What happens when a bacon cheeseburger meets a tater tot cone? Pure magic. This easy weeknight dinner idea combines crispy tater tots with savory ground beef and melted cheese, all wrapped up in a fun homemade cone. 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 the perfect creative twist on everyday ingredients, making them an exciting addition to any meal or gathering. This recipe is all about ease, flavor, and creativity, using ingredients you likely have on hand or can easily find at your local grocery store. Whether you’re a fan of burgers, tater tots, or just love trying new foods, this dish is sure to delight both kids and adults alike with its satisfying blend of textures and tastes.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of crispy tater tots, savory bacon, melted cheese, and the richness of a burger patty creates a flavor balance that is hard to resist. Plus, all these ingredients are easily accessible, making this dish a practical choice for any day of the week.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive presentation, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare. It requires minimal cooking skills and can be ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings or spontaneous gatherings.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The presentation of the Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones is sure to impress your family and friends. The cone shape adds a fun and unique element to the dish, and the combination of colors and textures makes for a visually appealing snack or meal.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this recipe include tater tots, ground beef (or alternative burger patties), bacon, cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella), lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and any other desired burger toppings. For the cones, you can use waffle cones or create your own cones from tortilla wraps or similar materials. Practical substitutions can be made based on dietary preferences or ingredient availability. For example, turkey bacon or vegetarian burger patties can be used for a healthier or meat-free version.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook the tater tots according to the package instructions until they are crispy. While the tater tots are cooking, prepare your burger patties. Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings, and form into small patties that will fit inside the cones.
2. Step 2: Cook the bacon in a pan until crispy, then set aside. Cook the burger patties in the same pan until they are cooked through to your desired level of doneness. Set the patties aside with the bacon.
3. Step 3: Assemble the filling by chopping the cooked bacon, burger patties, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles into small pieces. Mix well to combine. Add shredded cheese to the mixture and stir until the cheese is evenly distributed.
4. Step 4: To assemble the cones, fill each cone with a layer of tater tots, followed by a spoonful of the bacon cheeseburger mixture. Top with additional tater tots and any extra cheese or toppings you like. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Handy Tips

• To keep the cones stable, you can fill the bottom of the cone with a small amount of tater tots before adding the bacon cheeseburger mixture. This will also help prevent the filling from falling out.
• Consider using a variety of cheeses for an extra rich flavor. Mozzarella, cheddar, and American cheese all melt well and add different flavor profiles to the dish.
• For an extra crispy cone, you can bake the filled cones in the oven for a few minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Heat Control

When cooking the burger patties and bacon, it’s essential to control the heat to achieve the perfect doneness. For the bacon, cook at medium heat until crispy. For the burger patties, cook at medium-high heat until browned on the outside and cooked to your desired level of doneness on the inside. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burger patties; it should reach at least 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the crispy tater tots and the crunchy bacon. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure to cook the tater tots until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. For the bacon, cook until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. You can also add some crunchy toppings like chopped onions or pickles to enhance the texture of the dish.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To prevent the tater tots from becoming soggy, it’s best to assemble the cones just before serving. If you need to prepare ahead, consider keeping the tater tots and the filling separate until serving time.
• Use a cookie scoop or a small ice cream scoop to portion out the tater tots and the bacon cheeseburger mixture evenly into each cone.
• For easier cleanup, line your baking sheet with parchment paper before cooking the tater tots and burger patties.

Storage Tips

• Leftover tater tots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven until crispy before using.
• Cooked bacon and burger patties can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven until warmed through before assembling the cones.
• Assembled cones are best served immediately, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent sogginess.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting these cones, you can package them in decorative cones or containers and wrap them in colorful paper or ribbons. Add a side of ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise for an extra special touch. You could also include a small bag of additional toppings like chopped onions, pickles, or shredded cheese to let the recipient customize their snack.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Consider adding some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or some garlic powder for an extra savory taste.
• Creative toppings: Add some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, sliced avocado for creaminess, or a dollop of sour cream for a cool contrast.
• Ingredient swaps: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner burger patty, or try using different types of cheese like feta or parmesan for a unique flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your tater tots become soggy, try baking them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them up. If your bacon is too chewy, cook it for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired level of crispiness.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even beans for a vegetarian option. If you don’t have bacon, you can use turkey bacon or omit it altogether.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your burger patties and bacon while they’re cooking. If they’re overcooked, they will be dry and tough. If they’re undercooked, they may not be safe to eat. Use a thermometer to ensure the burger patties reach a safe internal temperature.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked tater tots, burger patties, and bacon separately for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and reheat when you’re ready to assemble the cones.
• Is it gluten-free? This recipe can be adapted to be gluten-free by using gluten-free burger patties and being mindful of the ingredients in the cheese and any additional toppings.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure all the ingredients are cooked through.

Conclusion

Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are a fun, creative, and delicious twist on traditional burgers and snacks. With their ease of preparation, impressive presentation, and customizable ingredients, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and ingredients to make the dish your own, and enjoy the delight on your family’s and friends’ faces when you serve these tasty cones.