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Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers

Enjoy these bite-sized Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers that combine two beloved comfort foods into one deliciously snackable treat. Perfect for parties or a quick family meal.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24 pieces
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Tater Tot Cups
  • 32 oz 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots You’ll use roughly 24–30 tots
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20) Flavorful; leaner works too
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced Or 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika Optional, but lovely
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Or American cheddar slices torn small
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil or nonstick spray For greasing the tin
Optional Toppings
  • Ketchup and mustard
  • Diced pickles or a small sliced pickle on top
  • Mini sesame seeds If you want a “bun” look
  • Finely chopped lettuce or tiny tomato dice for garnish

Method
 

Preheat and Prep
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with oil or nonstick spray.
  2. Pop the bag of tater tots out of the freezer so they’re ready to handle.
Make the Tater Tot Cups
  1. Arrange 24 tater tots in the mini muffin tin, one per cup. Press each tot gently into the bottom and up the sides to form a cup shape.
  2. Brush the tops lightly with oil or spray the tin to help them crisp up golden.
  3. Bake for 15–18 minutes until the tots are browned and crisp. Check at 12 minutes if your oven runs hot.
Cook the Beef
  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula.
  2. Add the finely chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion softens, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if desired.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep the beef warm off the heat.
Assemble and Cheese
  1. Once the tater tot cups are crisp, remove the tin from the oven. Spoon about 1–2 teaspoons of the cooked beef into each tot cup.
  2. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over each filled tot. Return the tin to the oven for 2–4 minutes, just enough for the cheese to melt.
Finish and Serve
  1. Let the mini cheeseburgers cool in the tin for a couple minutes before carefully lifting them out with a small spoon or butter knife.
  2. Top with a dab of ketchup and mustard, a slice of pickle, or a tiny piece of lettuce and tomato. Serve warm.

Notes

Make-ahead: You can cook the beef a day ahead and reheat, or bake the tater tot cups earlier and finish with assembly when guests arrive. Cooking Tips: Use shredded cheese for better melting. Pre-sliced American cheese works well too; tear into small pieces before topping.