Easy Barbecue Cups
These flavorful barbecue cups combine seasoned ground beef, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted cheese in flaky biscuits, perfect as a quick appetizer or satisfying snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, stirring to crumble; drain excess fat.
- Add barbecue sauce and minced onion; stir well and set aside.
- Separate biscuits and place one in each muffin cup, pressing up the sides.
- Spoon the meat mixture evenly into each biscuit cup.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top of each filled biscuit.
- Bake at 400°F for 8 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground turkey. You can also swap out the Cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a bit of spice. If you don’t have instant minced onion, finely chopped fresh onion can be used, but sauté it with the beef to soften it. This recipe is a great way to use leftover barbecue sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These Easy Barbecue Cups are perfect for game day or casual gatherings. Serve them with a side of coleslaw or mixed greens for a refreshing contrast. They also pair well with sweet potato fries or a light dip like ranch. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside 'You'Ll Never Believe It' Rib Roast for a hearty 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 a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven keeps the biscuit crust crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Barbecue Cups contains roughly 198 calories, with 7g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% 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 barbecue cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble the cups just before baking for the best texture. If you want to freeze them, assemble the cups without baking, wrap tightly, and store for up to a month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of biscuits?
If you don't have biscuits, you can use puff pastry or crescent roll dough as a tasty alternative. Simply roll out the dough, cut it into squares, and follow the same assembly instructions. This will give you a flakier texture, perfect for soaking up the barbecue sauce.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Diced bell peppers or shredded carrots can be mixed into the meat filling for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also add cooked corn or black beans for a southwestern twist. Just be sure not to overload the biscuit cups to ensure they bake properly.
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).