Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones

Ingredients

• For the tater tot cones:
  • 1 (32-oz) bag frozen tater tots
  • Cooking spray (vegetable or nonstick)
  • 12 ice-cream–style cone molds (metal or silicone)
• For the cheeseburger filling:
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup (about 4 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (about 2 oz) shredded mozzarella or additional cheddar
  • 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped (reserve 6 slices for garnish)
• For serving & optional toppings:
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomato
  • Pickle slices or chips
  • Ketchup & mustard
• Optional burger sauce:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp ketchup
  • 1 Tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp pickle relish
  • Pinch of paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously spray the cone molds with cooking spray. Line up molds on a rimmed baking sheet.
2. Arrange tater tots in stacks inside each cone mold, starting at the bottom and working upward. Pack tightly so the tots form a solid “cone.” Bake 15–20 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. Rotate pan halfway through for even coloring.
3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef, chopped onion and garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat, until beef is no longer pink and onions are soft, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper. Cook 1 more minute. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese and chopped bacon. Set filling aside.
5. When tater cones are crisp, remove from oven and let cool 2–3 minutes. Carefully slide each cone out of its mold.
6. Using a small spoon, fill each tater tot cone with the cheeseburger mixture, pressing gently. Top each cone with the remaining ½ cup shredded cheese and reserved bacon slices.
7. Return stuffed cones to the baking sheet. Bake 5–7 minutes more, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra browning, switch oven to broil on low and broil 1–2 minutes—watch closely!
8. While cones bake, whisk together burger sauce ingredients (if using) in a small bowl.
9. Remove cones from oven, let rest 2 minutes. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, pickles and a drizzle of ketchup, mustard or burger sauce.

Notes

• You can use silicone cone molds for easier release.
• Prep the beef filling ahead and refrigerate up to 1 day.
• Swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based crumbles if desired.

Nutrition (per cone, approximate)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 16 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: 720 mg