Now, while the tater tots are baking, I take the opportunity to prepare the filling. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. After the bacon is nice and crunchy, I remove it from the skillet but leave a bit of the drippings behind. In the same skillet, add the ground beef, sautéing until it’s browned. You can season it with salt and pepper to taste. Once the beef is cooked through, I mix in the crispy bacon, diced onions, and tomatoes, letting all those flavors meld together.
Next, it’s time to stuff those cones! Take a handful of your crispy tater tots and gently press them into the cone molds to form the walls. I like to make sure the tots are tightly packed to keep everything from falling out. Then, to each cone, generously add your beef and bacon mixture followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt into the filling beautifully when everything goes back into the oven.
Finally, arrange your stuffed tater tot cones upright on a baking sheet and pop them back into the oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is all melty and bubbly. As they bake, I find myself getting more and more excited as the scent wafts through the kitchen. It’s pure comfort food at its finest!
Pro Tips for Best Results
One thing I’ve learned during my recipe testing is to avoid overcooking the tater tots initially. It’s tempting to leave them in until they’re super crunchy, but you want them just the right amount of crispy so that they hold their shape when forming the cones. I often set a timer; overcooked tots can lead to crumbly cones!
I also recommend letting the filling cool slightly before stuffing it into the cones. This way, you avoid inadvertently melting the tater tots while packing them. If you try to fill the cones with hot filling, it can lead to a soggy mess instead of a crunchy delight, which we definitely want to avoid!
Lastly, don’t whisk away the opportunity to customize your cones! I’ve switched up the fillings by adding jalapeños for spice or sautéed mushrooms for a bit of umami. It’s a simple way to add your personal touch to this beloved dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common pitfall I’ve encountered is insufficient packing of the tater tots in the cone molds. If the tots aren’t tightly packed, the filling can slip right out, making a mess on your plate. I always give my cones a gentle but firm press to ensure they’re solid. If they feel loose, I’ll add a few more tater tots to fortify them.
Another mistake is not seasoning the beef enough. I find that with the salty bacon and cheesy goodness, it’s easy to forget that the ground beef needs a little loving too. I like to taste as I go to ensure I get the right balance of flavors, especially since I often add different toppings.
Lastly, be careful not to rush the baking time at the end. I’ve made the mistake of taking them out of the oven too early, thinking I could shove them straight onto the table. Let those cones bake just until the cheese is bubbling and everything melds together—patience will pay off!
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