Beef Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Cones

These Beef Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are the ultimate party trick, turning a familiar comfort food into a handheld explosion of flavor. They're a gooey, salty, and completely unforgettable snack perfect for game days, movie nights, or anytime you need a serious treat.

I first made these for a big football game, thinking they’d be a fun little side dish. They were gone in ten minutes, and now my friends won't let me show up to a party without a batch.

Ingredients

• One 32 ounce bag frozen tater tots: These are your vessel, so look for a brand that holds its shape well when baked
• One pound ground beef: An 80 20 blend is perfect here because the fat adds incredible flavor to the filling
• One medium onion: a finely diced yellow or white onion provides a sweet, aromatic base
• Six slices beef bacon: This adds a deep, smoky flavor that pork bacon can't quite match. Cook it until it's nice and crispy
• One cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Shredding your own from a block is my secret to the best cheese pull
• One cup shredded cheddar cheese: A sharp cheddar gives that classic cheeseburger tang
• One quarter cup ketchup: The foundation of that special sauce flavor
• Two tablespoons yellow mustard: This adds a necessary bright, acidic kick
• Two tablespoons mayonnaise: Creaminess is key for the filling's texture
• Salt and pepper to taste: Always season as you go to build layers of flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking until no pink remains and the edges of the beef are nicely browned, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. This browning step is crucial for developing a deep, savory flavor. Once cooked, carefully tilt the pan and spoon out any excess grease.

Create the Burger Filling:

To the skillet with the cooked beef, add the crumbled beef bacon, diced onion, ketchup, mayonnaise, and yellow mustard. Stir everything together constantly for about 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften slightly and all the ingredients are well combined and heated through. Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper until it’s just right.

Hollow the Tater Tots:

While the filling is coming together, preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Take your frozen tater tots and, using a small, sharp paring knife or even the end of a skewer, gently carve out the center of each one. You want to create a little cup or cone shape without breaking through the bottom or sides. Work carefully, as they can be a bit fragile.

Stuff and Top the Cones:

Using a small spoon, carefully fill each hollowed out tater tot with the warm cheeseburger mixture. Don't overpack them, but make sure they are nicely filled. Once they are all filled, sprinkle a generous amount of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each cone.

First Bake for Crispiness:

Arrange the stuffed tater tot cones on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for air to circulate. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You're looking for the tater tots to become golden brown and crispy and for the cheddar cheese on top to be completely melted and bubbly.

Build the Cheese Volcano:

While the cones are in the oven, mix your shredded mozzarella cheese in a bowl with any burger filling that you might have leftover. This will become the final gooey topping.

Final Bake and Serve:

Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Working quickly while they are still hot, top each cone with a small mound of the mozzarella and filling mixture. This creates that fantastic cheese volcano effect. Return the cones to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, just until the mozzarella is beautifully melted, gooey, and maybe even a little browned on top. Serve them immediately while they're hot.

Pin it

My favorite part of this whole recipe is the beef bacon. Its smoky, savory flavor is so much more intense than regular bacon and it really makes the cheeseburger filling taste authentic. I remember the first time my family tried these, my dad just looked at his and said, "It's a whole meal in one bite!"

Storing and Reheating Your Cones

If you happen to have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, the oven is your best friend. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again. I'd avoid the microwave, as it will make the tater tots soggy.

Fun Ingredient Swaps

Don't be afraid to get creative with the filling. You could easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or even spicy Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. For a bit of heat, mix in some finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. You can also play with the cheeses, a pepper jack would add a nice kick.

How to Serve These Beauties

These cones are a full-blown snack on their own, but they are even better with dips. Serve them with a side of extra burger sauce, a cool ranch dip, or even some warm queso. They are the star of any appetizer platter and are best served fresh and hot right out of the oven to get that incredible cheese pull.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the best way to hollow out the tater tots?

Using a sharp paring knife or a small skewer is the easiest way to carefully hollow out the frozen tater tots. Work slowly and gently to avoid breaking them.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Pepper jack for a spicy kick, or provolone for a milder, meltier option would work well.

→ What if I don't have beef bacon?

Regular bacon works just as well! You can also use turkey bacon for a slightly healthier alternative.

→ How can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the beef and bacon filling and assemble the cones ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake them.

→ How do I reheat leftover cones?

Reheat leftover cones in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Adding a bit of fresh mozzarella before reheating will give you the best cheese pull.

→ Can I add any spices to the beef filling?

Yes! Feel free to add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.