Can I make these cheeseburger tater tot cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can fully assemble and bake them, then store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well. Just be sure to season them similarly to mimic that cheeseburger flavor.

Can I make this recipe without a muffin tin?

It’s best made in a mini muffin tin to create defined tot cups, but in a pinch, a regular muffin tin or a small baking dish can work—just note the shape won’t be as compact.

What if I don’t have all the sauce ingredients?

You can use store-bought burger sauce or just mix ketchup and mustard as a quick alternative. The homemade version adds great flavor, but it's flexible.

Easy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cups

Name: Easy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 48 frozen tater tots; 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred); ½ cup finely diced yellow or white onion; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons yellow mustard; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 2 tablespoons pickle relish; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 24 mini pickles (for garnish); ½ cup mayonnaise; 4 tablespoons pickle relish; 2 tablespoons yellow mustard; 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Description

These Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cups are bite-sized bundles of joy—crispy tater tots packed with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and tangy sauce. Perfect for game day, busy weeknights, or satisfying a fast food craving at home, this quick and easy recipe transforms basic ingredients into a crave-worthy comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

Tater Tot Cups:

48 frozen tater tots
1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
½ cup finely diced yellow or white onion
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons pickle relish
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
24 mini pickles (for garnish)

Special Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
4 tablespoons pickle relish
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F so it’s fully heated by the time you assemble the tater tot cups.
Cook the Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease, then add diced onions and cook for a few more minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.
Flavor the Filling: Lower the heat and stir in mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and pickle relish. Mix well until everything is evenly coated and seasoned. Add salt and pepper to taste, then set the beef mixture aside.
Form the Tater Tot Cups: Lightly grease a mini muffin tin and place three frozen tater tots in each cup. Bake for 10 minutes to soften them. Remove from the oven and press each group of tots down using a tamper or spoon to form cup shapes.
Assemble the Cups: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture into each tater tot cup, filling it generously. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each filled cup.
Final Bake: Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges of the tater tots are golden and crispy.
Prepare the Special Sauce: While the cups finish baking, combine all special sauce ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.
Garnish and Serve: Allow the baked cups to cool for about 5 minutes in the tin. Gently remove each one, drizzle with the special sauce, and top with a mini pickle slice for a finishing touch.

Notes

For a spicier twist, add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture or use pepper jack cheese. You can prep the beef and sauce a day in advance for faster assembly. If the tater tots stick, let them cool slightly before removing. Serve with a side salad or roasted veggies to balance the meal.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 tater tot cups
Calories: 241
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 311mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 13g
Cholesterol: 27mg