01 -
Turn oven on to 425°F and grease a muffin pan with spray or oil.
02 -
Pop 4-5 tots into each muffin slot and bake for 10 minutes. Smash them down with a spoon to form cups, then back in the oven for another 10 minutes until they turn crispy.
03 -
Cook your macaroni like the box says, then drain it and set aside.
04 -
Crumble and cook ground beef in a medium-hot pan. Sprinkle on garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook til no pink remains, then drain off the grease.
05 -
Melt butter in a small pot, stir in flour, and cook for about a minute. Slowly stir in milk and keep cooking til it thickens. Add shredded cheddar and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
06 -
Combine cooked macaroni, beef, and your cheesy sauce in a big bowl or pot. Stir well to blend it all together.
07 -
Fill each tater tot cup with the beefy macaroni mixture. Gently press it in.
08 -
Put the cups back in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until they're warm through and golden on top.
09 -
If you'd like, sprinkle pickles on top and drizzle ketchup before serving.