Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food fusion with these Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese Stuffed Tots! This irresistible dish combines the beloved flavors of a juicy cheeseburger and creamy macaroni and cheese, all nestled inside crispy golden tater tots. It’s the perfect party appetizer, game day snack, or family-friendly meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients for Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese Stuffed Tots
To create these delectable stuffed tots, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that you may already have on hand:
- 2 cups frozen tater tots – The crispy canvas for our flavor-packed filling.
- 1 cup cooked macaroni – Perfectly al dente pasta to create the mac and cheese component.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For that gooey, melty cheeseburger experience.
- 1/2 lb ground beef, cooked and seasoned – The star of the cheeseburger filling.
- 1/4 cup ketchup – For that signature burger flavor.
- 1/4 cup mustard – Adds the perfect balance of tanginess.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Enhances the savory notes.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder – Brings an extra layer of depth.
- 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper – To season the filling to perfection.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – For a crispy outer coating.
- Cooking spray – To achieve that golden, crunchy exterior.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, meats, or even vegetarian alternatives to make this dish your own. Just be sure to maintain the overall balance of flavors for maximum deliciousness.
How to Make Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese Stuffed Tots
Get ready to create a comfort food masterpiece with these easy-to-follow instructions:
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will ensure your tater tots come out perfectly crispy.
Prepare the Tater Tots
Spread the frozen tater tots out on a baking sheet and bake them for 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and irresistibly crunchy.
Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, seasoned ground beef, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the filling is evenly distributed and the flavors are well-incorporated.
Stuff the Tots
Carefully remove the baked tater tots from the oven and let them cool slightly. Using a small spoon or your fingers, gently create a pocket in the center of each tot, being careful not to break them. Spoon the cheeseburger mac and cheese filling into the pockets, ensuring each tot is generously stuffed.
Coat and Bake
Roll the stuffed tater tots in the breadcrumbs, making sure to coat them evenly. Place the breaded tots back on the baking sheet and give them a quick spritz of cooking spray. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the exterior is crispy and golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy
Allow the Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese Stuffed Tots to cool for a few minutes before serving. These irresistible bites are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch, barbecue, or even a creamy garlic aioli, for an extra flavor boost.
Tips for Perfecting Your Stuffed Tots
To ensure your Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese Stuffed Tots turn out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Don’t overstuff the tots – Be careful not to overfill the tater tot pockets, as this can cause the filling to spill out during baking.
- Adjust the seasoning – Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings to your personal preference, adding more salt, pepper, or other spices as needed.
- Experiment with different cheeses – While cheddar is the classic choice, you can also try using a blend of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even crumbled feta.
- Store and reheat with care – Leftover stuffed tots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
Serving Suggestions for Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese Stuffed Tots
These Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese Stuffed Tots are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish. Serve them up at your next game day celebration, potluck, or family dinner for an unforgettable flavor experience. For dipping, try pairing them with creamy ranch, tangy barbecue sauce, or a cool and refreshing tzatziki sauce.
To balance out the richness of the stuffed tots, consider serving them alongside a fresh, crunchy salad or some roasted vegetables. The contrast of the crispy, cheesy tots and the light, healthy sides will create a truly satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information for Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese Stuffed Tots
While these Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese Stuffed Tots are undoubtedly delicious, it’s important to keep portion sizes in mind and enjoy them as part of a balanced diet. One serving (approximately 3-4 stuffed tots) contains approximately:
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
To make this dish a bit healthier, consider using lean ground beef, whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, and low-fat cheese. Pair the stuffed tots with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to create a more balanced meal. Remember, moderation is key when indulging in these heavenly comfort food creations.
FAQs for Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tots
1. What ingredients do I need to make cheeseburger stuffed tater tots?
To make cheeseburger stuffed tater tots, you will need frozen tater tots, ground beef, shredded cheese (like cheddar), diced onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and any additional seasonings you prefer. You can also use a binding agent like an egg if desired.
2. How do I prepare the tater tots for stuffing?
To prepare the tater tots, bake or fry them according to package instructions until they are golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, let them cool slightly, then use a utensil to gently create a pocket in each tot for filling.
3. Can I customize the filling for the cheeseburger stuffed tater tots?
Absolutely! You can customize the filling by adding ingredients like cooked bacon, different types of cheese, or even vegetables like bell peppers. Feel free to experiment with flavors to suit your taste preferences.
4. How should I store and reheat leftover cheeseburger stuffed tater tots?
To store leftover cheeseburger stuffed tater tots, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Loaded BBQ Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
- Cheesy BBQ Bacon Tornado Fries
- BBQ Bacon Mac & Cheese Waffle Sandwiches
- Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Mac & Cheese Bites
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food fusion with these delectable Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese Stuffed Tots. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a satisfying family-friendly meal, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleasing hit. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag us – we can’t wait to see your tasty tater tot masterpieces!
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Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese Stuffed Tots Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food fusion with these Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese Stuffed Tots! This irresistible dish combines the beloved flavors of a juicy cheeseburger and creamy macaroni and cheese, all nestled inside crispy golden tater tots. It’s the perfect party appetizer, game day snack, or family-friendly meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen tater tots – The crispy canvas for our flavor-packed filling.
- 1 cup cooked macaroni – Perfectly al dente pasta to create the mac and cheese component.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For that gooey, melty cheeseburger experience.
- 1/2 lb ground beef, cooked and seasoned – The star of the cheeseburger filling.
- 1/4 cup ketchup – For that signature burger flavor.
- 1/4 cup mustard – Adds the perfect balance of tanginess.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – Enhances the savory notes.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder – Brings an extra layer of depth.
- 1/2 tsp salt – To season the filling to perfection.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – For a hint of spice.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – For a crispy outer coating.
- Cooking spray – To achieve that golden, crunchy exterior.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will ensure your tater tots come out perfectly crispy.
Prepare the Tater Tots
Spread the frozen tater tots out on a baking sheet and bake them for 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and irresistibly crunchy.
Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, seasoned ground beef, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the filling is evenly distributed and the flavors are well-incorporated.
Stuff the Tots
Carefully remove the baked tater tots from the oven and let them cool slightly. Using a small spoon or your fingers, gently create a pocket in the center of each tot, being careful not to break them. Spoon the cheeseburger mac and cheese filling into the pockets, ensuring each tot is generously stuffed.
Coat and Bake
Roll the stuffed tater tots in the breadcrumbs, making sure to coat them evenly. Place the breaded tots back on the baking sheet and give them a quick spritz of cooking spray. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the exterior is crispy and golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy
Allow the Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese Stuffed Tots to cool for a few minutes before serving. These irresistible bites are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch, barbecue, or even a creamy garlic aioli, for an extra flavor boost.
Notes
- Don’t overstuff the tots: Be careful not to overfill the tater tot pockets, as this can cause the filling to spill out during baking.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings to your personal preference, adding more salt, pepper, or other spices as needed.
- Experiment with different cheeses: While cheddar is the classic choice, you can also try using a blend of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even crumbled feta.
- Store and reheat with care: Leftover stuffed tots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 stuffed tots
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cheeseburger, mac and cheese, stuffed tater tots, comfort food, party appetizer