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Golden tater tot cups stuffed with cheesy, meaty mac and cheese bring old-school burger flavors to your table in the most playful way. Each bite has crunchy potatoes hugging a smooth, cheesy beef and pasta mix that nobody can resist.
I whipped these up for my nephew’s birthday because I needed something both grownups and kids would go crazy over. The plate was empty in seconds. Now, if I don’t bring them to family parties, I’m in trouble!
Tasty Ingredients
- Ketchup Adds a bright tang and slight sweetness that’s totally classic on burgers.
- Chopped pickles That pop of acidity and crunch just makes everything taste more like a burger. Totally your call though.
- Shredded cheddar cheese Go for the fresh stuff—it melts way better than pre-bagged cheese.
- Milk Whole milk gives you the richest sauce, but 2% gets close too.
- Butter and flour A quick mix of these thickens up your cheese sauce. It’s what gives that creamy feel.
- Elbow macaroni Those little tubes are perfect for holding onto all that cheesy goodness.
- Garlic powder and onion powder Same big flavor as fresh, just smoother in the finished dish.
- Ground beef An 80/20 mix keeps these juicy and flavorful, though leaner beef can work if that’s how you roll.
- Frozen tater tots These are what turn into the crispy potato shells—just buy your favorite brand so they really shine.
Irresistible Steps
- Bake it all together
- Once they're all filled up, slide the muffin tin back in the oven for another 10 minutes or so. You’re looking for golden tops and bubbly, hot insides. Let everything chill in the pan five minutes, so they stay together when you pop them out.
- Stuff those cups
- Once your mac, beef, and cheese sauce are ready, fold them together gently in a big bowl. Fill up each potato cup, pressing the filling in a bit so you get plenty in there.
- Finish the sauce
- When everything’s thick and steamy, take it off the heat. Add a mountain of shredded cheese and stir until it melts right in. You want it smooth, gooey, and rich—no lumps!
- Brown up the beef
- Break up the ground beef in a skillet with a wooden spoon until there’s no pink left and some bits get a little crispy. Toss in garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper as it cooks. Drain that grease! You don’t want soggy tots.
- Boil your pasta
- Cook your macaroni in salty water, pulling it a minute before it’s totally done. That way, it’s got some bite and doesn’t get mushy later. Drain well—don’t rinse. That’s how the sauce clings.
- Make the potato cups
- Set your oven to 425°F. Hit a muffin tin with cooking spray. Pop about 4-5 tater tots in each section. Bake them for 10 minutes so they’re a little soft, then smash the centers down with a spoon to make a cup shape. Stick them back in for another 10 minutes so they’re crisp and holding their shape.
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Honestly, the best part is seeing folks’ faces when that first forkful hits. That crunchy potato mixed with gooey, cheesy filling? People always look surprised—in a good way!
Make-Ahead Tips
You can put these together up to the last oven step and stash them in the fridge for a whole day. Just pop ‘em in the oven and bake for an extra five minutes before serving. They’ll still be pretty crisp, though nothing beats them fresh.
Easy Swaps
This dish pretty much welcomes any switch-up. Try ground turkey for a lighter bite. Swap in pepper jack for a spicy twist, or add smoked gouda for something bold. If you want to make it vegetarian, go with plant-based crumbles or seasoned black beans. For friends who avoid gluten, use gluten-free pasta and the right kind of flour.
Kid-Approved Twists
Set up a toppings buffet so everyone can fix their own. Put out bacon crumbles, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and pick your favorite sauces—think ranch, BBQ, or even spicy mayo. My nieces always reach for the corn and more cheese.
Serving Ideas
These stuffed tots are awesome as the center of an easy dinner. Toss a green salad on the side with a vinaigrette for balance. Need party bites? Lay them out with ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish for dunking. For big get-togethers, use a mini muffin pan so folks can just grab one in a single bite.
Common Queries
- → What's the secret to crispy tot cups?
First, bake the tots for about 10 minutes. Then, press them into little cup shapes with a spoon and return to the oven for another 10 minutes until crispy and golden.
- → Can I swap out the cheese in the filling?
Of course! Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any melty cheese you like for a deliciously creamy result.
- → Is there an alternative to ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a vegetarian or lighter option.
- → How can I keep the macaroni mix from drying out?
Make sure the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy before stirring it into the pasta. Also, don’t overbake the assembled cups after adding the filling.
- → Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yep! You can get the macaroni mixture and tater tots ready separately, then put them together and bake just before serving for the best taste and crunch.