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Cheesy Beef Tater Tot Cups – Crispy, Melty & Perfect Super Bowl Party Food

Game day food should be fun, handheld, and packed with bold flavor—and these Cheesy Beef Tater Tot Cups check every box. Inspired by classic party bites, this recipe transforms crispy tater tots into golden cups filled with savory seasoned beef and gooey melted cheese. They’re crunchy on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with cheesy comfort in every bite. Perfect for Super Bowl parties, casual gatherings, or weekend snacking, these tater tot cups are easy to make and guaranteed to disappear fast. No forks, no plates—just grab-and-go goodness. Best of all, this recipe keeps things simple, family-friendly, and universally enjoyable, while delivering that irresistible crispy-cheesy combination everyone loves.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 tater tot cups
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Frozen tater tots
  • Ground beef cooked and seasoned
  • Cheddar cheese shredded
  • Onion finely chopped (optional)
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Black pepper
  • Salt
  • Fresh parsley or green onion finely chopped (optional garnish)
  • These ingredients create a rich savory filling with a perfectly crisp base.

Equipment

  • Muffin tin (standard size)
  • Oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups
  • Spoon or small tamper (to shape cups)
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat and prepare
  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Lightly grease a muffin tin to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Form the tater tot cups
  1. Place 3–4 tater tots into each muffin cup.
  2. Bake for 10 minutes until slightly softened.
  3. Remove from the oven and press the tots down firmly to form a cup shape.
Step 3: Cook the beef
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
  2. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  3. Add chopped onion if using and cook until soft.
Step 4: Fill the cups
  1. Spoon the cooked beef evenly into each tater tot cup.
  2. Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Final bake
  1. Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are crispy.
Step 6: Cool and serve
  1. Let the cups rest for 5 minutes before removing.
  2. Garnish with parsley or green onion if desired.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze fully cooled cups for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Warm in the oven or air fryer to restore crispy texture.
🥄 Variations
Chicken Tater Tot Cups: Replace beef with seasoned ground chicken.
Extra Cheesy: Mix mozzarella with cheddar for a gooey center.
Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or mild chili powder.
Veggie Twist: Add finely diced bell peppers or corn.
Mini Cups: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized party snacks.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
Do tater tots get crispy in a muffin tin?
Yes, especially when pressed and baked twice.
Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely—it works perfectly.
What cheese melts best?
Cheddar melts well and adds strong flavor.
Can kids eat these?
Yes, they’re mild, cheesy, and kid-friendly.
How do I remove them cleanly?
Let them cool slightly, then gently loosen with a spoon.
Can I add sauce on top?
Yes, serve with ketchup or creamy dips on the side.
Are these good for parties?
They’re ideal—handheld and mess-free.
Can I use homemade tater tots?
Yes, as long as they’re pre-cooked slightly.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use multiple muffin tins.
🏁 Conclusion
These Cheesy Beef Tater Tot Cups are everything a party snack should be: crispy, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying. Easy to prepare and even easier to eat, they’re the kind of crowd-pleasing bite that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether it’s game day or a casual get-together, this recipe delivers big flavor in a small, fun package.