Bring the bold flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a fun, party-perfect form with these Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones. Crispy tater tots are hollowed and filled with a savory mix of ground beef, smoky beef bacon, tangy sauces, and melty cheese—then topped with a molten mozzarella “volcano” for the ultimate crowd-pleasing effect.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Party-Ready & Fun to Eat – Individual cones are perfect for sharing and serving.
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All the Cheeseburger Flavors – Beef, bacon, cheddar, ketchup, mustard, and onions.
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Cheese Lover’s Dream – Two types of cheese deliver creamy, gooey goodness.
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Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep in advance and bake just before serving.
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Kid-Approved – A favorite for birthdays, game nights, and family dinners.
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Customizable – Easy to switch up the fillings and toppings.
Ingredients
Main
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450g ground beef (80/20 preferred for juicy flavor)
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6 slices beef bacon, cooked and crumbled
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120g shredded cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
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24 frozen tater tots
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120g shredded mozzarella cheese
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75g diced onions
Sauce Mix
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60ml ketchup
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60ml mayonnaise
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60ml yellow mustard
Seasoning
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Salt (to taste)
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Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cheeseburger Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until well-cooked. Drain excess fat. Stir in cooked beef bacon, diced onions, ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard. Mix well and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes to blend flavors, then remove from heat.
2. Hollow and Fill the Tater Tots
Let tater tots thaw slightly for easier handling. Use a small spoon or the tip of a knife to carefully carve out the center of each tot, forming a cone shape. Fill each with the cheeseburger mixture, packing gently.
3. Add Cheddar and Bake
Place filled cones on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Top each with shredded cheddar. Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) for 15–20 minutes, until the tots are golden and cheese is melted.
4. Create the Cheese Volcano
Mix shredded mozzarella with any leftover filling. After baking, top each cone with a mound of this mixture to form a cheesy “volcano.”
5. Final Bake
Return to oven for 5–10 minutes, until mozzarella is bubbly and golden. Serve immediately for the ultimate cheese-pull moment!
You Must Know
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Protein-Packed – A great high-protein snack or main course.
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Kid-Friendly – These mini cones are always a hit with little ones.
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Freezer-Friendly – Make in batches and freeze for later.
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Over-the-Top Cheese Factor – Don’t hold back on the mozzarella!
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
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Assemble Ahead: Fill and refrigerate the cones up to 4 hours before baking.
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Store Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat Properly: Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 8–10 minutes to retain crispness.
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Freeze: Unbaked cones can be frozen for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–8 minutes to the cook time.
Seasonal Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add diced pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
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Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, Swiss, or American.
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Lighter Option: Use ground turkey or chicken and turkey bacon.
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Veggie Twist: Add finely chopped mushrooms or spinach to the filling.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve as a centerpiece on a game day snack board.
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Pair with spicy ketchup, ranch, or your own “secret sauce.”
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Add a crisp green salad or pickle platter for balance.
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Great finger food for BBQs, potlucks, or birthday parties.
No-Bake Alternative
Short on time or avoiding the oven? Skip the volcano and simply serve the cheeseburger filling in pre-cooked tater tots or mini phyllo cups. Top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and broil for a few minutes until melted.
Pro Tips
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Thaw Slightly Before Carving: Makes hollowing tots easier and prevents crumbling.
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Fresh Cheese Melts Better: Always grate cheese yourself for smoother results.
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Brown the Meat Well: The flavor comes from that deep caramelization (fond).
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Don’t Overfill: Keep the cones neat so they don’t spill during baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ How do I hollow out the tater tots?
Let them thaw slightly, then use a chopstick or the back of a spoon to gently carve a cone shape inside.
→ Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes! Cook the filling up to 24 hours ahead and store in the fridge.
→ What’s the best cheese for the volcano?
Freshly shredded mozzarella gives the best gooey melt and dramatic cheese pull.
→ How do I keep cones crispy when reheating?
Always reheat in a preheated oven—not the microwave—to restore their crunch.
→ Can I customize the filling?
Absolutely! Add pickles, swap cheeses, or mix in sautéed mushrooms for new twists.
Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones
Savory, cheesy, and irresistibly fun, these cones take the best parts of a cheeseburger and wrap them up in crispy tater tot magic. Make them once—and watch them disappear faster than dessert.
