Barbecue Cup
Miniature barbecue beef cups with cheesy topping, perfect for parties or snacks, offering savory, sweet, and tangy flavors in a portable, crowd-pleasing bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet.
- Add barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and instant minced onion to the beef.
- Separate dough into individual biscuits.
- Place each biscuit in ungreased muffin cups, bottom and sides.
- Spoon the meat mixture into each biscuit-lined cup.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top of each cup.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving or freeze for later use.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some diced bell peppers or jalapeños into the beef mixture. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef. If you prefer a tangier taste, swap out half of the barbecue sauce for your favorite hot sauce. To ensure even cooking, make sure the biscuits are pressed well into the muffin cups.
Serving Suggestions
These barbecue cups make a great appetizer for parties or game day. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or some coleslaw for a complete meal. For a fun twist, pair them with a side of baked beans or corn on the cob. They also go well with a tangy dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but the oven will keep the biscuits crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Cup contains roughly 365 calories, with 15g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 758mg per serving (33% 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 these barbecue cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and assemble the cups a day in advance. Keep the assembled cups covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake them. This makes them an excellent option for meal prep or for hosting gatherings.
What other cheese can I use instead of Cheddar?
Feel free to experiment with other cheeses! Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan can work beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure the cheese melts well for that gooey topping everyone loves.
How do I make these barbecue cups vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative, or use a mix of sautéed mushrooms and black beans for a hearty filling. You can also add chopped vegetables like zucchini or corn for added texture and flavor.
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).