Bacon Cheeseburger Cheese Volcano

This recipe takes all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger and transforms them into a crispy tater tot cone stuffed with savory beef and melted cheese. With each bite, you get gooey cheese, smoky bacon, and tender beef all tucked into a crunchy potato shell. My friends still talk about the first time I brought these to game night and how the cheese volcano made everyone stop and stare before they dove right in.

When I first made these for a movie marathon snack, they disappeared before the opening credits finished. Now, they are my signature recipe for casual get togethers.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Makes the filling hearty and gives a cheeseburger flavor. Use fresh or frozen, just be sure to drain any fat
• Bacon: Cooked until crispy for smoky crunch. Pick thick cut for bold flavor and crumble well for easy mixing
• Cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and meltability. To get the best melt, go for a block and shred it yourself
• Frozen tater tots: Create the potato cones that hold everything together. Choose a sturdy brand so they do not fall apart when hollowed out
• Mozzarella cheese: Finishes the volcano topping for creamy melt. Buy whole milk mozzarella for the richest result
• Onions: Diced small to blend into the beef mixture and balance the overall saltiness. Choose sweet onions for added depth
• Ketchup: Acts as a sauce to pull the burger flavors together. Opt for a real tomato ketchup for natural sweetness
• Mayonnaise: Makes the filling extra creamy and adds a tang. Choose a full fat mayo for richness
• Mustard: Brightens everything and cuts the richness. Use classic yellow for that burger joint flavor
• Salt and pepper: Make all the flavors pop. Be generous, but taste as you season

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef slowly until all the pink is gone. Break up any big chunks and let the beef brown up for extra flavor. Drain away any grease

Mix in Flavor:

Add crumbled bacon, diced onions, ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard directly to the pan. Stir really well so everything is fully coated. Season generously with salt and pepper, then let the mixture bubble for a minute to blend flavors

Shape the Tater Tot Cones:

Take each frozen tater tot and gently hollow out from one end using a small spoon or the end of a chopstick. You want a tunnel that goes most of the way through but do not break them apart

Stuff the Tots:

Carefully fill each tater tot cone with a spoonful of the beef and bacon mixture. Overstuff a little for complete flavor in each bite. Then sprinkle with shredded cheddar until well covered

Bake the Cones:

Arrange the filled tater tots on a lined baking sheet, spaced apart for better crisp. Cook in your preheated oven at four twenty five degrees for fifteen to twenty minutes, until golden and the cheddar is melting down the sides

Make the Cheese Volcano:

While the cones bake, stir together mozzarella cheese with any extra beef mixture until evenly combined. This mixture should clump together just like a cheesy lava

Finish with Cheese:

Heap a spoonful of the mozzarella topping onto each baked cone. Return to the oven for between five and ten minutes until the tops are lava like and bubbly golden. Crisp cheese edges are what you are aiming for

Serve Hot:

Let them cool just a minute before serving so the cheese does not burn anyone but do not wait too long. These are best right out of the oven while the cheese is still oozy

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I love watching my nephews tackle the cheese volcano topping and see who can get the tallest mound without toppling over. The combo of bacon and cheddar still reminds me of childhood Sunday afternoons when I could not wait for a greasy diner burger.

Storage Tips

Cool the cones completely and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for three days. To reheat, use an oven or toaster oven so the tater tots stay crispy. Microwaving works, but you will lose some crunch.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you want a lighter option. Try pepper jack cheese if you love a little heat or add finely chopped pickles for a tangy punch inside the filling. For a vegetarian twist, use plant based beef crumbles and veggie bacon.

Serving Suggestions

These tater tot cones are perfect on a platter for parties or game days. Serve them with extra dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue for extra flavor. They also make a fun and unexpected side dish next to a crisp salad when you want to shake up dinner.

Cultural and Historical Context

The idea of stuffing potatoes with burger fillings puts a modern spin on classic American comfort food. Tater tots have been a beloved snack since their invention in the nineteen fifties and here they get an over the top bar food upgrade. It brings together nostalgic flavors with playful presentation for a true crowd pleaser.

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These tater tot cones are the ultimate party pleaser and a fun twist on comfort food classics.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you hollow out tater tots for cone shapes?

Gently shape each tater tot while they're still frozen, using a small knife or your finger to create a cavity. Press from one end to form a cone shape without breaking them apart.

→ Can I use different types of cheese in this dish?

Absolutely! Try Monterey Jack, gouda, or pepper jack to vary the cheesy flavor and melt.

→ What's the best way to ensure the tater tots turn crispy?

Bake the filled tater tot cones on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate for extra crispiness.

→ Are there alternative fillings for the cones?

Swap in ground turkey or chicken, add sautéed peppers, or even use vegetarian crumbles for variety.

→ How should these be served for a gathering?

Arrange on a platter with toothpicks or small forks for easy presentation and dipping alongside classic sauces.