I’ve gotta tell you about these Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones—they’re what happens when comfort food decides to get all fancy and portable at the same time. Crispy potato shells filled with gooey cheese, savory beef, and crunchy bacon? Yes, please. They’re perfect for game days when you want something indulgent but don’t want the mess of a regular burger. And the best part? You can customize them however you like. But what makes these little handheld wonders truly special isn’t just their taste…
Why You’ll Love these Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones
If you’re looking for a fun twist on classic comfort food, these Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones are about to become your new obsession. I mean, who doesn’t love the combination of crispy tater tots, gooey cheese, savory beef, and bacon?
What makes these cones so amazing is their portability and presentation. Perfect for game day, kids’ parties, or just a Tuesday night when you need to shake things up. The crispy exterior gives way to a melty, meaty interior that hits all the comfort food notes. Plus, they’re customizable—add jalapeños for heat or swap in turkey for a lighter option.
What Ingredients are in Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones?
You’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients to create these irresistible handheld treats that combine all your favorite comfort foods in one delicious package.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 24 frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices bacon
While these are the basic ingredients needed, don’t be afraid to customize with additions like diced onions, pickles, or even a bit of ketchup and mustard mixed into the beef for that authentic cheeseburger flavor.
How to Make these Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones
Creating these fun handheld treats is easier than you might think. Start by cooking 6 slices of bacon until they’re perfectly crispy—we’re talking that ideal balance where they snap rather than bend. Once cooled, crumble them into bite-sized pieces.
While the bacon’s cooking, brown 1 lb of ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until no pink remains. Don’t forget to drain the excess fat; nobody wants greasy cones that fall apart in your hands.
Now for the magic that transforms this from ordinary to extraordinary. Mix your browned beef with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella (the mozzarella gives that Instagram-worthy cheese pull), and all those crispy bacon pieces you’ve been trying not to snack on. For a professional cooking experience, you could also use an indoor grill panini press to cook your beef to perfection with those beautiful grill marks. Meanwhile, form 24 frozen tater tots into cone shapes using either proper cone molds or, if you’re like most of us without specialized equipment, some cleverly shaped aluminum foil. Place these potato masterpieces on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, until they’re golden and crispy.
The final assembly is where patience pays off. Take your crispy tater tot cones and generously stuff them with the cheesy bacon-beef mixture. Pop them back in the oven for another 5-7 minutes, just until the cheese gets all melty and gooey. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the savory, cheesy interior is what makes these cones completely irresistible. Timing matters here—serve them while they’re still warm for the best texture and flavor.
What to Serve with Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones
These amazing bacon cheeseburger tater tot cones deserve equally impressive side dishes and accompaniments to complete your meal. I’m a fan of serving them with a crisp garden salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
For dipping options, consider ketchup, mustard, and my personal favorite, a spicy sriracha mayo. Want something green? Steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts provide a nice contrast.
Cold beverages are a must—ice-cold cola or a frosty beer pairs perfectly. And who doesn’t love pickles on the side? The acidity helps balance all that delicious cheesy goodness.
Leftovers and Storage for these Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones
Surprisingly, these bacon cheeseburger tater tot cones actually store pretty well, though I’ll admit they’re rarely around long enough in my house to need storing! If you do find yourself with leftovers, just wrap them individually in aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to three days.
To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. The microwave works too, but you’ll lose that wonderful crispiness. For best results, store the filling and tater tot cones separately if possible. Trust me, your future hungry self will thank you.
Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones Substitutions and Variations
Versatility shines through in this recipe, allowing you to customize these tater tot cones to match whatever cravings hit. I’m a firm believer in making recipes your own, and these cones are perfect for experimenting.
Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Not a bacon fan? Swap in diced ham or skip it altogether. The cheese possibilities are endless—pepper jack adds heat, while blue cheese creates a gourmet twist.
Veggie lovers can mix in diced peppers, onions, or mushrooms with the meat mixture. And for extra flavor, a dash of hot sauce or BBQ sauce works wonders.
Final Thoughts
After exploring all those creative variations, I’ve come to appreciate how magical these tater tot cones truly are. They’re the perfect blend of comfort food and fun presentation that turns an ordinary meal into something memorable.
What I love most about these cones is their versatility. Can you think of another dish that works equally well for game day, kids’ parties, or just a Tuesday night dinner? The crispy exterior with that gooey, savory filling hits all the right notes.
For even more comfort food options, you could try a Chicken Bacon Ranch casserole version that combines tender shredded chicken with crispy bacon in a creamy sauce.
Next time you’re stuck in a dinner rut, give these tater tot cones a try. You might just start a new family tradition.