Tater Tot Mini Cheeseburger Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how playful and easy these are to serve. They’re perfect for parties, game days, or casual family nights.

I also appreciate how simple the ingredients are. I use everyday pantry staples and frozen tater tots to create something that feels creative and special.

Another reason I keep coming back to this recipe is how customizable it is. I can switch up the cheese, add different sauces, or even spice up the beef mixture depending on my mood.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bag Of Frozen Tater Tots
1 lb Ground Beef
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Ground Pepper
1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 tablespoon Dry Minced Onion
Sliced Cheddar Cheese
Ketchup
Hamburger Dill Pickle Chips
Toothpicks

Directions

1. I cook the tater tots in the oven according to the package directions until they are golden and crispy.

2. While the tater tots are baking, I mix the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and minced onion in a bowl until well combined.

3. I form the mixture into small patties that are slightly larger than the tater tots, since they shrink a bit while cooking.

4. I cook the patties in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked through.

5. I cut the cheddar slices into small squares and place one piece on top of each patty while it’s still hot, allowing the cheese to melt.

6. To assemble, I place a tater tot on the bottom, add a small dab of ketchup, then top it with a cheeseburger patty and a pickle chip.

7. I finish with another tater tot on top and secure everything with a toothpick.

I serve them warm while the cheese is still melty.

Servings And Timing

This recipe makes about 24 mini cheeseburger bites, depending on the size of the patties.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes

I usually prepare the beef mixture while the tater tots are in the oven to save time.

Variations

I sometimes swap cheddar for pepper jack or American cheese for a different flavor.

If I want a little heat, I mix a pinch of chili powder into the beef or add a slice of jalapeño on top.

For a sauce twist, I replace ketchup with burger sauce, barbecue sauce, or a mix of ketchup and mustard.

When I want a bacon version, I add a small piece of crispy bacon between the patty and the top tater tot.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, I place them in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. I avoid microwaving if possible because it can make the tater tots soft.

FAQs

Can I Make These Ahead Of Time?

Yes, I can cook the patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. I assemble and heat everything just before serving for the best texture.

Can I Bake The Beef Patties Instead Of Pan-Frying?

Yes, I can bake the mini patties on a lined baking sheet at 400°F for about 10 to 12 minutes or until fully cooked.

What Size Should The Patties Be?

I make them just slightly larger than the tater tots because they shrink as they cook.

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead Of Beef?

Yes, I can substitute ground turkey. I just make sure to season it well since it’s leaner than beef.

How Do I Keep Them From Falling Apart?

I press the patties firmly when shaping them and secure the assembled bites tightly with toothpicks to keep everything in place.

Conclusion

I love how these Tater Tot Mini Cheeseburger Bites turn a classic comfort food into a fun, shareable appetizer. With crispy tater tots, juicy beef, melted cheese, and tangy pickles, each bite delivers big flavor in a small package. It’s a recipe I enjoy making whenever I want something simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to disappear quickly.

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