Introduction: A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Meal

Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are an exciting and indulgent twist on your typical cheeseburger, combining the rich flavors of ground beef, cheddar cheese, bacon, and crispy tater tots into a cone-shaped delight. This unique dish takes everything you love about a bacon cheeseburger and packs it into a fun, handheld cone, making it the perfect comfort food for game days, family dinners, or any time you’re craving a decadent snack.

The crispy tater tots form the perfect vessel to hold all of the delicious fillings, and when topped with melted cheese and crumbled bacon, it’s a flavor explosion you won’t be able to resist. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to serve dinner or an irresistible appetizer, these Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are sure to hit the spot!

Let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering dish!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones:

For the Cones:

  • 24 frozen tater tots (for the crispy base)
  • 1 pound ground beef (for the savory filling)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for the cheesy goodness)
  • 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (for the crunchy bacon topping)

For the Seasoning:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing the beef)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (for flavor)
  • 1 tsp onion powder (for flavor)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Topping:

  • Ranch or special dipping sauce (optional, for dipping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tater Tot Cones

  1. Cook the tater tots: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the 24 frozen tater tots evenly on a baking sheet. Bake according to the package instructions, usually around 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  2. Shape the cones: Once the tater tots are cooked, allow them to cool for a few minutes. Using a muffin tin, carefully press the tater tots into the muffin cups, forming a cone shape. You can use a spoon or your hands to gently mold them into cones. If necessary, place the muffin tin back into the oven for a few minutes to ensure the tater tots set into their cone shape.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling

  1. Cook the ground beef: While the tater tots are cooking, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the 1 pound ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Season the beef: Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat. Add 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef, and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  3. Add cheese: Once the beef is seasoned, add the 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the hot beef and stir until the cheese is melted and evenly incorporated into the beef mixture.
  4. Crumble the bacon: While the beef is cooking, crumble the 6 slices of cooked bacon into small pieces. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones

  1. Stuff the cones: Once the tater tot cones have set, it’s time to fill them. Spoon the cheesy ground beef mixture into each tater tot cone, packing it tightly. Be generous with the filling to make sure each cone is well-stuffed.
  2. Add bacon: After filling each cone with the beef and cheese mixture, top the cones with the crumbled bacon. Sprinkle as much or as little bacon as you like for extra flavor and crunch.

Step 4: Bake and Melt the Cheese

  1. Bake the cones: Place the stuffed tater tot cones back in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the cones to crisp up even more.
  2. Remove from oven: Once the cheese is melted and the bacon is crispy, remove the cones from the oven.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Serve with dipping sauce: If desired, serve the cones with a side of ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
  2. Garnish: For a fresh touch, garnish the cones with some fresh parsley or green onions for a bit of color and freshness.
  3. Enjoy: Allow the cones to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm, with all the crispy, cheesy, and savory goodness in every bite!

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for each Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cone, assuming the recipe makes 6 servings:

  • Calories: ~400-500 kcal per serving
  • Protein: ~20g
  • Carbohydrates: ~30g
  • Fat: ~30g
  • Fiber: ~2g
  • Sugar: ~2g
  • Sodium: ~700mg

The nutritional values will vary depending on specific ingredient choices, such as the type of cheese and bacon used.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to make sure your Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones turn out perfect:

  1. Use quality beef: Opt for lean ground beef to avoid excess fat, but feel free to use higher-fat beef for a richer flavor. You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter version.
  2. Customize the toppings: Add more toppings to customize your cones. Consider adding sautéed onions, pickles, or even a drizzle of ketchup or mustard for more of a classic cheeseburger taste.
  3. Don’t overstuff the cones: While it’s tempting to pack the cones with as much filling as possible, overstuffing them can cause the filling to spill out. Fill the cones generously, but be mindful of the proportions.
  4. Keep the tater tots crispy: If you prefer extra crispy cones, feel free to bake the tater tots for a bit longer to get a crispier texture. Just be sure not to burn them.

Variations

Here are some fun variations you can try for Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones:

  • Veggie Version: Replace the ground beef with vegetarian crumbles or lentils for a veggie-friendly option.
  • Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or sriracha sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick. You can also top the cones with hot sauce for extra heat.
  • Loaded Version: Top the filled cones with sour cream, guacamole, or avocado slices for a loaded nacho-inspired version of these cones.
  • Mini Version: For smaller servings, use mini tater tots to make individual servings for parties or appetizers.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Leftover Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: These cones can be frozen if you want to prepare them ahead of time. Wrap the cones tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a side salad: Pair these cones with a green salad or coleslaw to balance the richness of the dish.
  • Add dipping sauces: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, salsa, or cheese sauce to complement the flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are a fun and indulgent twist on the classic cheeseburger. Whether you’re serving them as a party snack, an appetizer, or a full meal, they’re sure to impress with their crispy tater tots, cheesy beef filling, and crispy bacon topping. The best part is that you can easily customize these cones to suit your tastes, adding your favorite toppings or switching up the flavors to make them your own.

This deliciously cheesy and savory dish is perfect for any occasion, and it’s guaranteed to satisfy your hunger and impress your guests!