Barbecups

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Barbecups are savory, bite-sized appetizers featuring seasoned beef and tangy barbecue flavor, topped with melty cheese. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, they combine flaky biscuit cups with hearty filling, offering a delicious and portable snack that appeals to meat lovers and cheese fans alike.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 3/4 lb. ground beef
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 tablespoon instant onion
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 can biscuits
  • 3/4 cup shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet and drain excess fat.
  2. Add barbecue sauce, instant onion, and brown sugar to the skillet and cook until heated through.
  3. Separate the biscuits and press each into a muffin tin to form a cup.
  4. Spoon the beef mixture into each biscuit cup.
  5. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each filled cup.
  6. Bake at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes until biscuits are golden and cheese is melted.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider using a mix of beef and ground turkey. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. Instant onion can be substituted with fresh onion; just sauté it before adding the beef. For a cheesy twist, try different shredded cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar. This dish is a fun variation on classic American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Barbecups as a fun appetizer at parties or as a quick weeknight dinner. They pair well with a side salad or coleslaw to balance the richness. For an even heartier meal, consider serving them alongside Plantation Soup for a comforting combination.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Barbecups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the oven helps maintain the biscuit's crispiness better.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Barbecups contains roughly 216 calories, with 9g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 463mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).

216 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.2g 18% DV
Total Fat 6.6g 8% DV
Carbs 30.2g 11% DV
Fiber 0.4g 2% DV
Sugar 15g 30% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 462.9mg 20% DV
Potassium 292.3mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 23.2mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7.8mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 44.9mg 3% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as leaner meats can cook faster. Season well to ensure the flavor is on par with the ground beef.

What can I do if I don't have biscuits?

If biscuits aren't available, you can use crescent roll dough or even puff pastry as a base. Just ensure to adjust the baking time as these alternatives may cook differently, resulting in a flaky or crispy texture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture and fill the biscuit cups in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and bake just before serving. This makes it convenient for entertaining or busy weeknights.

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).

American recipes → Beef recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →