If you’re looking for a snack that’s equal parts fun, delicious, and totally crave-worthy, you’re in for a real treat with these Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones. They’ve got all the bold, indulgent flavor of your favorite cheeseburger, but in a crispy, cheesy, bite-sized form that’s practically made for sharing. Or not sharing—I won’t judge!
I actually came up with these little beauties one weekend when I was trying to clean out the freezer (hello, mystery bag of tater tots), and I wanted something a little more exciting than just baking them straight up. I had some ground beef, turkey bacon, and the usual burger fixings on hand, and that’s when inspiration struck. What if I hollowed out the tots and turned them into crispy, golden cones of burger goodness? Spoiler alert: it totally worked.
These are perfect for parties, game nights, or even just a fun dinner idea when you want something different. Plus, they’re super easy to customize with your favorite toppings or sauces. Let’s dive into the first part of the recipe so you can get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll want to have ready before you begin:
450 g ground beef
6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
120 g shredded cheddar cheese
24 frozen tater tots
120 g shredded mozzarella cheese
75 g diced onions
For the Sauce:
60 ml ketchup
60 ml mayonnaise
60 ml mustard
Seasoning:
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
STEP 1: Cook the Filling
Preheat your oven to 220°C (that’s about 425°F for my American friends). Then, grab a large skillet and cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully browned and cooked through. Make sure to drain off any excess fat—that way, your filling isn’t greasy and holds together nicely.
Next, stir in the crumbled cooked turkey bacon and those sweet, slightly caramelized diced onions. Now, we’re going to add a little twist: the sauce that brings all the burger flavor together. Mix in the ketchup, mayo, and mustard directly into the meat mixture, stirring it all until it’s nicely combined and creamy. Add salt and black pepper to taste, then remove it from the heat and set aside.
Tip: This part can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge if you want to prep early. Just reheat it slightly before stuffing the tots.
STEP 2: Hollow and Fill the Tater Tots
Here comes the fun (and slightly fiddly) part—turning your tater tots into little cones. I recommend letting them thaw just a bit so they’re easier to work with. You don’t want them mushy, just soft enough to shape.
Using a small knife or even a metal drinking straw, carefully hollow out the center of each tot to make space for the filling. Think of it like scooping out a mini potato.
Then, take your beef and bacon mixture and gently stuff it into each tot. Don’t worry about being perfect—just make sure each one is packed full of that savory, saucy filling. Once stuffed, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the tops.
STEP 3: First Bake
Arrange your filled tater tots upright on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can use a mini muffin tin to help keep them standing if they’re wobbling a bit.
Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy on the outside and the cheddar cheese is deliciously melted over the tops. At this point, they’ll already look mouthwatering—but we’re not done just yet.
How to Finish and Perfect Your Stuffed Tater Tot Cones
Alright, now that your tater tot cones are baked and the cheddar is perfectly melted, you’re already halfway to snack heaven. But here’s where we take it up a notch—because let’s be honest, anything with double cheese deserves some extra attention. In this part, we’re adding more flavor, more gooey goodness, and a few pro tips to help you serve these like a total kitchen rockstar.
These cones aren’t just a novelty—they’re genuinely delicious. That combination of savory beef, smoky turkey bacon, creamy burger sauce, and melty cheese hits all the right notes. It’s the kind of thing you’ll end up making again and again because people will definitely ask for them. Let’s jump right back in!
STEP 4: Add the Cheesy Topping
Now that your cones have their first layer of melted cheddar, it’s time to go all-in with the mozzarella. In a small bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella cheese with any leftover cheeseburger filling you may have. This blend adds even more texture and flavor, plus it gives that satisfying cheesy pull that makes everyone go “ooooh” when they bite in.
Spoon a little bit of this mixture on top of each baked cone. Don’t worry if it spills over a little—that golden edge of crispy cheese is kind of the best part.
STEP 5: Final Bake
Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, just until the mozzarella is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts smelling like the best burger joint you’ve ever been to.
Once they’re done, let the cones cool for a minute or two on the pan before serving. They’re pretty hot right out of the oven, and trust me—you don’t want to burn your mouth on molten cheese (though it’s very tempting to dive in right away).
Tips for the Perfect Tater Tot Cones
If it’s your first time trying these, here are a few helpful tips to make the process smoother and tastier:
Use slightly thawed tater tots: They’re way easier to shape and less likely to crack when you hollow them out. Let them sit at room temp for about 10–15 minutes before shaping.
Hollow carefully: A small paring knife, melon baller, or even a thick metal straw works well. Be gentle—if a tot breaks, just patch it up with a little mashed potato or cheese and keep going.
Keep them upright while baking: If they’re tipping over on your baking sheet, use a mini muffin tin to help them stand. A little foil “nest” under each one also does the trick.
Customize your filling: Not a fan of mustard? Leave it out. Want to make it spicy? Toss in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the filling.
Serve with dips: These are incredible on their own, but even better with sauces. Try spicy mayo, ranch, BBQ, or even classic burger sauce for dipping.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
One of the best things about this recipe? It’s actually freezer-friendly. You can prep and fill the tater tots ahead of time, then freeze them on a baking tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer—add an extra 5–7 minutes to the baking time.
These also reheat surprisingly well in the air fryer, if you’ve got leftovers (though honestly, that’s rare in my house).
FAQ and Final Thoughts on Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones
Now that we’ve walked through the full process of making these incredible Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones, you’re probably already planning when to make them next. Before we wrap up, let’s go over some of the most common questions I’ve gotten about this recipe so you can feel confident every step of the way.
Whether you’re making these for a party, a weekend treat, or just to switch up your snack game, I promise they’re worth every minute. But first—let’s troubleshoot and customize with a few FAQs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Absolutely! If you prefer the flavor of traditional pork bacon, go for it. Just make sure it’s cooked and crumbled before you mix it into the beef filling. The smoky flavor really brings everything together.
2. What’s the best way to hollow out the tater tots without breaking them?
The key is to let them thaw slightly first—about 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature should do it. Use a small paring knife or even the end of a metal straw to gently carve out the center. If one breaks, don’t stress—you can patch it or just eat it as a snack!
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully assemble the cones (including stuffing and cheese topping), then refrigerate or freeze them before baking. If frozen, add a few extra minutes to the bake time and check to make sure the center is hot all the way through.
4. Are there vegetarian or alternative filling options?
Definitely. You can swap the beef for plant-based ground meat or even use a hearty black bean mixture. Skip the bacon or use a veggie bacon substitute. The flavor might change slightly, but they’re still super tasty.
5. How do I keep the cones upright while baking?
Use a mini muffin tin if you have one—it’s perfect for keeping them stable. If not, roll up small strips of foil into rings and nestle each tot inside. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just enough to stop them from tipping.
6. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, and you probably should. These disappear fast! Just make sure your oven has good airflow, or bake them in batches so they crisp up evenly.
7. What dipping sauces pair best with these?
Ranch, spicy mayo, BBQ sauce, or even extra burger sauce are all delicious. You can also set out a small sauce bar and let people pick their favorite!
Final Thoughts: A Snack Worth Sharing (or Not!)
If there’s one thing I love about these Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones, it’s how they hit all the comfort food cravings in one perfect little package. They’re crispy, cheesy, flavorful, and just plain fun to eat. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them on a Friday night with your favorite show, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
I hope you give this recipe a try and make it your own. Feel free to experiment with toppings, add a bit of heat, or even swap the meat for your favorite alternative. There’s so much room to play here, and that’s what makes recipes like this so much fun.
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Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones
Description
These stuffed tater tot cones deliver big cheeseburger flavor in a crispy, bite-sized form. Perfect as a party appetizer or indulgent snack, each cone is filled with seasoned ground beef, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy burger sauce, then topped with melty layers of cheddar and mozzarella for maximum gooey satisfaction.
Ingredients
450 g ground beef
6 slices beef bacon, cooked and crumbled
120 g shredded cheddar cheese
24 frozen tater tots
120 g shredded mozzarella cheese
75 g diced onions
For the Sauce
60 ml ketchup
60 ml mayonnaise
60 ml mustard
Seasoning
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 220°C. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the crumbled beef bacon, diced onions, ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard. Season with salt and black pepper, then mix thoroughly. Remove from heat and set aside.
2️⃣ Carefully hollow out each tater tot using a small knife or spoon to create a cone shape. Gently fill each tater tot with the beef bacon cheeseburger mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the filled tops.
3️⃣ Arrange the stuffed tater tot cones upright on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and the cheddar cheese has melted.
4️⃣ In a small bowl, combine shredded mozzarella with any leftover beef bacon cheeseburger filling. Once the cones are baked, remove from the oven and spoon the mozzarella mixture on top of each cone.
5️⃣ Return the cones to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
To make shaping easier, slightly thaw the tater tots before hollowing. If you prefer a spicier version, mix in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling. These are best served hot and crispy straight from the oven, and pair well with dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, or spicy mayo.
