Get ready to indulge in a fun and unforgettable treat with the Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones with Colossal Cheese Volcano Recipe. This dish brings together crispy, golden tater tots shaped into perfect cones, filled with savory, spiced ground beef, and crowned with an erupting, melted cheddar cheese topping that oozes with every bite. It’s like your favorite cheeseburger got a playful, creative upgrade that’s perfect for parties, game days, or just an exciting weeknight dinner. Easy to handle and packed with flavor, these cones are sure to become a crowd favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden color that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty base that brings rich, meaty flavor and protein.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when cooked with the beef.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, savory aroma that complements the meat.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a smoky, slightly sweet kick to elevate the flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the tastes together perfectly.
- 2 cups frozen tater tots: The crunchy, crispy cone exterior that’s both fun and filling.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The star of the ‘colossal cheese volcano’ – melty, gooey, and cheesy perfection.
- 1/2 cup pickles, chopped (optional): Adds a zesty crunch that cuts through the richness.
- Ketchup and mustard for serving: Classic condiments to dip and drizzle for extra flavor hits.
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing: Ensures those tater tot cones come out golden and non-stick.
How to Make Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones with Colossal Cheese Volcano Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cones
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease your cone-shaped molds thoroughly with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. If you don’t have cones, you can carefully shape aluminum foil into cones that will hold the tater tots as they bake. This is the foundation for those crispy shells that will cradle your filling beautifully.
Step 2: Shape the Tater Tot Shells
Press the frozen tater tots onto your greased cones, making sure to cover every inch to form an even, snug shell. This takes a bit of patience, but it’s worth the effort for that crunchy exterior. The tots will bake into a golden crown that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Place your tater tot cones in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Remember to rotate or turn them halfway through so they brown evenly. The goal is a perfectly crispy cone that holds together but still has a light fluffiness from the inside.
Step 4: Cook the Cheeseburger Filling
While the cones are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef and finely chopped onion until fully cooked and fragrant. Then add garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper—seasoning generously to mimic that rich cheeseburger flavor we all love. Drain any excess fat, so the filling isn’t greasy but stays succulent.
Step 5: Fill the Tater Tot Cones
Once the cones are out of the oven and cool enough to handle, gently spoon the savory beef mixture inside. If you love a little tang, add chopped pickles on top of the meat for a crunchy pop of brightness that balances the richness beautifully.
Step 6: Create the Colossal Cheese Volcano
Top each stuffed cone with a heaping pile of shredded cheddar cheese. This is your moment to build the ultimate ‘cheese volcano’ that will melt into golden lava, oozing deliciousness. Be generous here—the more cheese, the better the final melt.
Step 7: Melt the Cheese to Finish
Pop the filled cones back into the oven for 5 to 7 minutes, just until the cheddar melts and bubbles. Watch as the cheese begins to flow down the sides like a molten volcano topping your mini cheeseburger masterpiece.
Step 8: Serve Hot with Classic Condiments
Remove carefully and serve piping hot with sides of ketchup and mustard for dipping. These cones are meant to be enjoyed immediately so you get that perfect contrast between the crunchy tots, juicy filling, and gooey cheese volcano.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones with Colossal Cheese Volcano Recipe
Garnishes
Lightly sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the cheesy tops for a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of hot sauce or a drizzle of mayo mixed with ketchup makes a surprisingly delightful dip.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, crunchy pickled vegetables, or even a light coleslaw to add a refreshing balance to the hearty cones. For a more indulgent meal, crispy onion rings or baked sweet potato fries make fantastic companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones with Colossal Cheese Volcano Recipe standing upright in a deep dish or a custom-made cone holder for a fun, street-food vibe. Let guests dip freely into ketchup and mustard ramekins placed around. Personalize each cone by offering toppings like jalapeños, bacon bits, or additional cheeses on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the cones separate from any dipping sauces to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze the tater tot cones before filling them by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight and proceed with filling and melting the cheese as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, place cones on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. This keeps the cone crispy and restores that melty, gooey cheese goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cheese for the cheese volcano?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for extra stretch, pepper jack for spice, or a blend of cheeses to customize the flavor profile.
How do I make cone molds if I don’t have them?
You can easily create cone molds by shaping heavy-duty aluminum foil into cones of the desired size. Just make sure to grease them well before pressing on the tater tots.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Swap the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or seasoned lentils for a delicious, meat-free alternative that still delivers great texture and flavor.
Can I prepare the beef filling ahead of time?
Yes, cooking the beef mixture a day in advance is a great time saver. Store it in the refrigerator and fill the cones just before baking the final cheese melt.
What’s the best way to keep the tater tot cones crispy?
Make sure to bake the tater tots at a high temperature and avoid soggy fillings. Also, reheat the cones in the oven rather than the microwave to maintain crispiness.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying the Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones with Colossal Cheese Volcano Recipe enough. It’s one of those recipes that brings pure joy with every bite — fun to make, irresistible to eat, and perfect to share with friends and family. So grab your ingredients, embrace the messiness of the cheese volcano, and enjoy this playful twist on two all-time favorite foods!
Print
Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones with Colossal Cheese Volcano Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and fun Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones topped with a molten cheddar cheese ‘volcano’ for a playful twist on the classic cheeseburger. Crispy tater tot shells are baked around cone molds and filled with seasoned ground beef and onions, then crowned with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect as a party appetizer or a kid-friendly meal.
Ingredients
For the Tater Tot Cones
- 2 cups frozen tater tots
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
For the Cheeseburger Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings and Serving
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup pickles, chopped (optional)
- Ketchup for serving
- Mustard for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Cones: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a cone-shaped mold or fashion cones from aluminum foil to hold the tater tots while baking.
- Form the Tater Tot Shell: Press frozen tater tots gently around each cone mold, creating a shell that covers and encases the cone shape evenly.
- Bake Tater Tot Cones: Place the tater tot cones in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until they turn golden and crispy, turning them halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
- Cook Cheeseburger Filling: While the cones bake, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion together until the beef is browned. Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Fill Cones with Cheeseburger: Once baked, carefully remove the tater tot cones from the molds. Fill each cone generously with the cooked cheeseburger mixture and add chopped pickles if you like.
- Add Cheese Volcano Topping: Top each stuffed cone with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese, creating a volcano-like mound on top.
- Final Bake for Melting Cheese: Return the filled cones to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Serve: Serve the cheeseburger stuffed tater tot cones hot with ketchup and mustard on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use aluminum foil cones if you don’t have a cone mold to shape the tater tots.
- For extra crispy cones, turn them carefully halfway through the initial bake.
- Drain excess fat from the cooked beef to prevent sogginess in the cones.
- Customize the filling by adding diced tomatoes or cooked bacon bits.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
