Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones

Cheeseburger tater tot cones bring crispy golden shells and all the best parts of a burger together into a hand-held snack that is always a crowd-pleaser. Juicy beef, gooey cheese, and smoky bacon nestle in every cone for the ultimate party food or a playful family dinner. You get the savory satisfaction of a cheeseburger with the crunch of a tot, all in one fun and easy-to-eat package.

I first made these for a backyard gathering and could not believe how fast they disappeared Everyone kept coming back for seconds and now it is the number one request for my nephew’s birthday dinners

Ingredients

• Ground beef: One pound fills six cones with hearty flavor Look for beef that is bright red and well marbled for the juiciest filling
• Frozen tater tots: The building blocks for crispy cones Choose a brand with a short ingredients list for the best texture
• Shredded cheddar cheese: The classic sharp bite for a real cheeseburger experience Freshly shred your cheese for the smoothest melt
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds stretchy creaminess Go for whole milk mozzarella for extra richness
• Bacon: Cooked and crumbled this gives a salty smoky crunch Pick the thickest cut you can find for big flavor
• Ketchup: For that irresistible burger tang Opt for a variety free from artificial sweeteners
• Yellow mustard: Brings lift to the beef mixture Basic yellow is all you need
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds deep umami and savor A little goes a long way so splash with care
• Garlic powder: Punches up the savory profile Use fresh powder for the strongest taste
• Onion powder: Gives depth and classic burger flavor Keep your jar tightly sealed so it stays aromatic
• Salt and pepper: The fundamentals for seasoning the filling Taste as you go
• Optional toppings: Diced pickles tomatoes green onions burger sauce or even jalapenos to suit your crowd

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Cook the Tater Tots:

Bake the tater tots in a preheated oven just long enough that they soften without crisping yet This ensures they press and mold easily and keeps them from crumbling

Shape the Cones:

While the tots are warm press them into cone molds or use foil lined muffin tins and shape them gently so they stick together firmly Return to the oven until golden brown and crispy throughout Cool slightly so you can lift them from the molds without breaking

Prepare the Beef Filling:

Cook the ground beef over medium high until all the pink is gone Crumble it well as it cooks then drain off extra fat Stir in ketchup mustard Worcestershire garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper Simmer for several minutes so the flavors meld and the mixture slightly thickens

Fill the Cones:

Spoon the hot beef mixture into the crisp baked tater tot cones Make sure to pack it down to fill every gap and keep the cones upright

Cheese and Bacon Layer:

Top the filled cones generously with a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses Sprinkle with crumbled bacon pushing it into the melted cheese for the best hit of flavor

Final Melt:

Arrange cones upright on a baking sheet and bake one last time until the cheese bubbles and everything is piping hot

Garnish and Serve:

Add pickles chopped tomatoes or green onions right before serving for pops of freshness and color These are best enjoyed straight from the oven

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My favorite ingredient swap is mixing in a little smoky gouda when I want a more complex cheese flavor One time the whole family took turns filling and topping the cones and we ended up with a funny contest for who could pile on the most bacon It made dinner unforgettable

Storage Tips

If you have extras let the cones cool fully before wrapping tightly in foil Keep them in the refrigerator for up to two days Reheat uncovered in a hot oven to bring back the crisp shell and melty center Do not microwave as the tater tot cones lose their crunch

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken gives a lighter taste with just as much flavor If you need a vegetarian version try spiced lentils or a plant based ground sausage Feel free to mix up the cheese blend to use what you have or swap out bacon for smoked tempeh or crispy fried shallots

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Serving Suggestions

Pair these cones with a simple green salad or a platter of crunchy pickles for balance To make them party appetizers just use smaller molds for bite size cones that guests can grab between games or mingling

A Bit of History

This recipe combines two American culinary icons in the most fun way possible Tater tots were invented in the 1950s as a clever use for potato scraps and have become beloved across generations Pairing them with cheeseburger flavors makes this dish pure comfort food nostalgia

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I shape the tater tots into cones?

Press warm, baked tater tots into cone molds or foil-lined muffin tins, then bake again to set a crisp shell.

→ Can I substitute another protein for ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based options offer lighter or vegetarian alternatives without sacrificing flavor.

→ What cheeses work best for the cones?

Cheddar and mozzarella create a classic melt, but feel free to try gouda, pepper jack, or American cheese for variety.

→ What toppings can I use?

Diced pickles, tomatoes, green onions, or a drizzle of tangy burger sauce all add extra flavor and color to each cone.

→ Can the cones be made ahead?

Prepare components in advance and assemble just before serving to keep the cone shells crispy and avoid sogginess.

→ How do I prevent cones from falling apart?

Shape shells while tots are warm, bake thoroughly, and let them cool slightly before unmolding for best structure and crunch.