Barbecue Cups
Barbecue Cups are savory, handheld appetizers combining seasoned ground beef with tangy barbecue sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, they offer a smoky, cheesy flavor in a flaky biscuit shell that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger meat in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add barbecue sauce, chopped onion, and brown sugar to the meat mixture; set aside.
- Separate the biscuits and flatten each one.
- Place one flattened biscuit in each of 12 ungreased muffin cups, pressing dough up the sides to the edge of the cups.
- Spoon the meat mixture into each biscuit-lined cup and sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until the biscuits are done and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger. You can also mix in some diced bell peppers or jalapeños for a kick. If you don't have barbecue sauce on hand, a combination of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce can work as a substitute. For a cheesy twist, try using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these barbecue cups with a side of coleslaw for a refreshing crunch, or pair them with a simple green salad. They make great appetizers for parties or game days. For a hearty twist, consider serving them alongside a bowl of chili or even with a side of Judy's Coke Beans for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover barbecue 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 (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, though this may make the biscuits less crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Cups contains roughly 295 calories, with 10g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 575mg per serving (25% 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 this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and assemble the cups a day in advance. Just store the assembled cups in the fridge until you're ready to bake. You may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for biscuits?
If you want a different base, you can use crescent roll dough or even puff pastry for a flakier texture. Alternatively, for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free biscuit mix according to package instructions.
Can I freeze the barbecue cups?
Yes, these barbecue cups freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
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).