Remember those epic backyard BBQs or game day gatherings where the aroma of grilling burgers and crispy fries filled the air? There’s just something about a classic cheeseburger that brings back so many happy memories. Now, imagine taking all that beloved flavor and transforming it into a fun, bite-sized package that’s impossible to resist. Say hello to these incredible Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones! They’re ridiculously easy to whip up, shockingly quick to make, and trust me, they’re so memorable, your friends and family will be asking for them again and again.
Why You’ll Love Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones
- Fast
- Easy
- Giftable
- Crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef: The heart of our cheeseburger magic! I usually go for 80/20 for the best flavor, but feel free to use leaner if you prefer.
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Because what’s a cheeseburger without crispy, salty bacon goodness?
- 1/4 cup diced onions: Adds a little zing and texture to our savory filling.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: That classic tangy-sweet burger sauce base.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: For creaminess and that rich, savory note.
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard: A pop of classic burger flavor that ties everything together.
- Salt, to taste: Don’t forget to season as you go!
- Black pepper, to taste: A dash of warmth to complement the other flavors.
- 24 frozen tater tots: Our crunchy, golden vessel for all that cheeseburger goodness.
- 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp, and utterly delicious for the first layer.
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese: For that perfect gooey stretch on top!
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones
Okay, let’s get cooking! You’re just a few simple steps away from a seriously amazing snack that’s perfect for any occasion.
Step 1: Get Your Oven Hot and Your Beef Browned
First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 425°F (220°C). While that’s warming up, grab a skillet and place it over medium heat. Toss in your pound of ground beef and cook it until it’s beautifully browned all the way through. Once it’s done, make sure to drain any excess fat. We want all that delicious beefy flavor, not the grease!
Step 2: Mix Up That Irresistible Cheeseburger Filling
Now for the magic! Add your cooked, crumbled bacon, those finely diced onions, ketchup, mayonnaise, and yellow mustard right into the skillet with your beef. Give it a good stir to combine everything, making sure all those incredible flavors marry together. Don’t forget to season with a pinch of salt and a grind of black pepper to your taste. Once it’s all mixed, take it off the heat – this is the delicious heart of our Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones!
Step 3: Craft Your Tater Tot Cones
This is where the fun begins! Take each frozen tater tot and, using a small knife or a tiny spoon (like a melon baller, if you have one!), gently hollow out the center. You’re aiming to create a little cone or cup shape – just enough to hold our delicious filling. Be careful not to go all the way through or break the tot. If you’re looking for another fun, meaty bite, you might also love making some Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs!
Step 4: Fill ‘Em Up and Get Ready for the First Bake
Once your tater tots are ready, it’s time to stuff them! Spoon your fantastic cheeseburger mixture into each hollowed-out tater tot cone. Don’t be shy, but don’t overstuff them either – we want them to hold their shape. After they’re filled, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each one. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (trust me, it makes cleanup a breeze!) and arrange your filled tater tot cones on it.
Step 5: The Grand Finale Bake!
Pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven. Let them bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for those tater tots to get wonderfully golden and crispy, and that cheddar cheese to be perfectly melted and bubbly. Now, here’s a little trick for an extra cheesy finish: combine your mozzarella cheese with any remaining cheeseburger mixture. Take the cones out of the oven, distribute this gooey mozzarella mixture evenly over each one, and return them to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes. This second bake ensures that top layer is bubbly, golden brown, and absolutely irresistible. Just like these cones, you can find other amazing comfort food recipes that satisfy your cravings right here at Easily Cooked.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
As soon as they come out of the oven, serve them piping hot! These Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones are best enjoyed fresh, when the tots are at their crispiest and the cheese is wonderfully gooey. Get ready for some happy faces!
Substitutions & Additions
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a few drops of hot sauce to your beef mixture for a kick. Or, mix in some finely diced jalapeños with the onions!
- Different Meats: Not a beef fan? Ground turkey or chicken would work beautifully here, too! Just make sure to season it well to mimic that savory burger taste.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheeses! Pepper jack for a little heat, Colby Jack for a milder blend, or even some smoked gouda for a gourmet touch.
- Extra Veggies: Finely diced bell peppers or even some sautéed mushrooms can be folded into the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrients.
- Sauce Swaps: Instead of classic ketchup and mustard, try a smoky BBQ sauce, a creamy ranch dressing, or a zesty sriracha mayo for a different flavor profile. Speaking of savory bakes, if you love quick and comforting meals, you’ve got to try this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole next!
- Garnish Galore: A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives, green onions, or even a dollop of sour cream right before serving can elevate these cones to the next level.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Over-Hollow: When you’re making those tater tot cones, be gentle! You just need enough space for the filling, not a gaping hole. Too much hollowing can make them fall apart.
- Even Stuffing: Try to put a consistent amount of filling in each tot so they bake evenly and look uniform.
- Crispy Tater Tots Start Cold: Don’t thaw your tater tots before hollowing and filling them. Working with them frozen helps them maintain their shape and get that perfect crispy exterior in the oven.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Seriously, it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Nobody wants to scrape stuck tater tots off a baking sheet!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your tater tot cones some breathing room on the baking sheet. This allows for proper air circulation, ensuring they get beautifully crispy instead of steaming.
- Prep Ahead for Parties: You can cook the cheeseburger filling a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just warm it gently, stuff your tots, and bake! This is a fantastic time-saver for entertaining.
How to Store Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones
Got some leftover Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones? Lucky you! To store them, let them cool down completely to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for about 2-3 days.
When you’re ready to reheat, the best way to bring back that crispy magic is in the oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Spread the cones in a single layer and bake for 8-12 minutes, or until they’re heated through and the tater tots are crispy again. Microwaving them will work in a pinch, but you’ll lose that delightful crispness, and we can’t have that!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef gives you that classic cheeseburger flavor, you can easily swap it for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute. Just make sure to season it well to get that savory taste!
Can I make these tater tot cones vegetarian?
Yes, you definitely can! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative and use plant-based bacon bits if you like. The rest of the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, making this a versatile recipe.
What’s the best way to get really crispy tater tots?
A few tricks for maximum crispiness: make sure your oven is fully preheated to the recommended temperature, don’t overcrowd your baking sheet (give them space!), and bake them directly on parchment paper or a wire rack set on a baking sheet. You can also give them a light spray of cooking oil before the first bake to encourage that golden crunch.
Are these good for meal prepping?
While they are best enjoyed fresh, you can definitely prep the cheeseburger filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready, just hollow and stuff your tater tots, then bake. This cuts down on assembly time significantly for busy weeknights or game days!
Craving more easy, delicious recipes and kitchen inspiration? Be sure to follow us on Pinterest for daily ideas!
Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Get Your Oven Hot and Your Beef BrownedPreheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 2: Mix Up That Irresistible Cheeseburger FillingAdd the cooked, crumbled bacon, diced onions, ketchup, mayonnaise, and yellow mustard to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Step 3: Craft Your Tater Tot ConesGently hollow out the center of each frozen tater tot using a small knife or tiny spoon, creating a cup shape. Be careful not to go all the way through.
- Step 4: Fill 'Em Up and Get Ready for the First BakeSpoon the cheeseburger mixture into each hollowed-out tater tot cone. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the filled tater tot cones on it.
- Step 5: The Grand Finale Bake!Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the cheddar cheese is melted and bubbly. Combine the mozzarella cheese with any remaining cheeseburger mixture. Remove cones from the oven, distribute the mozzarella mixture over each one, and return to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
- Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!Serve piping hot, immediately after removing from the oven, for the best crispness and gooey cheese.
