I was tidying up my recipe box the other day when I came across a folded piece of paper, stained at the corners and marked with scribbles in my old handwriting. It brought back memories of a weekend long ago when my youngest grandson insisted we “make cheeseburgers without buns.” We didn’t have any buns in the house, so we pulled out what we had some ground beef, leftover turkey bacon from breakfast, a bag of frozen tater tots, and a lot of curiosity.
That evening turned into one of those unplanned kitchen adventures, the kind where laughter and spills go hand in hand. We tested a dozen shapes and methods, but those little crispy tater tots became our favorite “shell.” The kids called them “meat cones,” and the name stuck for a while.
Now that I have more time on my hands, I’ve started tweaking that old idea. These Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are a playful twist on a classic, and they’re surprisingly filling. They’ve made their way into our family gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. Sometimes I even bring them to potlucks, just heat and go!
They’re also a great way to sneak in some lean protein without anyone noticing. The turkey bacon gives a smoky flavor, the beef adds heartiness, and the melted cheese holds it all together. Most of all, they’re fun. I may be retired from teaching, but I still enjoy turning the everyday into something a little more exciting.
Short Description
A crispy, cheesy twist on your favorite cheeseburger! These stuffed tater tot cones are loaded with ground beef, turkey bacon, and melty cheese, perfect for parties, snacks, or a creative family dinner.
Key Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 24 frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Tools Needed
- Baking sheet
- Skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Small spoon or melon baller (to hollow tots)
- Oven mitts
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Add crumbled turkey bacon, diced onions, ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard to the beef. Stir everything together until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Hollow the Tater Tots
Take your frozen tater tots (no need to thaw) and gently hollow out the center using a small spoon or the round end of a chopstick. Be careful not to break them apart—just enough space to create a little pocket.
Step 5: Stuff and Top
Spoon the warm beef mixture into each hollowed-out tater tot. Pack it gently but firmly. Sprinkle a bit of shredded cheddar cheese on top of each one.
Step 6: Bake the Cones
Place the stuffed tots upright on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese melts and the tots are golden and crispy.
Step 7: Add Mozzarella Topping
Mix any remaining beef filling with shredded mozzarella. Carefully mound this on top of each cone. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, until the mozzarella is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or even BBQ sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fun and Kid-Friendly: Bite-sized and easy to hold, these cones are a hit with little hands and picky eaters.
Bold, Smoky Flavor: Turkey bacon adds that irresistible smokiness without all the grease.
High Protein, Less Guilt: Lean ground beef and turkey bacon offer a satisfying, lower-fat option.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal as a party snack, lunchbox filler, or cozy weeknight dinner.
Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and freeze for quick snacks later.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Breaking the Tater Tots: If your tots crack when hollowing, try letting them sit out for 2–3 minutes to slightly soften before carving.
Too Much Filling: Overstuffing can cause the tots to split during baking. Use a small spoon and press gently.
Dry Mixture: If your beef mixture feels too dry, stir in an extra tablespoon of mayo or ketchup to keep things moist.
Uneven Baking: Make sure the cones stand upright on the tray. Use a mini muffin tin if they keep falling over.
Burnt Cheese: Add mozzarella only in the last few minutes. Too early, and it might burn before the tots are done.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve as: A party snack, appetizer, or creative dinner for kids.
Pair With: A fresh salad, sweet potato fries, or crunchy dill pickles.
Serving Style: Arrange on a tray for buffet-style meals or use mini cups for grab-and-go style at parties.
Dipping Sauces: Serve with ketchup, honey mustard, chipotle aioli, or ranch for a flavor boost.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To Store: Place leftover cones in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Let them cool completely, then freeze on a baking tray before transferring to a zip-top bag. Keeps well for up to 1 month.
To Reheat: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until hot and crisp again. Avoid microwaving—this can make the tots soggy.
Best Tip: Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes for that freshly baked texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Yes! Just cook it until crispy and crumble it in like usual. Keep in mind, it’ll be saltier and slightly richer.
2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and skip the bacon or use vegetarian bacon bits.
3. What’s the best way to hollow out tater tots without breaking them?
A small melon baller or rounded spoon works best. You can also use a chopstick to gently push in the center.
4. Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and store them in the fridge. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best crunch.
5. What’s a healthier alternative to tater tots?
Try using small baked sweet potato rounds as a base, or even mini bell pepper halves for a fresh, low-carb twist.
Tips & Tricks
Let the tots sit for a few minutes after baking—this helps the cones firm up and makes them easier to pick up.
For even crispier edges, lightly spray the cones with olive oil before baking.
Add a little garlic powder or smoked paprika to the beef mixture for an extra flavor layer.
Want it spicy? Stir in chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
Make a double batch and freeze half for an easy weeknight snack!
Recipe Variations
1. Spicy Southwest Cones
Swap mustard for chipotle mayo.
Add black beans, corn, and diced jalapeños to the beef mix.
Top with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
Serve with salsa and sour cream.
2. BBQ Ranch Tater Cones
Replace ketchup with BBQ sauce.
Add a dash of ranch seasoning to the filling.
Use smoked gouda cheese instead of mozzarella.
Sprinkle with green onions and serve with ranch dressing.
3. Breakfast Tater Cones
Swap beef for scrambled eggs.
Add turkey sausage crumbles, chopped spinach, and a bit of feta.
Omit ketchup and use a touch of cream cheese for richness.
Serve with a side of salsa or hollandaise.
Final Thoughts
These Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones are one of those recipes that surprise you in the best way. They’re crunchy, savory, and a little whimsical, which is probably why they keep making their way back onto my table.
I love how they bring out smiles, especially from the younger ones. Watching my grandkids grab a cone and dip it in their favorite sauce, eyes wide with joy, is all the reward I need. But they’ve also earned a spot among adults something about that crispy exterior and melty cheese core wins over even the pickiest grown-ups.
They’re also a gentle nod to my old teaching days, simple steps, creativity, and just enough room for improvisation. You don’t need a fancy kitchen to pull them off, just a little time and a spirit of fun. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they end up in your regular rotation too.
Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones
Print ThisIngredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 24 frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Stir in crumbled turkey bacon, onions, ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Hollow the Tater Tots
Using a small spoon or chopstick, gently hollow out frozen tater tots to form little pockets.
Step 5: Stuff and Top
Fill each tot with the beef mixture. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Bake the Cones
Place stuffed tots upright on the baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until crispy and cheese is melted.
Step 7: Add Mozzarella Topping
Mix any leftover filling with mozzarella. Spoon on top of each cone. Bake another 5–10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Cool slightly. Serve warm with sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or BBQ.
