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Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones

Transform classic cheeseburger flavors into a fun, bite-sized obsession! These Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones are easy, quick, and perfect for backyard BBQs, game day gatherings, or any occasion where you want a memorable, crowd-pleasing snack.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer, Game Day, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small Knife or Tiny Spoon (e.g., melon baller)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 recommended
  • 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1/4 cup diced onions
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup yellow mustard
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 24 frozen tater tots
  • 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Get Your Oven Hot and Your Beef Browned
    Preheat 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 Filling
    Add 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 Cones
    Gently 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 Bake
    Spoon 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.

Notes

Substitutions & Additions: Spice it up with red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños. Use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute. Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack, Colby Jack, or smoked gouda. Fold in finely diced bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms. Try different sauces like BBQ sauce, ranch, or sriracha mayo. Garnish with fresh chopped chives, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.
Tips for Success: Don't over-hollow the tater tots to prevent them from falling apart. Stuff consistently for even baking. Work with frozen tater tots to maintain shape and crispness. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup. Don't overcrowd the pan for proper air circulation and crisping. The cheeseburger filling can be prepped a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
Storage & Reheating: Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) or an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-12 minutes until heated through and crispy. Microwaving is not recommended as it will lose crispness.
Keyword Bacon, Bite-Sized, Cheeseburger, Comfort Food, party food, Tater Tot