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Who knew cheeseburgers and tater tots could be combined into something so fun and satisfying These Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones take comfort food to a new level with crispy cones filled with juicy beef loads of gooey cheese and savory bacon Every bite is packed with all the flavors you crave in a cheeseburger but wrapped up in an irresistible golden tot shell
The first time I made these it was for a backyard get together My friends could not get enough and they disappeared faster than I expected Now I make a double batch whenever we want something playful and hearty
Ingredients
- Ground beef: One pound makes a hearty filling for six cones Choose fresh beef with good marbling for more flavor
- Frozen tater tots: These create the crispy cone shell Look for brands without a lot of filler for the best texture
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Offers a sharp cheesy bite Always shred your own for better melt
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings extra creaminess and melt Opt for whole milk mozzarella for pull
- Bacon: Cooked and crumbled adds a smoky crunch Use thick cut bacon for the biggest flavor payoff
- Ketchup: Gives the beef that signature cheeseburger tang Look for one with no high fructose corn syrup
- Yellow mustard: Brings zip and brightens up the meat mixture Classic yellow is best here
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds an umami backdrop Use a splash more if you want deeper savoriness
- Garlic powder: Bumps up the savory notes Make sure your powder is fresh for the fullest taste
- Onion powder: Lends depth and classic burger flavor Freshness matters here too
- Salt and pepper: Rounds out all the flavors Always season the beef mixture to taste
- Optional toppings: Diced pickles tomatoes green onions or your favorite burger sauce for extra personality
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Cook the Tater Tots:
- Bake the tater tots in a hot oven just until they are soft but not crispy yet This makes them easier to shape while still holding together
- Shape the Cones:
- While the tots are still warm use your hands or the back of a spoon to press them into cone molds or inside muffin tins lined with foil Work gently so they hold together well Put them back in the oven and bake until they are golden and crisp Let them cool enough that you can safely handle them
- Prepare the Beef Filling:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet on medium high heat Use a wooden spoon to break it into crumbles as it cooks and cook until there’s no pink left Drain any excess fat Add in the ketchup mustard Worcestershire garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper Stir until the beef is fully coated and let it simmer for a few minutes to develop flavor
- Fill the Cones:
- Spoon the hot beef mixture into the crispy tater tot cones Pack it in so each cone is full and every bite is meaty and satisfying
- Cheese and Bacon Layer:
- Sprinkle both cheeses generously over the beef so it melts into the filling Top with crumbled bacon to add crunch and extra savor
- Final Melt:
- Arrange all the filled cones upright on a baking sheet and bake once more till the cheese gets bubbly and everything is heated through
- Garnish and Serve:
- Scatter your favorite toppings on just before serving Pint sized pickles chopped tomatoes or green onions add freshness and color Serve them hot for the ultimate cheesy experience
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One of my favorite parts about making these is experimenting with cheeses Sometimes I swap in a smoky gouda or a slice of melty American cheese and the results are always a hit My brother still talks about the batch we made together for his birthday
Storage Tips
These cones hold up best the day they are made If you need to store extras cool them completely and wrap tightly in foil Store in the fridge up to two days Reheat uncovered in a hot oven to restore crispiness
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or chicken provides a lighter twist For vegetarians try seasoned lentils or your favorite plant based ground Substitute different cheeses to match your mood or swap bacon for smoked tempeh
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside a light salad and some crispy dill pickles for a real diner style meal These cones also shine as a surprising appetizer for parties just make smaller versions as bite size treats
A Bit of History
The mashup of cheeseburgers and tater tots brings together two all American classics Tater tots were created in the 1950s as a way to use leftover potato scraps and have since become a comfort food staple
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I shape tater tots into cones?
Press warm, baked tater tots into cone molds or use foil-lined muffin tins. Bake again to set the shape and achieve crispiness.
- → Can I use other proteins instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives all work well for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- → What cheese is best for this dish?
Cheddar and mozzarella provide classic flavor, but feel free to try gouda, pepper jack, or American cheese.
- → Are there topping suggestions?
Diced pickles, tomatoes, green onions, or a drizzle of burger sauce add flavor and texture to the cones.
- → Can cones be made ahead of time?
Prepare components in advance; assemble and reheat just before serving for the best crispy texture.
- → How do I keep cones from falling apart?
Ensure tater tots are fully baked and let cones cool slightly before removing from molds to maintain structure.