Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones With Colossal Cheese Volcano started as a cheeky experiment one Saturday afternoon when my grandkids were visiting. They’d been playing in the yard all morning, and I wanted to surprise them with something fun, cheesy, and full of flavor. I looked at the frozen tater tots in my freezer, thought of our family’s beloved cheeseburger night, and had a lightbulb moment, “why not combine the two?”
As the tots baked crispy and golden, I cooked up a savory beef and bacon mix with ketchup, mustard, onions, and a touch of mayo. Filling each tot cone with that juicy blend felt delightful and when I piled on cheddar and mozzarella, it turned into a volcano show of bubbling cheese that had my whole crew cheering.
I watched their eyes light up as strings of molten cheesiness stretched with each bite. That moment reminded me of my teaching days—watching kids’ faces light up when they figured out long division, but this time over food.
Now, these cones are our go-to for game nights, backyard fun, or when I just need to bring a smile to the table. They’re playful, comforting, and irresistibly cheesy and I can’t wait to share exactly how to make them below.
Short Description
Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones With Colossal Cheese Volcano feature crispy tater tot cones filled with savory beef and bacon mix and erupting cheddar-mozzarella cheese—perfect for fun family gatherings or casual snack nights.
Key Ingredients
Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup diced onions
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Tater Tot Cones
-
24 frozen tater tots
Cheese Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Tools Needed
- Baking sheet
- Large skillet
- Spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater (if shredding from blocks)
- Bowl for mixing cheeses
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Ingredients
Preheat oven to 425°F. Cook bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels, then crumble. Dice onions and set aside.
Step 2: Cook Beef Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until no longer pink (about 5–7 minutes), breaking it apart. Drain any excess fat, then stir in bacon, onions, ketchup, mayo, mustard, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes until flavors blend. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Shape Tater Tot Cones
Carefully hollow out the center of each frozen tater tot to create cone shapes—press gently yet firmly. Place cones upright on a baking sheet.
Step 4: Fill Cones and Add Cheddar
Fill each tater tot cone with the beef-bacon mixture. Sprinkle the tops evenly with shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Bake for Crispness
Bake for 15–20 minutes until tater tots are crispy and cheddar is melted.
Step 6: Add Mozzarella Volcano Tops
Combine mozzarella with leftover beef mixture in a bowl. Remove cones from oven, add mozzarella mix on top of each cone, then bake another 5–10 minutes until cheese bubbles and turns light golden.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Serve hot—watch cheese ooze from the “volcano tops.” Ideal for dipping in ketchup, mustard, or extra mayo.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: A perfect blend of savory beef, smoky bacon, tangy condiments, and molten cheese.
Fun & Shareable: Cone shape makes eating playful—great for kids and parties.
One-Bite Satisfaction: Bite-sized yet hearty—perfect finger food or appetizer.
Customizable: Use your favorite cheese, swap meats, or add herbs to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: Watch these disappear fast at game nights or family gatherings.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Soggy Tots: Make sure cones are crispy before adding cheese. If needed, bake an extra 5 minutes before filling.
Filling Overrun: Don’t overstuff—leave room for cheese and prevent overflow.
Uneven Cheese Melt: Ensure cheese toppings are added when tots are hot—this helps melting and bubbling.
Collapsed Cones: Gently hollow tots; too much pressure can break them.
Dry Filling: Add a splash of broth or extra mayo if beef feels dry.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve on a platter at parties, cones lined up for easy grabbing
Provide small cups of ketchup, mustard, or ranch for dipping
Pair with a crisp green salad or coleslaw for balance
Serve with cold sodas, iced tea, or beer for adult-friendly gatherings
Arrange family-style so everyone can pick their own cone
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store: Keep cones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Warm in a 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness and melt cheese.
Avoid Microwave: It softens the tots—oven helps maintain texture.
Freezing: Not recommended due to cheese texture changes.
FAQs
1. Can I use turkey or plant-based meat instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or plant-based substitutes work well. Adjust seasoning accordingly.
2. Can I prep filling ahead?
Absolutely, make filling in advance and store it refrigerated for up to 2 days. Fill cones just before baking.
3. What’s the best cheese for melty tops?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, cheddar adds sharp flavor, shred from blocks for best texture.
4. Are there vegetarian versions?
Use crumbled tofu or cooked veggie crumbles instead of beef/bacon, and swap mayo for vegan options.
5. Can I make mini versions for a party?
Yes, use smaller tots or cut large ones. Adjust baking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
Tips & Tricks
Use cold frozen tots, they hold shape better when shaping cones.
Warm cheese mixture slightly before topping for quicker bubbling.
Rotate the baking sheet halfway for even browning.
Use parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Add chopped pickles or jalapeños inside for extra flavor surprises.
Recipe Variations
Buffalo Chicken Tot Cones:
Use shredded cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce. Substitute cheddar for pepper jack; top with blue cheese crumbles after baking.
BBQ Pulled Pork Cones:
Fill cones with warm pulled pork and BBQ sauce; top with smoked gouda and bake as above. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Veggie Lover’s Cones:
Mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions with ground beef substitute. Top with cheddar and mozzarella and bake.
Chili Cheese Tot Cones:
Fill cones with beef chili. Use sharp cheddar and top with jalapeños and sour cream after baking.
Final Thoughts
Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones With Colossal Cheese Volcano are a celebration of comfort and creativity all in one bite. Watching the cheesy volcanoes erupt always brings wide eyes around my kitchen table, like magic, but delicious. I’ve made these for grandkids, neighbor potlucks, and lazy evenings with my husband—and they never fail to bring excitement.
It’s a dish that combines nostalgia (hello, cheeseburgers and tots!) with a playful twist. I hope these cones spark joy at your table too, fun, flavorful, and full of heart.
Best Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones With Colossal Cheese Volcano
Print ThisIngredients
- Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup diced onions
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Tater Tot Cones
- 24 frozen tater tots
- Cheese Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Oven and Ingredients
Preheat oven to 425°F. Cook and crumble bacon, dice onions, and set aside.
Step 2: Cook Filling
Brown ground beef over medium heat, drain fat. Stir in bacon, onions, ketchup, mayo, mustard, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Shape Cones
Hollow out frozen tater tots to form cones. Stand upright on a baking sheet.
Step 4: Fill and Top
Stuff cones with beef mixture. Sprinkle cheddar on top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake 15–20 minutes until tots are crisp and cheese is melted.
Step 6: Add Mozzarella
Mix mozzarella with leftover beef. Top cones and bake 5–10 more minutes until bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
