What happens when a bacon cheeseburger meets a tater tot cone? A match made in heaven, that’s what. These easy homemade treats are perfect for a weeknight dinner, packed with crispy bacon and melted cheese. Save this idea for your next family favorite meal.

Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the comfort of a cheeseburger with the fun of eating a tater tot, all wrapped up in a convenient cone. Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are a creative twist on traditional party foods, offering an explosion of flavors and textures that will leave your guests wanting more. The best part? This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and requires ingredients you likely have on hand, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings or planned events alike. With its balance of crispy tater tots, savory bacon, melted cheese, and the richness of a burger, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of bacon, cheese, and burger filling creates a harmonious balance of flavors, while using everyday ingredients makes it accessible to everyone.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive presentation, this dish is relatively simple to prepare, requiring basic cooking skills and minimal specialized equipment.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The use of tater tots as the “cone” shell is a genius hack, providing a crispy exterior that gives way to a flavorful, cheesy interior, all with less fuss than making traditional burgers.

Key Ingredients

The main components of this recipe include tater tots, ground beef, bacon, cheese (such as cheddar or American), lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and any desired burger seasonings. For practical substitutions, consider using different types of cheese, adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the burger mix for extra flavor, or swapping regular bacon for a smoked or peppered variety. The versatility of this dish allows for numerous creative tweaks without straying from its core appeal.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, cook the bacon in a pan until crispy, then set aside. In the same pan, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Season with your preferred burger seasonings.
2. Step 2: Bake the tater tots according to the package instructions until they are crispy and golden brown. This will be the base of your cones. Meanwhile, prepare your cheeseburger filling by mixing the cooked ground beef with diced onion, pickles, and any other desired toppings.
3. Step 3: Once the tater tots are ready, it’s time to assemble the cones. To form the cones, you can use aluminum foil cones or purchase paper cones. Fill each cone with a layer of tater tots, followed by a spoonful of the cheeseburger mixture, a few pieces of bacon, and a sprinkle of cheese. Repeat this layering process until you reach the top of the cone, finishing with a layer of cheese and a few pieces of bacon.
4. Step 4: Place the filled cones on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for a few minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute or two before serving. You can garnish with lettuce, tomato, and any other burger toppings you like.

Handy Tips

• To avoid the tater tots becoming too greasy, blot them with a paper towel after baking. For an extra crispy cone, you can also sprinkle a small amount of grated cheese on the tater tots before baking.

Heat Control

When cooking the ground beef, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) to ensure food safety. For the bacon, cook until it’s crispy, which should be around 400°F (200°C) in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or pan-fried until crispy. The ideal temperature for melting the cheese in the cones is the oven’s medium heat setting, around 350°F (180°C), for a few minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

Crunch Factor

Achieving the right crunch factor in this dish is key to its appeal. The tater tots provide a satisfying crunch on the outside, which contrasts beautifully with the soft, cheesy interior. To enhance the crunch, ensure the tater tots are baked until they’re golden brown and crispy. You can also add some crunchy elements to the cheeseburger filling, like diced onions or pickles, to add texture.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For easier assembly, prepare all the components (tater tots, cheeseburger filling, bacon) ahead of time and store them in separate containers until you’re ready to assemble the cones.
• Consider using a variety of cheeses for a richer flavor profile. Mixing cheddar with mozzarella or parmesan can add depth without overpowering the other flavors.

Storage Tips

• Leftover cones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes until the cheese is melted again.
• For longer storage, consider preparing the components separately and assembling just before serving. Cooked ground beef and crispy bacon can be frozen for up to two months.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting these cones, they can be packaged in paper cones and wrapped in plastic or placed in small gift boxes. Adding a ribbon around the box or a personalized note can make the gift even more special. For a more rustic look, consider using small paper bags and twisting the top to close, then tying with a piece of twine.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Experiment with various seasonings in the ground beef, such as chili powder for a spicy twist or Italian seasoning for an herby flavor.
• Creative toppings: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapeños to the cheeseburger filling for extra flavor and texture.
• Ingredient swaps: Use different types of meat, like ground turkey or chicken, for a leaner option, or substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative for a vegan version.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the tater tots become too soggy, try baking them for a few more minutes. If the filling is too dry, add a bit more cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
• Ingredient replacements: Don’t have ground beef? Use ground turkey, chicken, or even beans for a vegetarian option. Out of bacon? Use diced ham or cook some sausage for a similar smoky flavor.
• Over/undercooking signs: Ensure the ground beef is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. If the cheese isn’t melted enough, return the cones to the oven for a few more minutes.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the prepared components (cooked ground beef, crispy bacon) for up to two months. However, it’s best to assemble the cones just before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.
• Is it gluten-free? This recipe can be gluten-free if you ensure the seasonings and any additional ingredients (like soy sauce) are gluten-free. Always check the labels of packaged items like tater tots.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely, this recipe scales well. Simply double all the ingredients and follow the same instructions. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly for the tater tots and the assembled cones.

Conclusion

Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are a fun, creative dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to themed parties. With their unique blend of flavors and textures, they’re sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to make the recipe your own, and enjoy the process of creating something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is a great way to bring people together and create lasting memories.