Name: Tater Tot Mini Cheeseburger Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (30 oz) bag frozen crispy crowns or tater tots; 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or lean); 1/2 teaspoon table salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup diced pickles (optional, for garnish); 1/4 cup ketchup (for topping); 2 tablespoons mustard (optional)

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Tater Tot Mini Cheeseburgers are one of those fun, crowd-pleasing recipes I like to serve at parties, game days, or even as a quirky dinner idea. They’ve got everything I love about a classic cheeseburger—beef, cheese, and seasoning—all tucked into a crispy tater tot base that’s impossible to resist. These bite-sized treats are easy to make, totally customizable, and disappear fast once they hit the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines the comfort of a cheeseburger with the crunch of golden tater tots in one handheld bite. It’s kid-friendly, party-perfect, and ideal when I want something savory, crispy, and totally satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to use up extra ground beef and tater tots from the freezer. Tater Tot Mini Cheeseburger Bites

Ingredients

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

1 (30 oz) bag frozen crispy crowns or tater tots (may have a bit extra)
1 lb ground beef (I use 80/20, but lean works too)
½ teaspoon table salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup diced pickles (optional, for garnish)
¼ cup ketchup (for topping)
2 tablespoons mustard (optional)
Mini muffin tin (for baking)

Directions

Preheat Oven and Prep Tater Tots: I preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a mini muffin pan. I place 2 tater tots (or 1 crispy crown) in each well and bake for 10–12 minutes until they start to soften.
Smash the Tots: Using the back of a spoon, I press the warmed tots down into the muffin wells to form a little crust.
Cook the Beef: While the tots bake, I brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I cook until no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
Assemble the Bites: I spoon a bit of the cooked beef into each tater tot cup, then sprinkle cheddar cheese on top. I return the tray to the oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, I let them cool slightly, then top with diced pickles, a small dollop of ketchup, and a drizzle of mustard if I’m feeling classic cheeseburger vibes.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 24 bites
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: ~40 minutes

Variations

I’ve swapped the ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian twist. Sometimes I mix a bit of BBQ sauce into the meat for extra flavor, or switch up the cheese—pepper jack adds a nice kick. For extra crunch, I top them with shredded lettuce or crispy onions right before serving.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them back in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep them crisp. The microwave works in a pinch, but they’re best when re-crisped in the oven or air fryer.

FAQs

Can I use a regular muffin tin?

You can, but I find mini muffin tins work best for bite-sized portions. If using a standard muffin pan, I use more tots per cup and adjust baking time slightly.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. I assemble and bake them, then cool and refrigerate. I reheat just before serving—they still taste great.

Can I freeze them?

Definitely. I freeze after baking and let them cool. I reheat straight from frozen at 375°F for about 15 minutes until heated through.

Do I have to use pickles and ketchup?

Not at all. I sometimes skip toppings altogether or offer them on the side so everyone can customize their bites.

Can I add onions or other veggies to the beef?

Yes! I often sauté diced onions or peppers with the beef to sneak in some extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Tater Tot Mini Cheeseburgers are a guaranteed hit whenever I make them. They’re crispy, cheesy, savory little bites of comfort food that everyone—from kids to adults—loves. Whether I’m serving them as appetizers or a playful dinner, they bring big flavor in a fun, tiny package.