Description
Golden crispy tater tots piled high with juicy ground beef, melty cheddar & mozzarella, and crispy bacon bits… what’s not to love? This fun and flavorful recipe transforms classic cheeseburger flavors into a playful and shareable appetizer or snack. Perfect for game day, parties, or a casual weeknight treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 24 frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices cooked crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1 tbsp ketchup (optional)
- 1 tbsp mustard (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Step 1: Bake the tater tots according to the package directions until crispy and golden brown. This is crucial for a good base, so don’t undercook them!
- Step 2: Meanwhile, cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Be sure to break up the beef into small crumbles as it cooks for even distribution in the cones. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the savory flavor. Drain off any excess grease.
- Step 3: Optional: For a classic cheeseburger flavor twist, stir in ketchup and mustard into the cooked ground beef. This adds a tangy sweetness that complements the other ingredients. You can also experiment with other condiments like BBQ sauce or relish.
- Step 4: Stack the cooked tater tots into a cone or pile shape on a serving plate. Get creative with your presentation! You can arrange them in individual cones for easy serving or create one large cone for a show-stopping centerpiece.
- Step 5: Layer the cooked beef evenly over the tater tot base, then generously top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Make sure the cheese covers the beef entirely for maximum meltiness.
- Step 6: Place the assembled tater tot cones under a broiler or in a hot oven (around 375°F or 190°C) just until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Step 7: Sprinkle generously with crumbled bacon for that irresistible smoky flavor and satisfying crunch. Serve immediately while warm!
Why you’ll love this recipe
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It combines the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger with the fun and crispy texture of tater tots. It’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings and condiments, making it perfect for picky eaters and creative cooks alike. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover cooked bacon!
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these tater tot cones as an appetizer, snack, or even a fun meal. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as:
- Ranch dressing
- Blue cheese dressing
- Spicy mayo
- BBQ sauce
Tips:
- For extra crispy tater tots, try using an air fryer instead of baking them in the oven.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the ground beef. Cook it in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or shredded chicken.
- Add other toppings like diced tomatoes, onions, pickles, or jalapenos for extra flavor and texture.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles.
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Nutrition Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
- Protein: 25-35g
- Sodium: 500-700mg
Conclusion
These Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are a fun, delicious, and customizable treat that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a playful weeknight meal, this recipe is a winner!
Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While the individual components (cooked beef, baked tater tots) can be made ahead of time, it’s best to assemble and bake the cones just before serving to ensure the tater tots stay crispy and the cheese is melty.
Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Pepper jack, Colby jack, or even a sharp cheddar would be delicious.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Definitely! Diced onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, or jalapenos would add great flavor and texture. Sauté them along with the ground beef.
Q4: How do I prevent the tater tots from getting soggy?
A: Make sure the tater tots are fully cooked and crispy before assembling the cones. Avoid adding too much moisture from the beef or toppings. Broiling or baking at a high temperature helps keep them crisp.
Q5: Can I make this recipe in a larger batch?
A: Yes, you can easily scale up the recipe to serve a larger crowd. Just adjust the quantities of the ingredients accordingly. Use a larger serving platter or individual oven-safe dishes for baking.
