If you love bacon cheeseburgers and you can’t resist crispy tater tots, this recipe is about to become your new obsession. These Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones combine everything you crave in a classic burger—savory ground beef, smoky bacon, melted cheddar, tangy pickles, and creamy sauce—wrapped inside a crispy, golden tater tot shell.
They’re fun. They’re indulgent. They’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
Whether you’re hosting a game-day party, planning a family movie night, or looking for a creative dinner idea that breaks away from the usual routine, these tater tot cones deliver bold flavor and serious wow-factor.
Let’s dive into how to make them perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love These Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cones
There’s something magical about transforming simple ingredients into something completely unexpected. Instead of serving burgers on buns, this recipe turns crispy tater tots into edible cones packed with cheeseburger filling.
Here’s why they’re a hit:
- Crispy on the outside, juicy and cheesy inside
- Perfect handheld party food
- Kid-approved and adult-loved
- Customizable with your favorite burger toppings
- Easy to prep ahead for gatherings
They combine comfort food nostalgia with a creative twist that feels gourmet without being complicated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Tater Tot Cones
- 4 cups frozen tater tots
- Oil spray
For the Bacon Cheeseburger Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup diced pickles
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Optional Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make these crispy stuffed cones, gather:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Silicone cone molds or foil-lined cone molds
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mixing spoon
- Tongs
- Oven mitts
Silicone cone molds make shaping much easier, but you can create DIY molds using tightly rolled foil shaped into cones and lined with parchment.
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Lightly spray your cone molds with oil spray to ensure easy removal.
Step 2: Shape the Tater Tot Cones
Arrange frozen tater tots tightly inside cone-shaped molds. The tots should be snug and slightly overlapping to help them fuse together as they bake.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, pressing them gently halfway through baking so they stick together and form a solid cone structure.
Once golden and crispy, remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. This helps them firm up and hold their shape.
Pro Tip: Press the tots firmly with the back of a spoon while they’re hot to ensure the interior surface is smooth and compact.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon Cheeseburger Filling
While the cones bake, heat a skillet over medium heat.
Add:
- Ground beef
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Diced onions
Cook for 7–9 minutes, breaking up the beef as it browns. The onions should become soft and slightly caramelized.
Once fully cooked, stir in:
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
- Yellow mustard
Mix thoroughly to create a creamy, tangy cheeseburger-style sauce.
Add:
- Crumbled bacon
- Half of the shredded cheddar cheese
Stir until the cheese melts into the mixture. Remove from heat.
The filling should be juicy but not overly wet.
Step 4: Assemble the Cones
Carefully remove the cooled tater tot cones from the molds.
Fill each cone generously with the warm bacon cheeseburger mixture.
Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and return to the oven for 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts beautifully over the top.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and garnish with:
- Diced pickles
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips for Perfect Tater Tot Cones
1. Pack the Tots Tightly
The tighter they’re packed, the better they’ll fuse together while baking.
2. Don’t Skip Pressing Midway
Pressing halfway through baking ensures structural integrity.
3. Drain Excess Grease
If your beef releases excess fat, drain it before adding the sauces to prevent soggy cones.
4. Let Cones Cool Slightly
Removing them too soon may cause breakage.
Flavor Variations and Creative Twists
These cones are endlessly customizable.
Spicy Jalapeño Bacon Version
Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Cones
Swap ketchup for barbecue sauce and add a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Mushroom Swiss
Replace cheddar with Swiss cheese and sauté mushrooms with the onions.
Breakfast Burger Cones
Add a scrambled egg layer and use breakfast sausage instead of beef.
Tex-Mex Style
Add taco seasoning, black beans, and top with avocado and cilantro.
Make-Ahead and Party Prep Tips
If preparing for a party:
- Cook the beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate.
- Reheat gently before filling cones.
- Bake cones earlier in the day and store at room temperature.
- Assemble and do final cheese melt just before serving.
These are best served fresh but can be prepped in stages.
Serving Ideas
These cones shine as:
- Game day appetizers
- Birthday party snacks
- Backyard BBQ additions
- Fun dinner for kids
- Movie night indulgence
Pair them with:
- Sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw
- Onion rings
- Classic potato salad
Drink Pairings
Because these are rich and savory, balance them with:
- Cold craft beer
- Iced soda
- Sparkling lemonade
- Classic milkshake
- Light lager
For adults, a bold amber ale complements the bacon beautifully.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
Store leftover filling separately from cones if possible. Keep in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
If fully assembled, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezing
The beef mixture freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Tater tot cones are best fresh but can be frozen and reheated in the oven to restore crispness.
Reheating Tips
- Reheat cones in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes.
- Avoid microwaving as it softens the crispy shell.
- Reheat beef mixture in a skillet for best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these without cone molds?
Yes. You can shape heavy-duty foil into cones and line with parchment.
Can I air fry the tater tot cones?
Yes, but work in batches and ensure they hold shape. Air fry at 400°F until crisp.
What type of ground beef works best?
80/20 ground beef offers the best flavor, but leaner options work if drained well.
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken can substitute easily.
How do I keep the cones crispy?
Bake thoroughly, avoid overly wet filling, and serve immediately.
Are these kid-friendly?
Very! Kids love the handheld cone shape.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it combines:
- Crunchy exterior
- Savory, juicy interior
- Smoky bacon richness
- Creamy cheeseburger sauce
- Tangy pickle contrast
It transforms classic comfort food into a playful, shareable dish.
The contrast between crispy tater tots and melty cheese is simply irresistible.
Final Thoughts
Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are the ultimate comfort food mashup. They’re bold, cheesy, crispy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Perfect for entertaining or elevating your weeknight dinner routine, these cones are guaranteed to impress.
If you try this recipe, share it with friends and family who love creative comfort food. And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more indulgent, crowd-pleasing recipes delivered straight to your inbox.
Happy cooking!
