Hey y'all! If you're craving something that's both downright delicious and seriously fun to eat, this Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine crispy tater tots topped with juicy burger meat and gooey cheese—all in one perfect bite! Whether you’re planning a party, game day, or just a family snack night, these mini cheeseburger bites are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers Recipe
- Bite-sized perfection—easy to serve and eat at parties or as snacks.
- Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with classic cheeseburger flavor in every bite.
- Kid-friendly and customizable, making them a hit for the whole family.
- Quick prep and bake—on the table in under 40 minutes!
- Great for using up pantry staples.
Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers Recipe Ingredients
- 36 frozen tater tots
- ½ pound lean ground beef
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 6 slices cheddar cheese (cut into 1-inch squares)
- 36 pickle chips
- Sesame seeds and shredded lettuce (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Tater Tots
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Arrange 36 frozen tater tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheeseburger Topping
- While the tots are baking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned—about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until soft.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in ketchup and mustard for extra flavor, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Mini Cheeseburgers
- Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C).
- Top each tater tot with about 1 teaspoon of the seasoned beef mixture.
- Place a cheese square on top of the beef.
- Return to oven and bake for 3-4 minutes, until the cheese melts.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Remove from oven and immediately top each with a pickle chip.
- Optionally, sprinkle with sesame seeds and a touch of shredded lettuce.
- Serve warm—enjoy these crispy, cheesy, beefy bites!
Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers Recipe Notes
- For best results, ensure tater tots are golden and super crispy before adding toppings—learn more about optimal tater tot texture at Bon Appétit.
- If you like a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the beef, or a spicy pickle on top.
- Use mini muffin tins for easy assembly and less mess (see details at The Kitchn).
Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers Recipe Variations
- BBQ Bacon: Mix in crumbled cooked bacon and a drizzle of BBQ sauce with the beef.
- Slider-Style: Swap cheddar for Swiss cheese and add a tomato slice under the pickle chip.
- Vegetarian: Use a meatless ground beef substitute or seasoned lentils for the topping.
Required Equipment for Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers Recipe
- Baking sheet
- Large skillet
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Mini muffin tin (optional, for easier assembly)
- Oven
Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers Recipe Storage Instructions
- Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 8-10 minutes until hot and crispy.
- Freezing not recommended, as tater tots may lose their crispiness.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve as a playful appetizer alongside classic party dips.
- Pair with a fresh salad or coleslaw for a balanced spread.
- Delicious with a chilled craft beer or a tangy lemonade.
Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers Recipe Pro Tips
- Let tots sit for 1-2 minutes after baking before topping, for a crispier base—discover more at Serious Eats.
- Cut your cheese slices to fit exactly atop the mini burgers for a professional look.
- Double the batch for larger crowds—these go fast!
Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers Recipe FAQ
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the beef and prep all toppings in advance. Bake and assemble just before serving for best texture.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but feel free to use Swiss, pepper jack, or American for delicious results.
Are these gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free tater tots and condiments, this recipe can be gluten-free. Always check your packaging to be sure!
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- ½ cup diced pickles
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 36 frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons chopped onion
- Cooking spray
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the frozen tater tots in even rows. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy.
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2Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with salt, pepper, and onions until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
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3Stir ketchup, mustard, and diced pickles into the cooked beef mixture. Cook for another minute and remove from heat.
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4Arrange half of the baked tater tots on a serving platter. Top each with a spoonful of beef mixture and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
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5Place the remaining tater tots on top to form mini 'sliders.' Bake for an additional 5 minutes if you want the cheese extra melty. Serve warm with your favorite burger condiments.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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