Easy Barbecups
Mini savory bites combining tender biscuit shells with flavorful ground beef, barbecue sauce, and melted Cheddar cheese, perfect for parties, snacks, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, stirring to crumble; drain excess fat.
- Add barbecue sauce and minced onion; stir well and set aside.
- Separate the biscuits and press each into the muffin cups, pressing up the sides to form cups.
- Spoon the meat mixture evenly into each biscuit cup.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top of each filled biscuit cup.
- Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes until golden and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option. You can also add diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the meat mixture for extra flavor. If you don't have barbecue sauce, a mix of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce can work in a pinch. Be sure to press the biscuits firmly into the muffin cups to avoid gaps.
Serving Suggestions
These Barbecups make an excellent appetizer or a fun main course for casual gatherings. Serve them with a side salad or coleslaw for a complete meal. They also pair well with baked beans or corn on the cob. For a hearty dinner, consider serving alongside a classic dish like Sunday Beef Stew.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Barbecups 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 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but they may not be as crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Barbecups contains roughly 272 calories, with 15g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value) and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A.
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 the meat mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ground beef and barbecue sauce mixture a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and assemble the Barbecups just before baking for a quick and easy dinner option.
Can I freeze the Barbecups?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled, unbaked Barbecups. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, there's no need to thaw—just bake for a few extra minutes.
What can I substitute for Cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for a different cheese, mozzarella or pepper jack can be great alternatives. Mozzarella will add a nice stretch, while pepper jack will provide a bit of spice. Experiment with your favorite cheeses to find the perfect combination!
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).