Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers Recipe

Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Crispy mini tater tot cheeseburgers bring classic burger flavors into bite-sized perfection, combining ground beef, cheese, and golden potato bites. Crowd-pleasing party snacks offer quick, irresistible comfort that will have guests reaching for seconds.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese, cut into small squares

Potato

  • 2 cups frozen tater tots

Seasonings and Toppings

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup or burger sauce
  • 1/4 cup shredded lettuce
  • 2 tablespoons diced pickles
  • 8 mini skewers or toothpicks

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F or air fryer to 400°F. Arrange tater tots on baking sheet and cook until golden and crispy, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  2. Using a spatula, gently press each tater tot to create a slightly flattened surface for better burger stability.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly.
  4. Form compact, small patties slightly smaller than the tater tots, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.
  5. Heat skillet over medium-high heat and cook patties for 2-3 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  6. During the last minute of cooking, place cheese slice on each patty and allow to melt completely.
  7. Select a crispy tater tot as the base, positioning it with the flattened side facing upward.
  8. Layer a cheese-covered beef patty directly on top of the tater tot base.
  9. Add a small dollop of ketchup for tangy flavor.
  10. Garnish with fresh lettuce leaf and pickle slice for crunch and additional taste.
  11. Crown with another tater tot, pressing gently to create a mini burger sandwich.
  12. Secure each mini burger with a decorative skewer for easy handling and presentation.

Notes

  • Crisp tater tots create a crunchy foundation that’s more stable and flavorful than traditional burger buns.
  • Keep ground beef juicy by not overworking the meat and cooking just until medium to prevent dryness.
  • Remove skillet from heat after flipping patties and cover briefly to ensure smooth, even cheese melting without overcooking the meat.
  • Swap beef for turkey or plant-based patties, use gluten-free tater tots, and replace cheese with vegan alternatives for multiple dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 816
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 2175 mg
  • Fat: 65 g
  • Saturated Fat: 28 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 37 g
  • Trans Fat: 2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 41 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg