Name: Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cups Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups frozen tater tots; 1/2 pound ground beef; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 1 tablespoon ketchup; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup diced pickles; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish); Nonstick cooking spray

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Imagine all the fun and flavor of a classic cheeseburger, tucked into a crispy, golden cup of tater tots—say hello to Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cups! This irresistible bite-sized snack brings together gooey cheddar, savory beef, tangy pickles, and hearty tater tots in a form that’s perfect for game days, parties, or satisfying those late-night cravings. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want a playful twist on burger night, these are guaranteed to disappear fast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cups Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cups lies in their simple ingredient list: each component packs amazing flavor and texture, coming together to deliver a super satisfying, crowd-pleasing bite. Let’s break down each part, so you can see why they’re an absolute must!

Frozen tater tots: These crispy potato nuggets form the perfect crunchy base and “cup” for the cheeseburger filling.
Ground beef: Lean and juicy, it delivers classic burger flavor—feel free to sub with turkey or a plant-based alternative if you like!
Finely chopped onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic hint that mingles perfectly with the beef.
Ketchup: Gives the beef that signature burger tang and just a kiss of sweetness.
Yellow mustard: Lends a zippy, classic cheeseburger taste—don’t skip it!
Worcestershire sauce: Just a teaspoon deepens the savoriness—think umami secret weapon.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to make everything pop.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the beef for that iconic gooey cheeseburger experience.
Diced pickles: For a crunchy, tangy finish that kicks the flavors up a notch.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness right at the end.
Nonstick cooking spray: Helps those adorable little cups pop right out for stress-free serving.

How to Make Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cups

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to a toasty 400°F and grab your trusty muffin tin. Give it a generous misting with nonstick cooking spray—this ensures the tater tot cups pop right out once they’re cooked to golden perfection. Each muffin cup is about to become a mini canvas for flavor!

Step 2: Create the Tater Tot Shells

Pop three tater tots into each muffin compartment, then slide the pan into the oven for ten minutes. Once they’re warmed up and slightly soft, it’s time to shape: use the back of a spoon or a small cup to gently smash the tots into the bottom and up the sides, forming little cups. Return them to the oven for another ten minutes until they’re crisp and ready to hold all that cheesy, beefy filling.

Step 3: Make the Cheeseburger Filling

While the tots are baking, set a skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef and diced onion. Let everything sizzle until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with your spatula as you go. Drain off any excess fat, then stir in the ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, plus a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This mix smells just like a freshly grilled cheeseburger and tastes even better!

Step 4: Fill and Top the Tots

Divide the savory beef mixture among the tater tot cups, nestling it inside each crispy shell. Shower everything generously with shredded cheddar cheese—the more, the merrier! Cheese melts into the warm filling, binding it all together into gooey perfection.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling

Pop the filled muffin tin back into the oven for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye out for bubbling, golden cheese that oozes ever-so-slightly over the tater tot sides—that’s your sign they’re done!

Step 6: Top and Serve

Let your Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cups cool in the pan for just a couple of minutes. Carefully lift them out, then shower the tops with bright, diced pickles and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a restaurant-worthy finish. Serve warm, and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cups

Garnishes

Bright, tangy diced pickles bring a burst of snap and color right on top. For a little extra flair, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds freshness and a hint of green that makes each cup really pop. If you’re feeling playful, a little squiggle of ketchup or your favorite burger sauce over the top is always a hit.

Side Dishes

Because Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cups are so indulgent, keep your sides simple and vibrant—think a crunchy coleslaw, crisp green salad, or sliced fresh veggies and dip. For a full-on party spread, add in other finger foods like mini corn dogs or veggie platters to round out the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cups on a big platter, nestle a bowl of dipping sauce nearby, and sprinkle extra garnishes for a festive look. For kids’ parties or game day, pop a little American flag toothpick in each one for a playful touch. You can even serve them atop mini burger buns for a fun “slider” twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cups left, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days—they’ll stay tasty and snackable!

Freezing

These little cups freeze surprisingly well! Arrange cooled cups in a single layer on a tray to freeze individually, then pop them into a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for about 2 months. This way, you can reheat just a few at a time for a super easy snack.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cups in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just a minute or so for a couple of cups—but be aware they might lose a bit of crunch. Oven is definitely the way to go for the ultimate crispy bite!

FAQs

Can I make Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cups ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble and bake the cups through step 5, let them cool, then refrigerate or freeze. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat in the oven to crisp them up and finish with fresh toppings.

What’s the best way to get the tater tots to form cups?

After the first bake, the tots should be soft enough to press with the back of a spoon or a small cup. Don’t be afraid to really press them into the corners so you get a sturdy cup that can hold plenty of filling.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based crumbles or even sauteed mushrooms with extra onions. The flavors hold up beautifully, so plant-based eaters will love Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cups too.

Is there a way to spice these up?

For sure! Try mixing in diced jalapeños with the beef, add a shake of hot sauce, or go bold with pepper jack cheese for a fun, fiery twist. Your Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cups can be as zesty as you like.

What dipping sauces go well with these?

Classic ketchup is always a winner, but try ranch, burger sauce, or even a tangy barbecue sauce for something different. A platter of Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cups and an array of dips is always a crowd-pleaser!

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about a recipe that combines fun, flavor, and pure comfort food appeal—and Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cups might just be the ultimate example. Whether you’re hosting friends, wrangling a gaggle of kids, or just treating yourself to something delicious, I promise these won’t disappoint. Give them a try and let me know if they become your new go-to snack!

Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cups Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 cups 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cups are a fun twist on a classic cheeseburger, combining crispy tater tots with savory beef, gooey cheese, and all the classic burger fixings in one delicious bite-sized treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Tater Tot Cups:

3 cups frozen tater tots

Cheeseburger Filling:

1/2 pound ground beef
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup diced pickles
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Nonstick cooking spray

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray.
Bake Tater Tots: Place 3 tater tots in each cup. Bake for 10 minutes, then press tots into cup bottoms and sides. Bake another 10 minutes until crisp.
Cook Beef: Brown beef and onion in a skillet. Add ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Fill Cups: Spoon beef into cups, top with cheese, and bake 5-7 minutes until melted.
Finish: Cool slightly, remove from tin, top with pickles and parsley.