Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones

If you’ve ever craved the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger wrapped up in something crispy, cheesy, and fun to eat, then these Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine biting into a golden, crunchy tater tot shell that gives way to juicy ground beef, smoky bacon, and gooey melted cheese — all finished with a drizzle of burger sauce and the tang of pickles. These cones are not only mouthwatering but also handheld, portable, and just plain fun. Perfect for game day, family nights, or anytime you want to wow your guests, this recipe proves that comfort food can also be creative. I first made these on a chilly evening when I wanted all the flavors of a cheeseburger without fussing with buns — and let me tell you, they were an instant hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy & Cheesy in Every Bite

The magic starts with the tater tot cone itself. Baked until golden, it forms a crunchy shell that holds everything together. Inside, the savory ground beef mingles with melted cheddar and mozzarella, giving you that perfect contrast of crispy exterior and oozy, cheesy center.

All Your Favorite Burger Flavors in a Cone

Think of everything you love about a bacon cheeseburger — smoky bacon, seasoned beef, creamy mayo, ketchup, mustard, and crunchy pickles. Now imagine those flavors stacked into a fun, bite-sized cone that you can hold in your hand. It’s familiar comfort food, but with a playful twist.

Simple Ingredients You Probably Have

No need for fancy shopping trips. This recipe comes together with pantry and freezer staples like tater tots, ground beef, onion, bacon, shredded cheese, and condiments. Chances are, you already have most of these ingredients waiting in your kitchen.

Fun, Shareable & Customizable

Whether you’re serving them at a party, game night, or a casual family dinner, these cones are guaranteed to grab attention. They’re also endlessly customizable — swap the beef for turkey, add jalapeños for a spicy kick, or set up a toppings bar so everyone can build their cone just the way they like it.

Ingredients

Full List of Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these fun and flavorful cones:

• 4 cups frozen tater tots (form the crispy cone shell)

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works best for juicy, flavorful filling)

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (adds smoky crunch and saltiness)

• 1 small onion, finely diced (gives sweetness and depth to the beef mixture)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (boosts savory flavor without overpowering)

• 1 teaspoon salt (balances and enhances all the flavors)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper (adds a mild bite to the meat mixture)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp, tangy, and melts beautifully)

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for extra melt and stretchiness)

• ½ cup mayonnaise (the creamy base for the burger sauce)

• ¼ cup ketchup (adds sweetness and tang to the sauce)

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (for that classic cheeseburger zing)

• ¼ cup dill pickles, diced (adds crunch and acidity to cut the richness)

Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, extra pickles, or jalapeños — because sometimes more really is more.

How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones is easier than it looks — just follow these steps and you’ll have crispy, cheesy cones ready to impress.

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
   Tip: Preheating ensures your tater tots get that deep golden crisp instead of turning soft.

2. Prepare cone molds. If you don’t own metal cone molds, you can make simple ones by wrapping aluminum foil into a cone shape. Lightly grease them with nonstick spray.
   Tip: Make sure the cones are sturdy enough to hold tightly packed tots.

Baking the Cone Shell
3. Arrange tater tots around the molds. Press them together firmly, overlapping slightly to prevent gaps.
Tip: If your cone seems loose, press more firmly — this step ensures the shell won’t fall apart later.

4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove from oven but keep the cones on the molds while they cool slightly.
   Tip: Don’t rush — letting them set helps lock in the shape.

Cooking the Filling
5. While the cones bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until beef is browned and onion is tender, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease.
Tip: Removing grease keeps the cones from getting soggy once stuffed.

6. Season the beef mixture with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and add in crumbled bacon. Stir to combine, then remove from heat.

Final Assembly
7. In a small bowl, make the burger sauce by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard until smooth.

8. Fill the baked tater tot cones with the beef and bacon mixture. Sprinkle generously with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

9. Return cones to the oven for about 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.

10. Finish with toppings. Drizzle with burger sauce, add diced pickles, lettuce, or tomato slices if desired. Serve warm and watch them disappear!

What to Serve with This Recipe

These cones are filling, but they shine even brighter when paired with fresh sides or dips. Try serving them with:

• Crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette (for a refreshing contrast)

• Creamy coleslaw or tangy slaw

• Oven-baked fries or sweet potato wedges

• Extra dipping sauces like burger sauce, ranch, BBQ, or ketchup

• Cold drinks: iced tea, soda, lemonade, or even beer for game day

• Grilled veggies or crunchy veggie sticks for a lighter side

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones is how flexible they are. Here are some fun twists:

Meat-Free / Vegetarian Option

Swap the ground beef for plant-based “meat” or use lentils and mushrooms for a hearty filling. Vegetarian bacon or smoked tempeh adds that classic smoky kick.

Extra Melty or Spicy

Turn up the flavor with pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce. You can also use a three-cheese blend for maximum gooeyness.

Lighter / Lower Fat

Go with lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Use reduced-fat cheese, skip the bacon, or swap the sauce base with Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter touch.

Other Ingredient Swaps

• Sweet potato tots instead of classic tots for a slightly sweet twist

• Alternate cheeses like Swiss or Monterey Jack

• Sauces: BBQ, chipotle mayo, or spicy ranch

• Shallots in place of onions, or add fresh herbs for extra flavor

Storage Instructions

These cones are best served hot and fresh, but here’s how to store them if needed:

Room Temperature Storage

If you’re serving them within a couple of hours, keep cones on a wire rack at room temperature to preserve crispness.

Refrigeration Tips

Cool cones completely, then place in an airtight container with parchment paper between each cone. They’ll last 2–3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Instructions

For longer storage, freeze unfilled or partially filled cones. Wrap each cone individually in foil or plastic wrap and freeze up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven (not microwave) to bring back that crisp outer shell.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tried-and-true tricks that will make your Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones turn out crispy, cheesy, and downright irresistible every time:

• Slightly thaw the tots if they’re rock-solid; they’ll press together more easily.

• Press firmly and tightly when forming the cone shell so it holds its shape.

• Bake the shell partway, then reshape if needed, and finish baking until golden.

• Don’t overfill — leave space so the cheese has room to melt and bubble.

• Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor and mozzarella for that perfect cheese stretch.

• Cook bacon until crisp before crumbling; soggy bacon won’t add the same crunch.

• Let the beef filling rest for a minute before stuffing so it’s evenly heated.

• Grease foil or molds with nonstick spray or line with parchment for easier release.

• Reheat cones in the oven or air fryer to bring back crispness — skip the microwave.

• Create a “toppings bar” so everyone can add lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, or jalapeños to make their cone unique.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed these Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones, you’ll also love:

• Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta – A hearty skillet dinner packed with burger flavor.

• Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini – Rich, indulgent, and perfect for weeknights.

• Cheeseburger Lava Cake (Molten Melt Bomb) – A fun, over-the-top stuffed burger recipe.

• Southern Baked Mac and Cheese – Creamy, cheesy comfort food with a crispy topping.

FAQs

Can I make the tater tot cones ahead of time?

Yes — bake and shape the cones, refrigerate unfilled for up to a day, then stuff and bake before serving.

How do I keep the cones from falling apart?

Press tots tightly when shaping and give them a second bake to set the structure.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Just season generously to keep the filling flavorful.

What are good toppings or sauces to add?

Classic burger extras like lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, plus sauces like burger sauce, BBQ, or spicy mayo.

Can I freeze filled cones?

It’s best to freeze unfilled cones and add the filling fresh — this keeps the shells crispy.

Are there gluten-free options?

Yes, as long as your condiments and bacon are gluten-free.

Will the tater tot shell be soggy?

Not if you bake until golden and reheat in the oven to revive crispness.

What is the shelf life once assembled?

Best eaten fresh; in the fridge they’ll last 2–3 days, reheated in the oven.

Conclusion

Crispy on the outside, cheesy and savory on the inside, these Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are a fun twist on two comfort food favorites. They’re portable, playful, and customizable — perfect for family dinners, game nights, or any gathering where you want to surprise and delight. Don’t be afraid to make them your own with different toppings or fillings. Try this recipe, snap a photo of your creation, and share it with friends. And if you loved it, be sure to leave a comment, give it a rating, or pin it for later — your taste buds will thank you!

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