Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Intensity: Savory, cheesy, crunchy, hearty

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Introduction

Imagine the perfect combination of a bacon cheeseburger and crispy tater tots, all in a convenient handheld cone. That’s exactly what these Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones deliver—a crunchy exterior with a warm, melty, savory filling that satisfies any comfort-food craving.

These cones are fun to make and even more fun to eat. The tater tots form a crisp, golden shell that holds a juicy beef and bacon mixture, layered with melted cheese, ketchup, mustard, and your favorite burger toppings. Perfect for game days, parties, or a playful family dinner, these cones combine all the best flavors of a classic cheeseburger into one handheld treat.

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the meat, cheese, and toppings to your taste, or even make a vegetarian version using plant-based beef and bacon alternatives. It’s hearty, indulgent, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

For the Tater Tot Cones:

• 2 cups frozen tater tots

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheeseburger Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)

• 4 strips bacon, chopped

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 tablespoon mustard

• Optional: pickles, diced tomatoes, or lettuce for topping

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped green onions

• Extra shredded cheddar

• Drizzle of ketchup or mustard

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Equipment Needed

• Air fryer or oven

• Large skillet

• Mixing bowl

• Silicone or parchment-lined cones, or a cone mold

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

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Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preheat Oven or Air Fryer (5 minutes)

1. If using an oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C).

2. If using an air fryer, preheat to 375°F (190°C).

Tip: Preheating ensures that the tater tots cook evenly and crisp properly.

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Step 2: Cook the Tater Tots (10–12 minutes)

1. Toss frozen tater tots with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

2. Arrange tater tots in a cone mold or wrap in parchment to form a cone shape.

3. Bake in the oven or air fryer until golden brown and crispy, about 10–12 minutes, shaking or rotating halfway through.

Tip: Make sure the tater tots are tightly packed to hold the cone structure.

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Step 3: Cook the Bacon (5 minutes)

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp.

2. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate.

Tip: Save a little bacon fat in the skillet for the ground beef for added flavor.

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Step 4: Prepare the Cheeseburger Filling (10 minutes)

1. In the same skillet, add ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned.

2. Add onions and garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.

3. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

4. Stir in the cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese, allowing the cheese to melt and mix evenly.

5. Remove from heat and stir in ketchup and mustard for that classic burger flavor.

Tip: Keep the mixture slightly chunky for the perfect stuffing texture inside the cones.

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Step 5: Assemble the Tater Tot Cones (5 minutes)

1. Once the tater tot cones are cooked and crispy, allow them to cool slightly to avoid burning your hands.

2. Spoon the cheeseburger filling into each cone until full.

3. Top with extra shredded cheese, pickles, diced tomatoes, or a drizzle of ketchup/mustard.

4. Optional: sprinkle with chopped green onions for color and freshness.

Tip: Serve immediately for the crispiest tater tot cone exterior.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with fries or sweet potato fries for a complete indulgent meal.

• Serve as party appetizers—they’re perfect for game day or casual gatherings.

• Add a side of coleslaw or salad to balance the richness.

• For a fun variation, drizzle with ranch or spicy mayo for extra flavor.

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Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftover cheeseburger filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before stuffing fresh tater tot cones.

• Tater Tot Cones: Best served fresh; reheating may soften the exterior slightly, but air-frying for 3–4 minutes restores crispiness.

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Nutrition Information (Per Cone, 4 servings)

Note: Nutritional values vary depending on cheese, bacon, and toppings used.

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Flavor and Texture Intensity

• Flavor intensity: Bold, savory, cheesy, smoky, with a hint of sweetness from ketchup

• Texture intensity: Crunchy tater tot exterior, juicy ground beef, crisp bacon, and melted cheese inside

• Effort intensity: Medium — requires multiple steps, but easy to follow

• Time intensity: Moderate — ready in 40 minutes, including prep and cook time

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Chef’s Tips and Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground meat and vegetarian bacon for a meat-free option.

• Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend for different flavors.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheeseburger filling.

• Mini Cones: Make smaller versions for appetizers or kids’ snacks.

• Make-Ahead Filling: Prepare the cheeseburger mixture in advance and reheat before stuffing the cones.

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Common Questions

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, ensure your tater tots are gluten-free, and skip any wheat-based fillers.

Can I bake the tater tot cones in the oven instead of air-frying?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, rotating halfway through.

Can I use pre-made tater tot cones?
Yes, though making your own ensures they are crispy and perfectly sized for the filling.

What is the best way to keep the cones crispy?
Serve immediately after assembly. Reheat in an air fryer for a few minutes if needed.

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Final Thoughts

These Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy tater tots, cheesy ground beef, and smoky bacon into a handheld meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Fun to make, visually appealing, and packed with flavor, these cones are sure to impress both kids and adults alike.

With easy customization options, this recipe can fit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Serve them at parties, game days, or a playful family dinner, and watch them disappear in minutes. The crispy, golden exterior and warm, melty filling make each bite a perfect bite of indulgence.