Sloppy Joe Cups
Savory bite-sized cups filled with seasoned beef, vegetables, and melted cheese, perfect for quick dinners or entertaining guests, offering comforting flavors in a fun, portable form.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown hamburger with onion and green pepper; season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat.
- Add spaghetti sauce and brown sugar to the meat mixture. Simmer briefly to combine flavors.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-cup muffin pan.
- Spread buttermilk biscuits out flat and press into the muffin cups to form a crust.
- Spoon approximately 3 tablespoons of the meat mixture into each biscuit-lined cup.
- Top each with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake until the biscuits are lightly brown and the cheese is melted, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. If you want a spicier kick, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger to reduce fat content. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or a meat substitute, and replace the cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sloppy Joe Cups with a simple side salad or some crispy potato wedges for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Green Beans A La Peggy for a refreshing contrast. You can also offer a selection of condiments like pickles or hot sauce on the side to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the Sloppy Joe Cups to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the biscuits soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sloppy Joe Cups contains roughly 538 calories, with 15g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1445mg per serving (63% 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 the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance. Simply cool it down, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat it before assembling the cups. This helps save time during meal prep and allows the flavors to develop further.
What can I use instead of buttermilk biscuits?
If you don’t have buttermilk biscuits, you can use crescent roll dough or even puff pastry as a crust. Just ensure you adjust the baking time accordingly. Both options will provide a deliciously flaky base for your Sloppy Joe Cups.
Can I freeze the Sloppy Joe Cups?
Yes, these cups can be frozen before baking. Assemble them in the muffin tin, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for best results.
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).