Preheat your oven and bake the tater tot crowns on a parchment-lined baking sheet according to package directions until deeply golden and crispy. Let cool slightly.

In a medium bowl, gently mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Form into 24 very small, thin patties, slightly wider than the tater tots.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the mini patties in batches for 1.5 to 2 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.

Immediately after flipping the patties, place a small square of cheese on each to melt during the final minute of cooking.

Assemble the burgers: Place one baked tater tot on the bottom, top with lettuce, the cheesy beef patty, a tomato slice, a pickle slice, and finish with a second tater tot on top.

Secure the entire stack with a cocktail toothpick and serve immediately with ketchup and mayo for dipping.