Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones bring together all the flavors my family craves in one handheld treat! These savory cones combine crispy golden tater tots shaped into edible vessels, filled with juicy seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy bacon pieces. It’s like your favorite fast food meal reimagined in a fun, portable format that both kids and adults can’t resist.
My grandmother always says food tastes better when it’s fun to eat, and these cones prove her right every time. I started making these with my daughter when she asked for “something different” for our weekly movie night, and they’ve become a requested favorite. She loves helping me shape the tots into cones while I prepare the filling.
These Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are perfect for busy weeknights since they come together in under 30 minutes and require ingredients you likely already have on hand. Plus, they’re customizable to everyone’s tastes. My personal tip? Make sure to really press those tots firmly into the cone shape – this ensures they hold together perfectly when loaded with all that delicious filling.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What You Need to Make This Recipe
For this family favorite, you’ll need frozen tater tots as your cone base, ground beef for the filling, crispy bacon pieces, and shredded cheese that melts beautifully. I always add a touch of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the beef’s flavor – it’s my secret for giving these that authentic cheeseburger taste. The complete list of ingredients with exact measurements is in the recipe card below.
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones
Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones come together in three simple steps. First, shape thawed tater tots into cone shapes using foil molds and bake until golden. Meanwhile, cook seasoned ground beef with onions, then mix in bacon pieces and cheese. Finally, fill the crispy tater tot cones with the meaty mixture and top with your favorite burger condiments.
Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones
Equipment
- Air Fryer or Oven
- Aluminum Foil
- Skillet
- Cone-shaped Molds (or create with foil)
Ingredients
For the Tater Tot Cones
- 4 cups frozen tater tots slightly thawed
- 1 tbsp cooking oil for greasing molds
For the Filling
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended
- 1/2 cup onion finely diced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
For Serving (Optional)
- 1/4 cup pickle relish
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 1 cup lettuce shredded
- 1 small tomato diced
Instructions
Prepare the Tater Tot Cones
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (or conventional oven to 425°F). Allow frozen tater tots to thaw slightly at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Create cone-shaped molds using aluminum foil wrapped around a cone shape (or use store-bought molds). Lightly grease the outside of each mold with cooking oil.
- Press thawed tater tots firmly against the outside of each mold, overlapping slightly to create a solid cone shape with no gaps. Each cone will use about 2/3 cup of tots.
- Place the formed cones (with molds inside) in the air fryer or on a baking sheet. Cook for 15 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and let cool slightly before gently removing the foil molds.
Prepare the Filling
- While the cones are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat if necessary. Turn off heat and stir in crumbled bacon and 1 cup of the shredded cheese until melted and combined.
Assemble the Cones
- Carefully spoon the beef mixture into each tater tot cone, filling them generously. Top with remaining shredded cheese.
- Return the filled cones to the air fryer or oven for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese on top melts.
- Serve immediately with optional toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish on the side for everyone to customize their own cone.
Notes
For More Recipe
Pro Tips for Making This Recipe
Getting the Perfect Tater Tot Cone Shape
Creating well-formed cones is crucial for this recipe. I start with slightly thawed tater tots – about 10 minutes at room temperature makes them pliable without being mushy. Then I wrap heavy-duty aluminum foil around cone-shaped objects (like small paper cups) and press the tots firmly against this mold. Don’t rush this step! Taking time to ensure the tots are tightly packed together prevents gaps that could cause your Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones to fall apart later.
Seasoning the Beef Perfectly
The ground beef is where much of the flavor comes from. I always cook my onions first until they’re translucent before adding the beef – this develops a sweeter flavor base. My secret trick: add a tablespoon of mustard and a splash of pickle juice to the beef while cooking. It might sound strange, but it gives that authentic cheeseburger flavor that makes these cones irresistible.
Cheese Selection Matters
While any melting cheese works in these cones, I’ve found that a combination of cheeses creates the best flavor profile. I use American cheese for that classic burger melt, mixed with sharp cheddar for a more robust flavor. Grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded – it melts much better and doesn’t contain the anti-caking agents that can prevent that perfect gooey texture we’re after.
Fun Variations
Breakfast Burger Cones
Transform these into a morning treat by using breakfast sausage instead of ground beef and adding scrambled eggs to the filling. I top these with a tiny drizzle of maple syrup right before serving – the sweet-savory combination is incredible, especially with the bacon. My daughter asks for these on weekend mornings when we have a bit more time to enjoy breakfast together.
Pizza Stuffed Tater Tot Cones
Replace the ground beef with Italian sausage, add pepperoni pieces, and use mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar. Mix in some pizza sauce and Italian seasoning for an Italian twist on the original Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones. My grandmother loves this version with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Taco Tot Cones
Swap the burger seasonings for taco seasoning in the ground beef, and use pepper jack cheese for a kick. Add some black beans, corn, and diced peppers to the filling mixture. Serve with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa for dipping. These have become our Tuesday night alternative to traditional tacos, and they’re always a hit with guests.
What to Enjoy with Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones
Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are practically a meal themselves, but I love serving them with a few complementary sides to round out the experience. A simple green salad with ranch dressing provides a fresh contrast to the richness of the cones. For a true diner experience, serve alongside crispy dill pickle spears and a small dish of coleslaw.
For dipping, I set out small bowls of ketchup, mustard, and a special sauce (just mix mayo, ketchup, and relish). My kids love having options for customizing each bite. On game days, I’ll make a double batch of the cones alongside some sweet potato fries and veggie sticks for a crowd-pleasing spread that disappears before halftime!
Best Way to Store and Reheat Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones
Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones maintain their deliciousness even as leftovers when stored properly. For storage, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. I separate each cone with a small piece of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When it comes to reheating, the air fryer is your best friend for maintaining that crispy exterior. I reheat them at 375°F for 3-4 minutes, and they come out tasting nearly as good as freshly made. If you don’t have an air fryer, a conventional oven set to 350°F for about 8-10 minutes works well too – just place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
For school lunches, I actually love serving these cold sometimes! My daughter says they’re like a cheeseburger wrap when packed in her lunchbox with an ice pack. The flavors meld together overnight, creating a different but equally delicious experience.
Nutritional Benefits Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones
Protein Power
Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones deliver a substantial protein punch thanks to the ground beef and cheese. One cone provides approximately 15-20 grams of protein, making it a satisfying option that helps keep hunger at bay. I find this particularly helpful for active kids who need sustained energy throughout the afternoon.
Balanced With Veggies
While these cones might seem indulgent, they’re easy to balance with hidden vegetables. I often mix finely diced bell peppers and grated zucchini into the beef mixture – they practically disappear during cooking but add valuable nutrients. The onions in the recipe also provide antioxidants and flavor without many calories.
Mindful Portions
What I love about these cones is the built-in portion control. Each cone represents a satisfying serving that prevents mindless overeating. By pairing a cone with veggie sides, you create a meal that feels indulgent but maintains a reasonable calorie count. It’s about balance rather than deprivation in our household.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade tater tots instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Homemade tots work beautifully and often taste even better. Just make sure they’re slightly cooled and firmly packed when forming the cones. The starch released while making homemade tots actually helps them hold together better during baking.
Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?
Yes! Replace the beef with plant-based ground meat substitute, black beans, or a mushroom-walnut mixture. Use vegetarian bacon or smoky roasted red peppers for that savory element. The cheese can stay or be swapped with dairy-free alternatives.
How do I keep the cones from falling apart?
Make sure to really press the tots firmly together when forming cones. Pre-bake the empty cones until they’re golden and crispy before filling. Let them cool slightly (about 3-5 minutes) after the initial bake – this helps them set properly.
Can I make these cones ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare and bake the tot cones up to a day ahead and store covered in the refrigerator. Make the filling separately and store. When ready to serve, reheat the cones in the oven until crispy, then add the warmed filling.
Conclusion
Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones have become one of those recipes that brings my family running to the dinner table with excitement. There’s something magical about transforming familiar ingredients into an unexpected format that makes mealtime more fun. Even my pickiest nephew, who normally avoids anything resembling a vegetable, happily devours these cones (with the hidden veggies I sneak into the filling!).
I hope your family enjoys these Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones as much as mine does! They’re perfect for busy weeknights, weekend game days, or anytime you want to bring smiles to the dinner table. If you try making them, I’d love to hear about your experience or any creative variations you come up with in the comments below!