Beef Barbecue Cups
Savory beef barbecue cups feature seasoned ground beef in flaky biscuit shells, topped with cheese—perfect as a snack, appetizer, or casual party treat for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Grease 10 muffin cups.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Stir in barbecue sauce, minced onion, and brown sugar.
- Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Separate refrigerator biscuits and press into the bottom and sides of each muffin cup, forming a 1/4-inch rim.
- Spoon 1/4 cup of the meat mixture into each biscuit cup.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the meat.
- Bake at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool for 1 minute, then remove from muffin cups.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of barbecue sauces, such as smoky and sweet. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture. Make sure to press the biscuits firmly into the muffin cups to prevent them from puffing up too much while baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these beef barbecue cups with a side of coleslaw or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. They also pair nicely with corn on the cob or baked beans for a hearty feast. For a fun twist, consider serving them with a side of ranch or your favorite dipping sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers 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 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating, but the oven helps maintain the biscuit's crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Barbecue Cups contains roughly 238 calories, with 3g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.
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 in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the cups and bake them just before serving for the best texture. Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled cups before baking, then bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Shredded cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but you can also use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses for added flavor. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination that complements the barbecue sauce.
Can I use a different type of dough instead of biscuits?
Absolutely! You can use puff pastry or even homemade biscuit dough if you prefer. Just ensure that the dough can hold the filling without leaking. If using puff pastry, watch the baking time as it may cook faster than refrigerated biscuits.
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).