Ben'S Barbecue Cups

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

These savory barbecue cups feature seasoned hamburger, sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, and melty cheddar cheese, perfect for casual gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb hamburger
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 can refrigerated biscuits
  • 3/4 cup grated Cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, brown the hamburger and drain excess fat.
  2. Add chopped onion, brown sugar, and barbecue sauce to the skillet; cook until heated through.
  3. Separate the refrigerated biscuits and place each one in an ungreased muffin cup, shaping it to fit the cup.
  4. Spoon the meat mixture into each biscuit-lined muffin cup.
  5. Top each with grated Cheddar cheese.
  6. Bake at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flavor boost, consider adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, you can substitute homemade barbecue sauce with your favorite store-bought variety. To reduce fat, use lean ground beef or turkey. For additional texture, mix in some corn or black beans. Keep an eye on the biscuits while baking to prevent over-browning.

Serving Suggestions

These barbecue cups make a fantastic appetizer or main dish. Serve them with a side of coleslaw or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. They also pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch or extra barbecue sauce. For a fun twist, try serving with a side of Farmer'S Chow for a hearty dinner experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cups on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This will help maintain the biscuit's texture. If you prefer the microwave, heat in short intervals to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ben'S Barbecue Cups contains roughly 620 calories, with 18g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 853mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).

620 kcal 31% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 18.4g 37% DV
Total Fat 15.3g 20% DV
Carbs 104.5g 38% DV
Fiber 1.3g 5% DV
Sugar 83.8g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 852.9mg 37% DV
Potassium 467mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 52.7mg 18% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 76.1mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 0.3mg
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 269.7mg 21% DV
Iron 2.6mg 14% DV
Diet fit 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 for this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. For a vegetarian option, consider substituting with black beans or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat. Just ensure to adjust cooking times as necessary and season well to enhance the flavor.

What should I do if I don’t have muffin cups?

If muffin cups are unavailable, you can use a greased muffin tin to shape the biscuits. Alternatively, shape the biscuits into small bowls on a baking sheet. Just be sure to adjust baking time since they may cook differently when flattened.

Can I make these barbecue cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and biscuit cups ahead of time. Assemble them and store in the fridge until you're ready to bake. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining, ensuring you can enjoy freshly baked barbecue cups with minimal effort.

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).

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