Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining all the goodness of a cheeseburger with the playful crunch of tater tots, Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are about to become your new obsession. Imagine crispy tater tots molded into crunchy cones and loaded up with juicy seasoned beef, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and a drizzle of burger-inspired sauce—every bite is savory, satisfying, and just plain FUN. Whether you’re wowing a party crowd or shaking up your family’s dinner routine, this inventive twist on comfort food will earn instant requests for an encore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best thing about these Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones is that you only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, but each one adds something magical to the finished dish. Every bite is about that crispy-crunchy texture, rich flavor, and melty cheese pull—let’s break down why each ingredient is a must.

• Ground beef: Juicy and full of flavor, this forms the delicious heart of the filling.
• Frozen tater tots: These little potato nuggets transform into crispy cones that hold everything together.
• Cheddar cheese, shredded: Sharp cheddar gives a classic cheeseburger tang and that beautiful, melty finish.
• Mozzarella cheese: Adds creaminess and an amazing cheese pull for extra fun.
• Bacon, cooked and crumbled: Smoky, salty bacon brings that irresistible crunch and flavor boost.
• Garlic powder: A touch of garlic laces the beef with depth and aroma.
• Onion powder: Gives a gentle savory backbone that echoes a classic burger.
• Salt and pepper: The essential, can’t-skip seasonings for balanced taste.
• Ketchup: Blends into the meat for that tangy, familiar burger flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy mayo binds the beef and adds richness to every bite.
• Yellow mustard: Mustard delivers a bright, zesty kick just like your favorite cheeseburger.
• Optional pickles or scallions: For pops of freshness and vibrant, punchy garnish.

How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones

Step 1: Bake the Tater Tots

Start by cranking your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer with a bit of space between them. Bake them for around 20 minutes until they’re nice and golden, which ensures your Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones have that irresistible crispiness from the very first bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheeseburger Filling

While the tots do their thing in the oven, brown the ground beef in a skillet set over medium-high heat, breaking it up as you go. Once fully cooked, drain off any excess grease—no one likes a soggy cone! Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then add the ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard. Mix everything together so it’s creamy, fragrant, and bursting with classic cheeseburger flavor.

Step 3: Form the Tater Tot Cones

Give your tater tots a few minutes to cool down. Meanwhile, make simple cone molds using aluminum foil—just shape them into sturdy cone forms about the size of an ice cream cone. Gently press the crispy tater tots around each foil mold, overlapping a bit for strength, and be patient as you build your cone shapes. This step is where the fun (and crunchy architecture) happens!

Step 4: Set the Cones in the Oven

Once your cones are assembled, pop them back into the oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This second bake helps fuse the tots together, making the cones even crunchier and sturdy enough for all the drool-worthy filling to come.

Step 5: Stuff and Top the Cones

Carefully remove the foil from the set tater tot cones. Now, the real magic: fill each cone generously with your cheeseburger mixture, pressing gently to pack as much in as possible. Sprinkle a mix of shredded cheddar and mozzarella on top, then shower with crumbled bacon. The anticipation is real!

Step 6: Melt and Finish

Pop the stuffed cones back in the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, watching closely. When the cheese is bubbly, golden, and begging to be eaten, your Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are ready for their grand entrance.

How to Serve Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones

Garnishes

Scatter sliced pickles, scallions, or a drizzle of extra ketchup and mustard for pops of color and zip. A little bit of green brings out the best in the cheesy, golden cones and makes them look party-perfect.

Side Dishes

These cones are delightfully hearty on their own, but they pair beautifully with simple sides like a crisp salad, coleslaw, or even classic dill pickles. If you’re going all out, a basket of sweet potato fries or a tangy slaw amplifies the fun, diner-inspired vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones upright in a tall glass or mug for an Instagram-worthy presentation. Or, nestle them into a muffin tin lined with parchment for easy grab-and-go at parties. For a little extra wow, offer a trio of dipping sauces—think spicy mayo, smoky BBQ, or classic ranch—for dunking each cheesy, crispy bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any cones left (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll hold up surprisingly well, though the cones will lose their extra crunch after being refrigerated.

Freezing

Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones can be frozen! After baking and cooling completely, wrap each cone tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat for parties or snack emergencies.

Reheating

To recapture that signature crunch, reheat cones in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some crispiness, so the oven or air fryer is your best friend here.

FAQs

Can I use a different meat for the filling?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based substitute work beautifully in place of beef, letting you customize the flavor or make these Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones vegetarian-friendly.

What do I do if I don’t have cone molds?

No official cone molds? No problem! Just shape some sturdy cones out of foil, or even use small paper cups lined with parchment if you don’t mind making mini cones. The key is giving the tots a shape to press onto while they finish baking.

Can I assemble the cones ahead of time?

You can bake the tater tots and make the beef filling a day in advance—just store them separately in the fridge, then assemble and finish baking right before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar and mozzarella strike the perfect balance of flavor and meltiness, but feel free to mix in provolone, pepper jack, or even a little blue cheese for your own twist on Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones.

How can I make these cones spicier?

Turn up the heat by adding diced jalapeños to the beef, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or use pepper jack cheese. A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce right before serving does wonders!

Final Thoughts

If you crave the nostalgia of a classic cheeseburger and the fun of finger food, these Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are destined to make you smile. I hope you give them a whirl, share them with friends, and discover just how much joy a crispy cone can bring!