Description
These Cheeseburger Tots are everything you love about a classic cheeseburger—savory beef, melty cheese, tangy pickles—packed into crispy, bite-sized potato cups. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and guaranteed to vanish fast at parties, game days, or casual family dinners. Thanks to frozen tater tots and a mini muffin tin, you get maximum crunch with minimum effort.
Ingredients
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1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
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1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
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½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
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Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
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Dill pickle slices, for topping
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Burger sauce or Thousand Island, for drizzling
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Nonstick cooking spray
Optional quick burger sauce:
Mix ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish, 1 tsp white vinegar, and a pinch of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Instructions
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Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously spray a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray. -
Make the Tot Cups
Place 3–4 frozen tater tots into each muffin cup. Bake for 10 minutes.
Remove carefully and press the softened tots down and up the sides using a small glass or spoon handle to form a cup.
Return to oven and bake another 10–15 minutes, until golden and crispy. -
Cook the Beef Filling
While tots bake, cook ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium-high heat until beef is browned and onions are soft.
Drain excess fat and season well with salt and pepper. -
Assemble
Spoon beef into each crispy tot cup and top with shredded cheddar cheese. -
Melt & Finish
Bake 3–5 minutes, just until cheese is melted and bubbly. -
Garnish & Serve
Top each bite with a pickle slice and a drizzle of burger sauce. Serve hot!
Notes
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Don’t thaw the tots — frozen helps them hold their shape.
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Press firmly when shaping the cups for sturdy, crispy edges.
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Shred your own cheese for the best melt.
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Let them cool 2–3 minutes before removing from the pan to prevent sticking.