Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are a fun and creative twist on classic comfort food. Crispy baked tater tots form crunchy cones that hold a flavorful filling of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese. The result is a handheld snack that tastes like a cheeseburger wrapped in golden potatoes.
This recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for gatherings, game nights, or family dinners. The crispy outside combined with the juicy, cheesy filling makes every bite satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 cups frozen tater tots
1 pound ground beef
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup finely diced onion
1/4 cup diced pickles
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin.
Place the frozen tater tots evenly into the muffin cups. Bake them for about 10 minutes until they begin to soften.
Remove the tray from the oven. Using the back of a spoon or a small glass, press the softened tater tots along the sides and bottom of each cup to form cone or cup shapes.
Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the potato cones become golden and crispy.
While the cones bake, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for about 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook while breaking it apart with a spoon until fully browned and cooked through.
Season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Stir in the ketchup and mustard, mixing well so the meat is evenly coated.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the diced pickles.
Fill each baked tater tot cone with the warm beef mixture.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each cone.
Place the cones back in the oven for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
Mix the mayonnaise with chopped parsley if desired and serve the cones warm with the sauce drizzled on top or on the side.
Spicy cones
Add 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or finely chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra heat.
Extra cheesy version
Add an additional 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella along with the cheddar for a gooey texture.
Vegetable loaded cones
Mix in 1/4 cup diced bell peppers or 1/4 cup chopped mushrooms when cooking the beef.
Chicken version
Replace the ground beef with 1 pound ground chicken and cook the same way.
Burger-style topping
Top the filled cones with finely chopped lettuce and diced tomatoes before serving.
Storage/Reheating
Storage
Store leftover cones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
The baked potato cones can be frozen without filling for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating
Reheat the cones in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
FAQs
Can I prepare the cones ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the tater tot cones earlier in the day and store them at room temperature. Fill and heat them before serving.
Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, mozzarella, Colby, or a cheese blend can be used instead of cheddar.
How do I keep the cones crispy?
Bake them until golden and reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes. Cook the tater tots first in the air fryer until soft, shape them, then cook again until crispy.
What sauces go well with these cones?
Ketchup, burger sauce, garlic sauce, or mayonnaise pair well with the cones.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes, chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or tomatoes can be mixed into the beef.
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Yes, most frozen tater tots are gluten free, but check the package to be sure.
What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
You can shape the softened tater tots around foil cones placed on a baking sheet.
Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground chicken or ground turkey works well and makes a lighter version.
How do I prevent the cones from falling apart?
Press the softened tater tots firmly into the muffin cup so they form a solid crust.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are a fun and flavorful dish that combines crispy potatoes with savory cheeseburger filling. They are easy to make, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Whether served as a party appetizer or a unique dinner idea, these cones bring comfort food to a whole new level.
Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are crispy baked potato cups made from tater tots and filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, pickles, and classic burger flavors. This fun handheld comfort food combines the taste of a cheeseburger with crunchy golden potatoes.
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4–6 servings (8–10 cones)
Ingredients
4 cups frozen tater tots
1 pound ground beef
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup finely diced onion
1/4 cup diced pickles
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
Place the frozen tater tots evenly into the muffin cups and bake for about 10 minutes until slightly softened.
Remove the tray and use the back of a spoon or small glass to press the softened tater tots along the sides and bottom of each cup to form cone or cup shapes.
Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the potato cones are golden and crispy.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add the ground beef and cook while breaking it apart until fully browned.
Season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Stir in the ketchup and mustard until the meat is evenly coated.
Remove from heat and mix in the diced pickles.
Fill each baked tater tot cone with the warm beef mixture.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Return to the oven for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
Mix the mayonnaise with chopped parsley if desired and drizzle over the cones or serve on the side.
Notes
Press the softened tater tots firmly into the muffin cups to create sturdy cones.
Cheddar can be replaced with mozzarella, Colby, or a cheese blend.
Add jalapeños or chili powder for a spicy version.
Ground turkey or chicken can replace the ground beef for a lighter option.
Serve with ketchup, burger sauce, or garlic dip for extra flavor.
