Beef Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for parties and game days. This recipe transforms all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into individual crispy handheld treats that ooze with melty cheese and smoky beef bacon in every bite. If you love things fun and over-the-top, these cones are unforgettable. The best part is watching everyone’s faces light up as you walk out with a tray of these golden, gooey cones fresh from the oven.

The first time I made these for my family’s football party, not a single one was left on the tray. Now, my siblings keep requesting them anytime we gather

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Provides the hearty base and classic cheeseburger flavor Choose fresh eighty twenty beef for moisture
• Beef Bacon: Smoky and salty pieces take this filling to the next level Choose thick cut beef bacon and cook until deeply crisp for the best texture
• Cheddar cheese: Delivers sharp cheesy punch Shred your own from a block for superior melt
• Frozen tater tots: These form the crispy cones and are easy to hollow out Pick a brand with a deep golden color for best crunch
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts into that volcanic cheese pool Use freshly shredded for that gorgeous gooey finish
• Diced onions: Add sweet savory depth Look for onions that feel firm and free of soft spots
• Ketchup: Classic tangy burger sauce flavor Opt for real tomato ketchup without too much added sugar
• Mayonnaise: Creaminess enriches the filling Go for full-fat for best mouthfeel
• Mustard: Brings welcome sharpness and zip Yellow mustard works perfectly here
• Salt and pepper: Season to taste I always use kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until every piece is deeply browned. Drain any excess fat so the filling stays rich but not greasy. Mix in crumbled crispy beef bacon, finely diced onions, ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard. Stir constantly to blend the flavors and let everything bubble together for two minutes. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper

Shape and Fill the Tater Tot Cones:

Take each frozen tater tot and carefully hollow out the center using a small paring knife or skewer to mimic a miniature cone. Gently press the cheeseburger filling inside each tater tot cone, packing it in without overstuffing. Top each cone generously with a layer of freshly shredded cheddar cheese

Bake the Cones:

Arrange the filled cones on a parchment-lined baking sheet spacing them apart for even crisping. Bake in a preheated oven at four hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit for fifteen to twenty minutes. Keep an eye on the tots and pull them from the oven once they are deeply golden and the cheese on top is bubbling

Make the Cheese Volcano:

In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella cheese with any leftover cheeseburger filling. Once the cones are hot from the oven, pile a mound of this cheese mixture on top of each cone to create that volcano effect

Finish and Serve:

Return the cones to the oven for five to ten minutes more just until the mozzarella is melted and starting to brown in spots. Serve piping hot so the cheese inside stretches gloriously with each bite

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I love using sharp cheddar for that nostalgic cheeseburger flavor. One of my favorite memories is my niece’s birthday when these cones disappeared faster than the birthday cake

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. To restore their crunch reheat directly in a hot oven rather than the microwave which can make the tots soggy. If you plan on baking ahead wait to top with the mozzarella volcano until just before serving for best melty results

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground turkey or chicken for the beef to lighten things up The beef bacon can be swapped for turkey bacon, Try pepperjack or Swiss in place of cheddar for new flavor spins For a spicy kick add chopped pickled jalapenos to the filling

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Serving Suggestions

Pile the finished cones on a large board with dipping sauces like spicy ketchup or special sauce These make an outrageous centerpiece for game day serve them with a big green salad for balance or alongside classic party snacks like chips and pickles

Cheeseburger Origins

The stuffed cone approach is a playful twist on the nostalgic flavors of American cheeseburgers and diners Tater tots bring that retro cafeteria comfort feel and the mix of ketchup and mustard in the filling is a wink to one of the world’s most beloved sandwiches

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you hollow out tater tots for the cones?

Allow tater tots to thaw slightly, then use a small spoon or the end of a chopstick to carefully carve out the center, forming a cone shape.

→ Can the bacon cheeseburger filling be prepared ahead?

Yes, you can cook and refrigerate the filling up to a day in advance to streamline assembly before baking.

→ What cheese works best for the volcano topping?

Freshly shredded mozzarella melts smoothly and creates a dramatic, gooey volcano effect on top of each cone.

→ How can I keep the cones crispy after reheating?

Reheat cones in a hot oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness and revive the gooey cheese.

→ Are there any variations for the filling?

You can add pickles, sautéed mushrooms, or swap cheddar for pepper jack to create different flavor profiles.