Bar-Be-Cups
Bar-Be-Cups are savory mini biscuit cups filled with flavorful seasoned ground beef and topped with melted cheese, perfect for a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, then drain excess fat.
- Add barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and minced dried onion to the beef. Mix well.
- Place each biscuit into the cupcake section of a cupcake pan and press out to line the sides.
- Do not grease the pan.
- Spoon the meat mixture evenly into each biscuit cup.
- Fill any empty cups halfway with water to prevent warping.
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes at 400°F until the tops of the biscuits are golden.
- Remove from oven and turn off the heat.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the tops of the biscuits.
- Return to the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. You can also add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor. If you prefer a sweeter taste, consider using honey barbecue sauce. A sprinkle of garlic powder in the meat mixture can enhance the overall flavor. Be sure not to overfill the biscuit cups to avoid spilling during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Bar-Be-Cups as a fun appetizer or main dish at parties or family gatherings. They pair beautifully with a side salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider adding baked beans or corn on the cob. These cups are great for game day and can be part of a larger spread featuring other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Bar-Be-Cups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but the oven helps maintain the biscuit's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bar-Be-Cups contains roughly 1450 calories, with 50g protein, 175g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (100% of the Daily Value), calcium (47% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 677mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meat mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before filling the biscuit cups. This can save time when you're ready to bake and serve.
Can I freeze Bar-Be-Cups?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the cups without baking them. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they're cooked through.
What can I use instead of biscuits?
If you're looking for an alternative to traditional biscuits, crescent roll dough works well for a flakier texture. You can also try puff pastry for a more gourmet touch, just be sure to adjust baking times accordingly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).