Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Bites: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Bites
If you’re in the mood for a delicious and comforting snack, look no further than Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Bites! This recipe combines two beloved favorites into a bite-sized treat that’s sure to please everyone at your gathering. Crispy tater tots, savory bacon, and juicy ground beef come together in a delightful way that’s perfect for any occasion.
A Personal Story Behind My Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Bites Journey
Growing up, my family would often have burger nights where we would grill juicy burgers and fry crispy bacon. One day, I decided to get creative and merge these classic flavors into a new dish. The result was these amazing stuffed tater tot bites, and they’ve become a staple at family gatherings ever since. The smiles on everyone’s faces when they take their first bite is what keeps me making these delicious treats!
What Makes This Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Bites Recipe Special?
What sets this recipe apart is its unique blend of flavors and textures. The crispy exterior of the tater tots provides a perfect vessel for the rich filling of beef, cheese, and bacon. Not only are they bursting with flavor, but they are also incredibly easy to make, making them a go-to recipe for parties, game days, or simple family dinners. Plus, they are customizable – you can add your favorite toppings or sauces to make them your own!
The Full Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- 24 frozen bite-sized potato nuggets (Tater Tots), thawed
- 3 slices bacon
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Montreal steak seasoning
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar blend cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position a rack in the middle. Spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin generously with cooking spray. Place two tater tots into each muffin cup. Tip: Make sure they are thawed for easier shaping!
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until the tater tots are warmed through and slightly crispy. Use the back of a round tablespoon to press the tater tots into each muffin cup to form a cup shape. Keep the oven on.
- In a cold skillet, preferably cast iron, place the bacon slices. Cook over medium-high heat until the bacon is browned and crispy on one side, around 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the bacon and cook for an additional 2 minutes until browned on the other side. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, pat off excess fat, and chop the bacon into small pieces.
- Discard all but 1/2 tablespoon of bacon fat from the skillet and return it to medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook without stirring until browned on the bottom. Break the beef into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s just barely pink, approximately 6 to 7 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and spoon off any excess liquid and fat.
- Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and Montreal steak seasoning into the ground beef. Let the mixture cool slightly for about 10 minutes, then add the chopped bacon and shredded cheese. Spoon the beef mixture into the tater tot cups, dividing it equally.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the bites are slightly browned on top, approximately 10 minutes.
- Allow the bites to cool slightly in the muffin tin, then transfer them to a serving plate and garnish with chopped parsley.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Bites
These stuffed tater tot bites are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them even further by adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of green onions on top before serving. For a spicy kick, consider adding jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce. If you want to make them more filling, serve them alongside a fresh salad or your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Bites
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen tater tots?
Yes, you can make your own tater tots using fresh potatoes, but it will require additional preparation time.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Can I freeze these bites?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled bites before baking. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Enjoy these delightful Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Bites with your family and friends!
Notes: For a fun twist, you can add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of green onions on top of each bite before serving.
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 280
- Servings: 9
Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Bites
Equipment
- Mini muffin tin 24-cup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 24 count frozen bite-sized potato nuggets (Tater Tots) thawed
- 3 slices bacon
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Montreal steak seasoning
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar blend cheese
- none Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position a rack in the middle. Spray a 24-cup mini muffin tin generously with cooking spray. Place two tater tots into each muffin cup. Tip: Make sure they are thawed for easier shaping!
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until the tater tots are warmed through and slightly crispy. Use the back of a round tablespoon to press the tater tots into each muffin cup to form a cup shape. Keep the oven on.
- In a cold skillet, preferably cast iron, place the bacon slices. Cook over medium-high heat until the bacon is browned and crispy on one side, around 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the bacon and cook for an additional 2 minutes until browned on the other side. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, pat off excess fat, and chop the bacon into small pieces.
- Discard all but 1/2 tablespoon of bacon fat from the skillet and return it to medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook without stirring until browned on the bottom. Break the beef into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon and cook until it's just barely pink, approximately 6 to 7 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and spoon off any excess liquid and fat.
- Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and Montreal steak seasoning into the ground beef. Let the mixture cool slightly for about 10 minutes, then add the chopped bacon and shredded cheese. Spoon the beef mixture into the tater tot cups, dividing it equally.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the bites are slightly browned on top, approximately 10 minutes.
- Allow the bites to cool slightly in the muffin tin, then transfer them to a serving plate and garnish with chopped parsley.