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Bacon cheeseburger tater tot cones are my go-to for game day parties and movie nights when everyone just wants to grab something cheesy savory and fun. Each crisp tot is stuffed with smoky beef and gooey cheese so every bite is a real crowd-pleaser.
The first time I made these for friends they disappeared in ten minutes flat and now they are always a must for celebrations.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: choose fresh and lean for the best flavor and less grease
- Beef bacon: cooked until crisp adds a rich smoky crunch
- Shredded cheddar cheese: look for sharp aged cheddar for a fuller taste
- Frozen tater tots: get the extra crispy style for the best shells
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: brings stretch and creamy melt
- Diced onions: choose sweet onions for a mellow bite but yellow works too
- Ketchup: use a good quality ketchup for depth
- Mayonnaise: the base for creamy burger flavor
- Mustard: yellow mustard for classic tang or spice it up with Dijon
- Salt and black pepper: season to taste and bring all the flavors together
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Cheeseburger Filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat cook fresh ground beef until nicely browned breaking it into small bits as you stir. Drain off most of the excess fat with a spoon. Stir in crumbled beef bacon diced onions ketchup mayonnaise and mustard. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper then mix well over heat for another two minutes so everything melds together. Let filling cool a little so it stays put in the cones.
- Shape the Tater Tot Cones:
- Preheat the oven to two hundred twenty degrees Celsius. Use a small sharp knife or a melon baller to carefully hollow out each tater tot making a well or cone shape without breaking the crust. Work slowly so the shells stay strong.
- Stuff and Top the Cones:
- Fill each tater tot cone with a generous spoonful of the beef bacon cheese mixture packing it in gently. Arrange filled tots on a lined baking tray. Top each one with a pinch of cheddar cheese and mozzarella for an extra gooey topping.
- Bake Until Golden and Serve:
- Slide the tray into the hot oven and bake until the cheese melts and the tater tot cones are sizzling and crisp about twelve minutes. Let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving so the filling sets.
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Cheddar is my favorite ingredient because its sharpness balances the richness of the meat and bacon. Once my nieces helped stuff the cones and could not stop giggling as we tried not to spill the filling everywhere. These cones always bring a sense of playfulness to my kitchen and table.
Storage Tips
Once cooled store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To keep them crispy reheat in a hot oven on a sheet pan rather than the microwave.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap in turkey or chicken for ground beef or use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version. Try smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar for a twist. Pork bacon works just as nicely if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
These are great for passing around at parties but they are also fun as a dinner side with a salad. Dip them in extra ketchup or ranch and serve with pickles to highlight the burger flavors.
Origins and Fun Facts
Tater tots and cheeseburgers are classic icons of American comfort food. Combining them into a bite-sized appetizer brings together two favorites in a way that always sparks nostalgia and fun conversation at the table.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape tater tots into cones?
Carefully hollow out frozen tater tots with a small knife or spoon before baking, making space for the filling while maintaining the shell's structure.
- → Can I use different cheese blends?
Absolutely. Cheddar and mozzarella provide creaminess and stretch, but you may experiment with pepper jack or gouda for varied flavor.
- → What's the best way to cook the bacon for the filling?
Crisp slices in a skillet, drain well, and crumble before adding to the beef mixture. This keeps the filling flavorful and not greasy.
- → Are these cones best served hot or can they be made ahead?
They're best enjoyed fresh and hot for the crispiest texture, but you can prepare the filling in advance and assemble just before baking.
- → Can ground turkey or chicken replace the beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken offers a lighter flavor while still blending well with bacon, cheese, and seasonings.