Name: Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or American); 32 tater tots; Salt and pepper to taste; Ketchup and mustard (optional for serving)

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I make this small meal when I want easy food fast. I use tater tots as tiny buns. I cook small beef patties. I add cheese and stack them between two tots. Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers work well for quick weeknight dinners or for a simple snack.

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My kids like to grab them with their hands. I can cook the tots in the oven and the patties in a pan at the same time. I often make extra patties and keep them warm. They are good for busy nights and small gatherings.

This recipe turns tater tots and small beef patties into bite-size cheeseburgers. The dish tastes like a mini cheeseburger with a crisp tot outside. People often make it for snacks, game nights, or quick weeknight meals. It fits well as a party finger food or as a simple family dinner. For a similar party idea, try tater tot appetizer cups.

Why make this recipe

This meal saves time and uses few parts. You can cook tots and patties at the same time. The cheese adds a quick rich flavor. You can change seasonings or cheese easily. This version also cuts the need for buns. Try it when you want a small plate to pass or a fast dinner. For a larger dish with the same base, see tater tot casserole with ground beef.

How to make this recipe

You will shape small beef patties and cook them until browned. You melt cheese on the patties near the end. You bake tots until they are crisp. Then you stack the patties between two tots to make a small sandwich. The steps link in time: while tots bake, cook patties. This keeps the parts hot when you assemble. For a different take using tots, check easy pizza tot casserole.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or American)
32 tater tots
Salt and pepper to taste
Ketchup and mustard (optional for serving)

Ground beef gives the filling and protein. Shredded cheese melts fast and gives the classic cheeseburger taste. Tater tots act as a small, crisp bun. Salt and pepper bring out the beef flavor. Ketchup and mustard add a familiar finish if you want them.

Directions

Preheat your oven according to the tater tots package instructions.
Shape the ground beef into small patties and season with salt and pepper.
Cook the patties in a skillet over medium heat until they are browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Once the patties are nearly done, place a slice of cheese on each patty and cover the skillet to melt the cheese.
While the cheese is melting, bake the tater tots according to package instructions until they’re crispy.
Assemble the burgers by placing a cheese-topped patty between two tater tots.
Serve warm with ketchup and mustard if desired.

Notes: Preheating the oven ensures the tots crisp well. Make patties small so they match the tot size. Covering the skillet traps heat and melts cheese fast. Bake the tots until firm so the sandwich holds.

How to serve this recipe

Serve these as small hand-held bites. Place them on a tray for a party. You can add a small toothpick if you want. Offer ketchup and mustard on the side. For kids, cut a larger sandwich in half for easier handling. For a simple meal, add a green salad or sliced veggies. This recipe works well as a snack, appetizer, or a small main dish.

Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers pair well with cold drinks and simple sides. Try them at game nights or quick family dinners.

How to store this recipe

Cool the leftovers to room temperature before storing. Put patties and tots in an airtight container. Store in the fridge up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze patties on a tray, then move to a freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to keep the tots crisp. If frozen, thaw in the fridge before reheating. Avoid microwaving if you want crisp tots.

Tips to make this recipe

Make patties small and flat so they cook fast. Do not pack the meat too tight; keep them slightly loose for a better bite. Use a non-stick skillet or a bit of oil to prevent sticking. If the cheese does not melt well, add a splash of water to the skillet and cover for 30 seconds. If tots brown too fast, lower oven heat a bit and bake a little longer. Cook the patties to a safe internal temperature.

Variation

Swap cheddar for American or pepper jack for a bit of heat. Use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version. Try seasoning the beef with a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika. You can also use mini frozen hash browns instead of tots, but texture will change. Large changes may not work as well because the recipe relies on the tot size to act as a bun.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these ahead?

A: Yes. Cook patties and tots ahead. Reheat before serving.

Q: Can I use frozen patties?

A: You can, but thaw first for even cooking.

Q: How do I keep tots crisp?

A: Reheat in the oven or toaster oven. Avoid the microwave.

Q: Are these safe for kids?

A: Yes. Cut for small children and check temperature.

Conclusion

This recipe gives a fast, simple way to make small cheeseburger bites. It uses common parts and little time. It works for busy nights, parties, and snacks. For another take on mini cheeseburger bites, see the Tater Tot Mini Cheeseburger Bites recipe at Fab Everyday. For a similar cup-style idea, check Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cups at Sweet Beginnings Blog.