Beef Cups
Beef Cups are savory, cheesy biscuit cups filled with seasoned ground beef and barbecue flavor, perfect as a hearty appetizer or casual snack for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef with chopped onion; drain off excess grease.
- Add brown sugar and barbecue sauce; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mold refrigerated biscuits to form cups in greased muffin pans.
- Fill each biscuit cup with the beef mixture and top with grated Cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes until cheese is melted and biscuits are golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika to the beef mixture. If you want a lighter version, substitute half of the ground beef with turkey or chicken. You can also use whole wheat biscuits for a healthier twist. For a kick, add jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce to the barbecue sauce. This dish is great for using up leftover ingredients from other beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these beef cups with a side of coleslaw or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. They also pair well with baked beans or potato wedges for a hearty dinner. For a fun twist, try serving them with a drizzle of ranch dressing or extra barbecue sauce on the side. These cups are perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the beef cups in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for 1-2 minutes, but the oven method helps maintain the biscuit's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Cups contains roughly 374 calories, with 12g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (25% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 472mg per serving (21% 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 beef cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and biscuit cups separately ahead of time. Assemble them right before baking for the best texture. This way, you can enjoy fresh, hot cups without much fuss on busy days.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
If you're not a fan of Cheddar, you can substitute it with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Each cheese will bring a different texture and flavor to the dish, so feel free to experiment.
Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat. Add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach to enhance the flavor and nutrition, making it a satisfying vegetarian dish.
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).