Vegetable-Stuffed Meat Cups(Microwave Main Dish)
Vegetable-stuffed meat cups offer a savory combination of seasoned ground beef, mixed vegetables, and melted cheese, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place vegetables in a small microwave-safe bowl.
- Cover with vented plastic wrap.
- Microwave on High for 3 1/2 minutes or until tender-crisp.
- Drain the vegetables.
- Add 1/2 cup of the cheese to the vegetables and toss to mix well. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion soup mix, egg, bread crumbs, and ketchup; mix well.
- Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal parts.
- Press each part into the bottoms and up sides of eight 6-ounce custard cups or individual casseroles.
- Divide the vegetable mixture among the meat cups.
- Arrange 4 custard cups in a circle in the microwave oven.
- Microwave uncovered on High for 4 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink, rearranging cups once during cooking.
- Sprinkle each cup with 1 tablespoon of the remaining cheese.
- Let stand, covered, while cooking the remaining cups.
- Repeat cooking for the remaining cups.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef, which still provides great flavor and texture. Feel free to use any frozen vegetables you prefer, such as broccoli or corn. If you don't have shredded Swiss cheese, mozzarella or cheddar will work well too. Make sure to drain the vegetables thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the meat cups.
Serving Suggestions
These Vegetable-Stuffed Meat Cups make a satisfying main dish on their own but pair nicely with a side salad or steamed rice for a complete meal. For an extra touch, serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. They also make a great addition to a potluck alongside American recipes like Microwave Pizza Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meat cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable-Stuffed Meat Cups(Microwave Main Dish) contains roughly 269 calories, with 9g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 608mg per serving (26% 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 use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables! Just chop them into small pieces and steam or sauté them until tender before mixing with the cheese. This will enhance the flavor and texture of your meat cups.
How can I make these meat cups gluten-free?
To make the meat cups gluten-free, replace the bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure the onion soup mix is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat.
Can I freeze these meat cups?
Absolutely! Assemble the meat cups, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and microwave or bake until heated through. They should stay good for up to three months in the freezer.
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).