Vegan Cheeseburger Tater Tots (Printable)

Crispy tater tots loaded with savory vegan toppings and velvety cheese sauce. Plant-based crowd pleaser.

# Components:

→ Tater Tots

01 - 2 lbs frozen vegan tater tots

→ Vegan 'Beef' Mixture

02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 9 ounces plant-based ground beef
06 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
07 - 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Vegan Cheese Sauce

10 - 1 cup peeled, diced potatoes
11 - 1/2 cup diced carrots
12 - 1/3 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
13 - 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
14 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
15 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
16 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
17 - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
18 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
19 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

→ Toppings

20 - 1 large tomato, diced
21 - 2 pickles, thinly sliced
22 - 3 tablespoons ketchup (optional)
23 - 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (optional)
24 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
25 - 1 head little gem or romaine lettuce, shredded

# Method:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake according to package directions until golden and crisp, approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Incorporate plant-based ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, vegan Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for 2 more minutes, then remove from heat.
03 - Boil diced potatoes and carrots in salted water until very soft, around 10 to 12 minutes. Drain and transfer to a blender or food processor. Add plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, salt, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
04 - Place the baked tater tots on a serving platter. Spoon the vegan 'beef' mixture evenly over the top and drizzle generously with the cheese sauce.
05 - Top with diced tomato, pickles, shredded lettuce, and chives or green onions. If preferred, finish with ketchup and mustard. Serve while hot for best texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • uses only plant-based ingredients and nothing fussy
  • delivers loads of flavor with familiar cheeseburger fixings
  • great for parties or casual family dinners
  • easy to adapt with pantry staples and veggie swaps
02 -
  • high in plant-based protein and fiber thanks to the hearty filling
  • totally dairy-free and vegan making it perfect for mixed groups
  • freezes well and reheats beautifully for leftovers
03 -
  • For the crispiest results always bake the tots straight from frozen and do not crowd the pan
  • Blend the cheese sauce hot for a super smooth finish Starch thickens as it cools so add a little extra plant milk if storing
  • If you love spice a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder wakes up both beef mixture and cheese sauce

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