Cheeseburger Tots

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the crispy, golden texture of tater tots with the savory taste of cheeseburger fillings. Easy to prepare and customizable, these tots are crowd-pleasers that bring the best of comfort food into bite-sized portions.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen tater tots

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons mustard

• Pickles and diced tomatoes for garnish

• Optional: sliced green onions or jalapeños

directions

1. Preheat oven according to tater tots package instructions and bake tots until golden and crispy.

2. While tots bake, cook ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat until beef is browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.

3. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef; stir well and remove from heat.

4. Once tots are cooked, transfer them to a serving dish.

5. Spoon cooked beef evenly over the tots, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.

6. Return to oven for 3-5 minutes or until cheese melts.

7. Drizzle ketchup and mustard over the top and garnish with pickles, diced tomatoes, and optional green onions or jalapeños.

8. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Makes 4-6 servings
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

• Add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.

• Substitute cheddar with pepper jack or mozzarella cheese.

• Top with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream.

• Make it spicy by adding hot sauce or chopped jalapeños.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

Can I make these tots ahead of time?

Yes, cook tots and beef mixture ahead and assemble before serving.

Are these tots gluten-free?

Check tater tot packaging for gluten status; other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I bake tots from frozen?

Yes, follow package instructions for best results.

How do I keep tots crispy when reheating?

Reheat in the oven or air fryer rather than the microwave.

Can I use shredded pre-cooked beef?

Yes, leftover shredded beef works well as a topping.

Are cheeseburger tots kid-friendly?

Yes, they’re a popular snack with kids and adults alike.

Can I add other toppings?

Yes, try olives, pickled jalapeños, or chopped onions.

Can I make a vegetarian version?

Use plant-based meat alternatives or beans as topping.

How spicy are these tots?

Mild by default; adjust with hot sauce or jalapeños.

Can I use fresh cheese instead of shredded?

Shredded melts better, but fresh cheese can be diced and used.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Tots are a delicious, fun, and crowd-pleasing snack that combines the best flavors of a cheeseburger with crispy tater tots. Perfect for casual gatherings or indulgent snacking, these tots are sure to be a favorite at any table. Try this recipe for a tasty twist on a classic comfort food.