If you’ve ever dreamed of combining everything you love about cheeseburgers, tater tots, and oozy molten cheese into one epic, over-the-top comfort food feast, then r Tot Cones with Colossal Cheese Volcano are about to make your day. Imagine crispy tater tot cones stuffed with savory cheeseburger filling, then drenched in a gooey cascade of cheddar “lava”—it’s a wildly fun main dish that’s just as dramatic as it is delicious. Whether you’re planning a dinner that will wow the kids, impress friends at a weekend party, or treat yourself to something wonderfully playful, these cones deliver big flavor and seriously satisfying crunch in every bite.

r Tot Cones with Colossal Cheese Volcano Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for r Tot Cones with Colossal Cheese Volcano is remarkably approachable, yet every item is essential for delivering the signature textures and flavors. Each component brings its own magic—crispy, gooey, tangy, or savory—and when united, they create an unforgettable meal that looks as impressive as it tastes.

Frozen tater tots (4 cups): These form the crunchy base and outer shell for your cones—don’t skip baking them until golden brown for max crunch!
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the beef to juicy, flavorful perfection.
Ground beef (1 pound): The heart of the “cheeseburger” stuffing—feel free to swap with ground turkey or a meatless option if preferred.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for popping the beefy goodness and seasoning the whole filling.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A must for that subtle, savory kick.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings out a gentle depth and classic cheeseburger flavor.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Another layer of savory that enhances every bite.
Ketchup (1 tablespoon): Adds a hint of sweetness and tang to the mix.
Mustard (1 tablespoon): For classic burger tang and a tiny bit of sharpness.
Diced dill pickles (1/2 cup): Crunchy, salty, and absolutely crucial for that cheeseburger zing.
Diced red onion (1/2 cup): Sweet and pungent, keeps things fresh and lively.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, beef mixture): Melted right into the beef for gooey, cheesy magic.
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, cheese volcano): The star of the colossal volcano—use a good sharp cheddar for max flavor!
Milk (1/2 cup): Helps create a smooth, pourable cheese sauce.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the cheese lava until it’s satisfyingly luscious.
Hot sauce (1 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a little fiery kick in their cheese volcano.
Chopped bacon (1/4 cup, optional garnish): Smoky and salty, perfect for topping if you want some extra indulgence.
Chopped green onions or chives (for garnish): Bright, fresh, and a beautiful pop of color right at the end.

How to Make r Tot Cones with Colossal Cheese Volcano

Step 1: Prepare and Bake Tater Tots

Start off by heating your oven to 400°F (204°C). Arrange your frozen tater tots on a baking sheet, making sure to give them a little room so they bake up evenly. Bake for 20–25 minutes until they’re perfectly crispy and golden all over. Trust me, going for that extra crunch now really pays off when it’s time to assemble those glorious cones!

Step 2: Whip Up the Cheeseburger Filling

While your tots are working their magic in the oven, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it up so it cooks evenly. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, letting those spices soak right into the meat. When the beef is beautifully browned, stir in ketchup, mustard, pickles, and red onion. Reduce the heat and mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and turns the filling luscious and cheesy. Set this aside—it’ll be your cone’s savory heart!

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Tot Cones

Here comes the showstopper: either use heatproof cone molds or shape your own using foil (it’s easier than it sounds—just wrap foil around something cone-shaped, like a funnel, and twist to secure). Gently press the crispy tater tots around each cone, packing them closely but not crushing them. Once all your cones are formed, return them to the oven for 10 minutes to set their shape. Let them cool a few minutes before carefully removing the molds, and get ready for filling!

Step 4: Fill the Cones with Cheeseburger Mixture

Spoon the cheesy, beefy mixture right into each crispy cone, pressing down just enough to pack them (without breaking that precious tot shell!). Each cone should be brimming with the tangy, pickle-studded filling, making every bite taste like the ultimate cheeseburger upgrade.

Step 5: Make the Colossal Cheese Volcano

In a small saucepan over medium, whisk together milk and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly stir in the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheddar (plus hot sauce, if you like your lava spicy) and keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is thick, gooey, and ready to pour. This is your volcano, so make it nice and luscious!

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Arrange the filled tater tot cones upright on a plate or platter—this is their moment in the spotlight. Pour the hot cheese sauce over each cone, letting it flow down dramatically like molten lava. Finish with a flurry of bacon, green onions, or chives for color and crunch. Take a minute to appreciate your culinary volcano before diving in: your r Tot Cones with Colossal Cheese Volcano are officially eruption-ready!

How to Serve r Tot Cones with Colossal Cheese Volcano

Garnishes

When it comes to finishing touches, don’t be shy! A generous sprinkle of crispy bacon and chopped green onions or chives adds both a savory pop and a fresh burst of color to your r Tot Cones with Colossal Cheese Volcano. If you like things extra zesty, a pinch of jalapeños or even a squiggle of extra ketchup or mustard on top works brilliantly too.

Side Dishes

R Tot Cones with Colossal Cheese Volcano are showstoppers all on their own, but they pair fabulously with a crisp green salad (to balance all that richness), a simple coleslaw for crunch, or even a bowl of pickled veggies. For parties, serve them alongside tots or fries for a truly epic comfort food platter!

Creative Ways to Present

Set your cones upright in colorful cups or even mason jars for a party-ready look—kids and adults alike will love grabbing their own cheesy volcano. Mini cones in a muffin tin are adorable for appetizers, while a dramatic cheese “eruption” at the table adds serious wow-factor to family dinner. Have fun with it—the presentation of r Tot Cones with Colossal Cheese Volcano is half the joy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover r Tot Cones with Colossal Cheese Volcano (which, honestly, doesn’t happen often!), store any un-poured cheese sauce and filled cones separately. Place cones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store cheese sauce in a jar or container; a quick stir before reheating brings it back to life.

Freezing

You can freeze the tater tot cones and the cheeseburger mixture separately for busy weeknights. Simply freeze baked cones and cooled beef filling in airtight containers or bags for up to 1 month. For best results, make the colossal cheese volcano sauce fresh right before serving.

Reheating

Reheat tater tot cones in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore that crunch. For the beef filling, a quick zap in the microwave or a reheat on the stovetop works great. The cheese volcano sauce thickens as it sits, so warm it gently in a saucepan with a splash of milk until smooth and lava-like again.

FAQs

Can I make r Tot Cones with Colossal Cheese Volcano vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based ground “meat” substitute or even well-seasoned lentils. You can also skip the bacon garnish and use vegetarian cheese for an all-out veggie version of r Tot Cones with Colossal Cheese Volcano.

What if I don’t have cone molds?

No worries at all—just fashion cone shapes out of aluminum foil by wrapping around something cone-like, or use a muffin tin to create mini tot cones! The foil approach works like a charm and is super forgiving, giving you perfect little vessels for your cheeseburger filling.

Can I make the cheese volcano ahead of time?

It’s best made fresh for that oozy, lava effect, but you can whip up the sauce ahead and gently reheat it with a splash of milk before pouring. Whisk well to bring back the creamy texture, and you’ll be good to go!

Can I use different cheese in the volcano?

You bet! Sharp cheddar is classic for r Tot Cones with Colossal Cheese Volcano, but a mix of cheeses (like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a pepper jack for a heat twist) will still give you that over-the-top volcano flow and flavor.

How do I keep the tot cones from falling apart?

Make sure to press the tots firmly—but gently—around the cone molds, and give them that extra bake to help them set. Letting them cool a couple of minutes before removing the mold will keep them sturdy and ready for stuffing.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have everything you need to make r Tot Cones with Colossal Cheese Volcano, there’s just one thing left to do: gather your ingredients and get ready for food fun that’s as visually impressive as it is delicious. Don’t wait for a party—treat yourself and your favorite people to a meal that erupts with flavor and creativity. Happy volcano building!

r Tot Cones with Colossal Cheese Volcano Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 cones 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones with a Colossal Cheese Volcano are a fun and delicious twist on traditional cheeseburgers. Crispy tater tot cones filled with a savory cheeseburger mixture and topped with a gooey cheese volcano make for a unique and flavorful dish that’s perfect for parties or a fun family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Tater Tot Cones:

4 cups frozen tater tots
1 tablespoon olive oil

Cheeseburger Filling:

1 pound ground beef
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
1/2 cup diced dill pickles
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for beef mixture)

Cheese Volcano:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Garnish:

1/4 cup chopped bacon (optional)
Chopped green onions or chives

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Arrange tater tots on a baking sheet and bake until golden and crispy.
Cook the beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet with seasonings and add ketchup, mustard, pickles, onion, and cheddar cheese.
Shape the cones: Mold tater tots around cone forms and bake to set the shape.
Fill the cones: Stuff each cone with the cheeseburger mixture.
Make the cheese volcano: Heat milk and cornstarch, then add cheddar cheese and hot sauce until melted. Pour over filled cones.
Garnish: Top with chopped bacon and green onions or chives.

Notes

You can make mini cones using muffin tins if cone molds aren’t available.
Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: American