Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones

Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are the ultimate game day snack or party treat with all the bold cheeseburger flavors packed inside crispy, cheesy tater tot shells. Each bite is satisfyingly crunchy and gooey, making them irresistible for both kids and adults.

I made these for a family movie night and everyone raved about how much flavor was packed into each little cone. Now these are requested for every birthday gathering

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: use eighty five percent lean or higher for less grease and more flavor look for fresh and bright pink meat
• Turkey bacon: gives all the smokiness and crunch with less fat than pork bacon use pre-cooked bacon for max crisp
• Diced yellow or white onion: adds sweet sharp flavor and keeps the filling juicy pick a firm onion with tight skin
• Ketchup: classic burger zing a good quality bottle really makes a difference opt for one with minimal added sugar
• Mayonnaise: creaminess and balanced tang use real mayo for best texture
• Yellow mustard: for that authentic cheeseburger bite choose your favorite brand
• Salt and black pepper: freshly ground black pepper brings a mild heat use kosher salt to draw out flavor
• Frozen tater tots: the sturdy crispy shell for the cones choose a name brand for best texture
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: bold flavor and perfect melt always choose blocks and shred yourself for best melt factor
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: extra gooey stretchy melt again shred your own for better results

Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef:

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently and break up any clumps. Keep cooking for about eight to ten minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess grease completely so the filling will not turn soggy.

Mix in Flavorings:

Stir in the crumbled turkey bacon diced onions ketchup mayonnaise and yellow mustard. Mix thoroughly so every crumb is coated and the flavor is balanced. Taste and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Tater Tots:

Let the tater tots rest at room temperature for five minutes. This softens them enough to carve but keeps the outside crisp. Use a sharp small knife or tiny spoon to dig a pocket or cone into each tot. Work slowly so you do not break the shell

Fill the Cones:

Gently spoon the cheeseburger mixture into every hollowed tater tot. Lightly press down so each cone is stuffed to the tip but not overly packed or they might split

Add Cheddar Cheese:

Arrange the filled tater tots on a parchment lined baking tray. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over each one making sure every cone gets a good cheesy topping

First Bake:

Place the tray in a preheated oven at four hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit two hundred eighteen degrees Celsius and bake for fifteen to twenty minutes. The tater tots should turn golden brown and the cheddar should be melted and bubbling

Add Mozzarella Mix:

In a small bowl mix any extra beef filling with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Add a small mound of this mix on top of each cone for double cheese action

Final Bake:

Return the tray to the oven for another five to ten minutes until the mozzarella is bubbly and lightly golden

Serve Hot:

Let the cones rest just two to three minutes. Serve warm. Great with ranch spicy ketchup or chipotle mayo on the side

I love how the hint of mustard in the filling takes these from standard snack to true cheeseburger glory. My family laughs every time we share these because someone always tries sneaking the cheesiest one

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay tasty for up to three days. If you want to crisp them up reheat in the oven or air fryer for five to seven minutes instead of the microwave to keep that perfect texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have turkey bacon swap in regular bacon or omit for a vegetarian version. Feel free to use pepper jack or gouda for an extra flavor twist. Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work well in place of beef for a lighter option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cones as party appetizers alongside slider fixings or over a green salad for a playful main course. Dipping sauces like sriracha mayo or classic barbecue sauce make them even more craveable.

Cultural Context

This dish puts a fun spin on classic American comfort food by turning a basic cheeseburger and fries combo into a playful party bite. It is perfect for tailgates potlucks and family movie nights.

Seasonal Adaptations

Use barbecue sauce in summer for a smoky twist
Try adding chopped pickles in spring for freshness
Go for spicy jalapeno in fall or winter for extra warmth

Success Stories

A friend made these for a youth church gathering and there was not a tot left on the platter. They also freeze surprisingly well making them a staple for busy weeknights or last minute guests.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Prepare everything up to the first bake. Freeze the stuffed uncooked cones on a tray until solid then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen adding five minutes to the first bake time for easy make ahead party food.

Serve these cones piping hot for best crunch and maximum cheesy stretch. They disappear fast so make extra for seconds.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?

Yes, regular bacon works just as well and adds a richer, smokier flavor to the filling.

→ How do I hollow out tater tots without breaking them?

Let the tater tots soften slightly at room temperature, then carefully carve using a small knife or spoon.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Prepare the filling and cones in advance, but bake and assemble right before serving for best texture.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these cones?

Try ranch, spicy ketchup, or chipotle mayo for extra flavor and a fun dipping experience.

→ Can I use different cheeses?

Absolutely! Mix in your favorite cheeses like pepper jack or Swiss to customize the flavor profile.