Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until every piece is deeply browned. Drain any excess fat so the filling stays rich but not greasy. Mix in crumbled crispy beef bacon, finely diced onions, ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard. Stir constantly to blend the flavors and let everything bubble together for two minutes. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper
Shape and Fill the Tater Tot Cones:
Take each frozen tater tot and carefully hollow out the center using a small paring knife or skewer to mimic a miniature cone. Gently press the cheeseburger filling inside each tater tot cone, packing it in without overstuffing. Top each cone generously with a layer of freshly shredded cheddar cheese
Bake the Cones:
Arrange the filled cones on a parchment-lined baking sheet spacing them apart for even crisping. Bake in a preheated oven at four hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit for fifteen to twenty minutes. Keep an eye on the tots and pull them from the oven once they are deeply golden and the cheese on top is bubbling
Make the Cheese Volcano:
In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella cheese with any leftover cheeseburger filling. Once the cones are hot from the oven, pile a mound of this cheese mixture on top of each cone to create that volcano effect
Finish and Serve:
Return the cones to the oven for five to ten minutes more just until the mozzarella is melted and starting to brown in spots. Serve piping hot so the cheese inside stretches gloriously with each bite
You Must Know
- High protein snack or meal option
- Kids absolutely love these bite sized cones
- Freezer friendly for future cravings
- Cheese pulls are half the fun so do not skimp on mozzarella
I love using sharp cheddar for that nostalgic cheeseburger flavor. One of my favorite memories is my niece’s birthday when these cones disappeared faster than the birthday cake
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. To restore their crunch reheat directly in a hot oven rather than the microwave which can make the tots soggy. If you plan on baking ahead wait to top with the mozzarella volcano until just before serving for best melty results
Ingredient Substitutions
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