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