Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This will make cleanup easier and ensure the tater tots cook evenly without sticking to the sheet.
2. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake according to the package instructions, typically for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. The crispiness is key for holding up the filling inside, so be sure to follow the cooking time closely.
3. While the tater tots are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. Stir occasionally to ensure the beef cooks evenly and no pink remains. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4. Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onions to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and slightly translucent. The onions will add a sweet and savory depth of flavor to the beef. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. You can also add any other seasonings you prefer, such as garlic powder or paprika, to enhance the flavor.
5. Once the beef and onions are fully cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the crumbled bacon, which will add a smoky, crispy texture to the mixture. Set the beef mixture aside while you prepare the tater tot cones.
6. Once the tater tots are fully baked and crispy, allow them to cool for a few minutes. While they are cooling, gently form the tater tots into cone shapes. You can do this by carefully arranging them in a cone shape on a piece of foil or parchment paper, making sure to create a tight base to hold the filling inside. It’s helpful to press the tater tots together a bit to ensure they stay in place.
7. Carefully spoon the cooked beef and onion mixture into each tater tot cone, packing it in gently. Be generous with the filling, making sure to evenly distribute the beef mixture into each cone.
8. Top each stuffed cone with a handful of shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt beautifully as the cones bake, creating a gooey, cheesy layer on top of the beef.
9. Once all the cones are filled and topped with cheese, return them to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent the tater tots from overcooking or burning, as they’ve already been baked once.
   

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