What happens when a bacon cheeseburger meets a tater tot cone? A game changing snack is born. Loaded with crispy bacon, melted cheese and homemade tater tots, this easy weeknight dinner idea is a family favorite. Save this idea for a quick dinner solution that will become a staple in your household, try it soon and enjoy the flavorful twist on a classic favorite.

Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the comfort of a cheeseburger with the crispy delight of tater tots, all wrapped up in a convenient, edible cone. Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are not just a creative twist on familiar flavors; they’re also surprisingly easy to make. Using everyday ingredients, this recipe transforms a simple concept into an impressive, crowd-pleasing snack or meal that’s perfect for parties, game days, or any occasion when you want to serve something fun and delicious. The best part? It’s accessible to anyone with basic cooking skills, making it an excellent choice for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This dish succeeds by balancing rich, savory flavors with the comforting familiarity of cheeseburgers and tater tots, using ingredients that are easy to find in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive presentation, the recipe involves straightforward steps that don’t require specialized cooking techniques, making it approachable for cooks of all levels.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The combination of crispy tater tot cones filled with a savory bacon cheeseburger mixture is not only delicious but also visually appealing, sure to impress your guests without requiring hours of preparation.

Key Ingredients

The foundation of this recipe includes tater tots, ground beef, bacon, onions, cheese, and seasonings. For the tater tot cones, you’ll need cone-shaped molds or forms to shape your tater tots into the perfect serving vessels. The bacon cheeseburger filling is made by cooking ground beef with diced onions and bacon, then mixing it with cheese and your choice of seasonings. Practical substitutions can include using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or American, and adding other toppings like diced tomatoes or pickles to the filling for extra flavor.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare your tater tots according to the package instructions, usually involving baking them in the oven until they’re crispy and golden brown. While the tater tots are baking, cook your bacon in a pan until it’s crispy, then set it aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pan used for the bacon, cook your ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Add diced onions to the pan and cook until they’re translucent. Then, add the cooked bacon back into the pan, stirring to combine.
3. Step 3: Once your tater tots are done, allow them to cool slightly. Then, use your cone-shaped molds to shape the tater tots into cones. You can use a bit of cheese or another binder to help hold the tater tots together in cone form if necessary. Fill each cone with the bacon cheeseburger mixture, topping with additional cheese and any desired toppings.
4. Step 4: Place the filled cones on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tater tot cones are heated through. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Handy Tips

• To ensure your tater tot cones hold their shape, don’t overfill them, and consider using a toothpick to hold the cone together while it bakes. For an extra crispy exterior, you can spray the tater tot cones with a bit of cooking spray before baking.

Heat Control

When cooking the ground beef and bacon, make sure to cook over medium-high heat to get a good sear, then reduce the heat to medium to finish cooking the ingredients through. For the tater tots, follow the package instructions for baking, usually involving a temperature of 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Crunch Factor

The crunch in this dish comes from the crispy tater tots and the bacon. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure not to overcook the tater tots, and cook the bacon until it’s crispy but not burnt. You can also add some crunchy toppings like diced onions or pickles to the bacon cheeseburger filling for extra texture.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• One expert tip is to use a variety of cheeses for the filling, such as cheddar, American, and mozzarella, to get a creamy, well-balanced flavor. Additionally, consider using different seasonings or spices, like paprika or chili powder, to add depth to the bacon cheeseburger mixture.

Storage Tips

• For leftovers, store the tater tot cones and the bacon cheeseburger filling separately in the refrigerator for up to a day. Reheat the filling in the microwave or on the stovetop, and reheat the tater tot cones in the oven until crispy again. For longer storage, consider freezing the filled cones and reheating them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re looking to give Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones as a gift, consider packaging them in cute, cone-shaped containers or bags. You can wrap each cone individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a larger gift basket filled with other snacks or treats. Adding a ribbon or a gift tag with a personal message can make the gift even more special.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding some cumin or smoked paprika to the bacon cheeseburger filling for a southwestern twist, or some dried oregano and thyme for a more Mediterranean flavor.
• Creative toppings: In addition to cheese, bacon, and onions, consider adding some diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapeños to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
• Ingredient swaps: For a vegetarian version, swap out the ground beef for black beans or roasted vegetables, and use a vegetarian bacon substitute. For a gluten-free version, make sure to use gluten-free seasonings and check the ingredients of your cheese and bacon.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your tater tot cones are too crumbly, try adding a bit more cheese or another binder to hold them together. If the filling is too dry, add a bit more cheese or a splash of milk to moisten it.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. If you don’t have bacon, you can use bacon bits or a bacon substitute.
• Over/undercooking signs: Make sure to cook the ground beef until it’s browned and cooked through, and cook the bacon until it’s crispy. If the tater tot cones are overcooked, they’ll be too dark and crispy; if they’re undercooked, they’ll be soft and pale.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the filled tater tot cones for up to a month. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Is it gluten-free? The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free seasonings and check the ingredients of your cheese and bacon. However, be aware that some brands of tater tots may contain gluten, so make sure to choose a gluten-free variety.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, and consider using multiple baking sheets to cook the tater tot cones in batches.

Conclusion

Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are a fun, creative twist on traditional cheeseburgers and tater tots. With their crispy exterior, savory filling, and impressive presentation, they’re sure to be a hit at any party or gathering. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy to follow and adaptable to your tastes and dietary needs. So don’t be afraid to get creative and make this dish your own – and don’t hesitate to share your results with friends and family!