Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Cones

These bacon cheeseburger tater tot cones are my secret weapon for game nights and birthday parties when everyone wants something fun and comforting These crunchy potato cones come stuffed with juicy beef crispy bacon a creamy saucy filling and oozy cheese and every bite delivers a blast of classic cheeseburger flavor in a party snack package

My family always lights up when I pull these from the oven I first made them for a Super Bowl party and they disappeared in minutes Everyone asks for the recipe

Ingredients

• Ground beef: for rich savory flavor and juicy texture Look for fresh high quality beef with good marbling for best results
• Beef bacon: brings smoky crunch and savory goodness Crisp it well so every bite holds a little punch
• Shredded cheddar cheese: gives gooey melt and tang Choose sharp cheddar for more flavor
• Frozen tater tots: form the crunchy shell Use a brand that crisps up well for a sturdy cone
• Shredded mozzarella: adds stretchy cheese pull and balances the cheddar Pick the firmest block at the store to grate yourself for best melt
• Diced onions: wake up all the flavors and add a bit of natural sweetness Chop them finely for even distribution
• Ketchup: delivers the burger feel with sweet vinegary tang Go for classic ketchup with no extra flavors
• Mayonnaise: gives the sauce its creamy finish and helps everything stay moist Use full fat for richness
• Mustard: lifts everything with brightness and zip Yellow mustard works perfectly here
• Salt and black pepper: bring out all the flavors Season generously and taste as you go for balance

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Beef:

In a skillet set over medium heat cook your ground beef until it is thoroughly browned and any pink is gone This builds the foundation of the filling Make sure to break it up well as it cooks and drain any excess fat

Combine the Burger Filling:

Add crumbled beef bacon diced onions ketchup mayonnaise and mustard to the skillet with the beef Mix thoroughly so every bit is coated with sauce Season generously with salt and black pepper then remove from heat

Shape and Hollow the Tater Tots:

Using a small knife or the handle of a spoon carefully hollow out each frozen tater tot to form a little cone shape Work gently to avoid breaking them and do this while tots are still frozen for easier handling

Fill the Cones:

Gently spoon the beef bacon cheeseburger mixture into each hollowed tater tot cone Pack it in so every cone is filled all the way Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the tops this helps the cones stay creamy as they bake

First Bake:

Arrange the stuffed tater tot cones on a parchment lined baking sheet Bake in a preheated 220 degrees Celsius oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the tots are golden and cheddar is beautifully melted

Top with Mozzarella Mixture:

Mix together shredded mozzarella and any leftover burger filling in a bowl Once cones are baked carefully remove them and top each cone generously with this cheesy mixture

Final Bake:

Return the topped cones to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until the mozzarella on top is browned and bubbly Serve them piping hot for the best cheese pull

Pin it

Every time I make these the cheddar is my favorite part The way it seeps into the filling and creates those crispy edges under the broiler reminds me of the little cheese skirts from old fashioned diners My sister once tried to sneak a few cones before they cooled and ended up burning her mouth but she insists it was worth it

Storage Tips

Let any leftovers cool completely before storing Place cooled cones in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days Rewarm in a hot oven so the tater tots crisp back up and the cheese gets melty again For longer storage freeze on a lined tray until solid transfer to a freezer bag and reheat straight from frozen as needed

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer lighter flavors For a vegetarian spin use a plant based ground and skip the bacon entirely You can also play with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra zing If you like extra spice add chopped pickled jalapenos to the filling before baking

Serving Suggestions

Pile these cones high on a platter and serve with classic burger toppings on the side think sliced pickles extra ketchup and a big salad They make a memorable finger food for gatherings or a fun dinner alongside roasted vegetables or a handful of fries

Cultural Context

These tater tot cones are a playful mashup of classic American cheeseburgers and the beloved tater tot The shape and style come from state fair food but the homemade bacon cheeseburger filling turns it into something even more special People always ask at parties if they can take a few home a true sign of a great comfort dish in my book

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep tater tots crisp while stuffing?

Hollow out the tater tots carefully without breaking them. Avoid overloading the filling, and bake on parchment paper to maintain crisp edges.

→ Can I use different cheeses for this dish?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar and mozzarella with other melty cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Prepare the filling and hollow out the tater tots in advance. Store them separately and assemble just before baking to keep the cones crisp and fresh.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these cones?

Ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or sriracha mayo complement the flavors of the cones beautifully. Serve a variety for more options.

→ Can I make these vegetarian or customize the filling?

Absolutely! Swap ground beef and bacon with plant-based meat alternatives or try a vegetable filling like sautéed mushrooms and spinach.