesy filling. Just skip spicy add-ins if serving to little ones.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are a creative, handheld spin on two American favorites: cheeseburgers and crispy tater tots. They’re golden, cheesy, and loaded with savory beef, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser. With endless topping possibilities and easy prep, these cones are perfect for casual dinners, family gatherings, or game-day snacks.
Once you try them, you’ll see why they’re more than just a novelty—they’re downright addictive. Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and bursting with flavor, these cones will quickly become a household favorite.