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Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers Recipe

4.6 from 774 reviews

These Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers are a fun and delicious appetizer or snack featuring bite-sized beef patties topped with melted cheese, sandwiched between crispy tater tots. Combining flavorful seasoned beef, melty cheese, and classic burger toppings, these mini cheeseburgers are perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings. They’re easy to assemble and offer a playful twist on traditional burgers with a crispy tots bun.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1/2 small yellow onion, minced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Tater Tots and Cheese

  • 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
  • 8 slices American or mild cheddar cheese, cut into quarters
  • 2 tbsp vegetable or canola oil

Toppings and Serving

  • Mini pickles or gherkins, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise (for serving)
  • Optional: sesame seeds, fresh chives, toothpicks

Instructions

  1. Preheat and bake tater tots: Preheat your oven to 400-425°F (200-220°C) according to the tater tot package directions. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Spread the frozen tater tots evenly in a single layer on the sheets and bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare cheese squares: While the tots bake, cut each slice of American or mild cheddar cheese into four smaller squares. These will be used to top each mini patty.
  3. Mix the beef: In a large bowl, gently combine the lean ground beef with the minced yellow onion, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix just until combined to avoid tough patties.
  4. Shape mini patties: Take about 1 tablespoon of the beef mixture per patty. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into a small disk approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick. Place formed patties on a plate. Optional: chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to help them hold their shape.
  5. Cook the patties: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, cook the mini patties for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through.
  6. Melt cheese on patties: After flipping the patties and cooking for 1-2 minutes on the second side, immediately place a cheese square on top of each patty. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the cheese to melt for 30 to 60 seconds. Remove the patties and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  7. Assemble mini cheeseburgers: To build each mini cheeseburger, start by placing a crispy tater tot on a serving platter. Add a small dollop of your desired sauce—ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise. Top this with a cheese-melted mini beef patty, then layer on shredded iceberg lettuce and 1 to 2 pickle slices. Finish by placing another crispy tater tot on top to sandwich the patty and toppings.
  8. Serve: Optionally secure each mini cheeseburger with a toothpick. Arrange all the assembled mini cheeseburgers on a platter alongside halved cherry tomatoes and extra shredded lettuce. Serve immediately for the best crispy texture, offering additional condiments on the side for guests to customize.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the beef mixture to keep the patties tender.
  • Chilling the patties before cooking helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
  • Use a sturdy pair of toothpicks to assemble the mini burgers securely.
  • Serve immediately after assembly to maintain the crispiness of the tater tots.
  • Feel free to add sesame seeds or fresh chives on top for garnish and extra flavor.

Keywords: mini cheeseburgers, tater tot burgers, appetizer, party food, bite-sized burgers, easy snacks