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📖 Recipe Introduction & History
Cheesy Beef Biscuit Cups, sometimes called BBQ Beef Biscuit Cups or Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups, are a classic American “fast food at home” dish. The concept originated as a creative, easy-to-make family meal or party appetizer using convenient pantry staples like canned biscuit dough and ground beef. Their appeal lies in being a handheld comfort food—flaky biscuit cups filled with a savory, saucy meat mixture and melted cheese. They are known for being exceptionally quick to prepare, often ready in 30 minutes or less, making them a perfect choice for a busy weeknight dinner, game day snack, or potluck dish.
✅ Benefits & Why Lovers Enjoy This Recipe
This recipe has remained popular for decades because it’s a crowd-pleaser with universal appeal. The combination of comforting flavors from biscuits, seasoned beef, and melted cheese is widely loved.
· Family-Friendly: The recipe is often noted as a kid-approved favorite. Kids love the fun, hand-held format and the familiar tastes.
· Versatile & Customizable: The basic formula is incredibly flexible. You can easily adapt the flavor profile by changing the sauce or cheese, making it suitable for many tastes and occasions.
· Convenience: It uses simple, affordable ingredients and pre-made biscuit dough, requiring minimal effort for a home-cooked meal.
📝 Detailed Ingredients & Recipe Information
Classic BBQ Beef Biscuit Cups
This version, adapted from trusted recipe blogs and the official Pillsbury site, serves 8-10 people.
Equipment Needed
· 12-cup muffin tin
· Non-stick cooking spray
· Large skillet
· Mixing bowl
Ingredient List
· 1 pound (450g) ground beef (lean ground sirloin is a good choice)
· 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion (or substitute 1 tsp dried onion)
· 1/2 to 3/4 cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand)
· 1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed (optional, for added texture)
· 1 (10-count) can refrigerated flaky biscuits (such as Pillsbury Grands!™)
· 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, reduced-fat cheddar, or a spicy variety like Buffalo Wing Cheese)
· Cooking spray or oil, for greasing the muffin tin
🧑🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions & Methods
Method 1: The Standard Assembly (Best for beginners)
This is the most common method found across all recipes.
1. Preheat & Prep: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously spray a muffin tin with cooking spray.
2. Cook the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the meat is browned and no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat. Remove from heat and stir in the barbecue sauce and corn (if using).
3. Form the Cups: Do not roll out the biscuits. Simply press each biscuit into a muffin cup, pushing the dough up the sides to form a cup or bowl shape. It should go about halfway up the sides.
4. Fill & Top: Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each biscuit cup. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top.
5. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuit edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Method 2: The Layered Biscuit Method (For extra flaky layers)
This technique, endorsed by Pillsbury, creates a thinner, crispier cup.
1. Prepare the filling as in Step 2 above.
2. Pull each biscuit apart into 2 layers. Press each layer into a 4-inch round.
3. Place one round into each greased muffin cup, pressing firmly to form a ¼-inch rim.
4. Fill with the beef mixture, sprinkle with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 13-15 minutes.
🔄 Recipe Variations & Customization Ideas
The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Here are popular variations:
Variation 1: Cheeseburger Biscuit Cups
Swap the BBQ sauce for a classic cheeseburger flavor.
· Sauce Mix: 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce.
· Cheese: Use cubed Velveeta cheese layered inside and on top of the meat for an ultra-creamy melt.
Variation 2: Spicy “Buffalo Wing” Cups
Add a spicy kick inspired by Gardner’s Wisconsin Cheese.
· Sauce: Use a spicy or chipotle BBQ sauce.
· Cheese: Substitute cheddar with shredded Buffalo Wing Cheese or pepper jack.
· Topping: Drizzle with a hot honey or jalapeño sauce after baking.
Ingredient Substitutions
· Meat: Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef. Pre-cooked shredded BBQ chicken or pulled pork also work perfectly.
· Sauce: Beyond BBQ, try Sloppy Joe sauce, marinara with Italian cheese, or taco seasoning with salsa and Monterey Jack.
· Add-Ins: Diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or black beans can be added to the beef while cooking.
📊 Nutrition Information & Dietary Notes
Here is the nutritional breakdown per serving (estimated for 1 biscuit cup from the standard recipe).
Classic BBQ Beef Biscuit Cup (per serving)
· Calories: 267-368 kcal
· Total Fat: 16-21 g
· Protein: 11-14 g
· Total Carbohydrates: 19-32 g
· Sodium: 447-761 mg
Making It Healthier
· For a diabetic-friendly version, use lean ground sirloin, reduced-fat cheese, and a low-sugar BBQ sauce. Dividing the biscuits in half for smaller portions also aids in portion control.
· To reduce calories and fat, opt for extra-lean ground beef (93/7 or higher) and low-fat cheese.
· Be mindful of sodium content; using a low-sodium BBQ sauce can significantly reduce the total sodium per serving.
💎 Conclusion & Final Tips
In conclusion, Cheesy Beef Biscuit Cups are a timeless, versatile recipe beloved for their ease, flavor, and fun presentation. Their history as a clever home-cooked “fast food” ensures they remain a staple for families and hosts alike.
Key Tips for Success:
· Grease Well: Thoroughly spray the muffin tin to prevent sticking.
· Don’t Overfill: The biscuit dough will puff up while baking. Fill cups only 3/4 full with the meat mixture.
· Make-Ahead: The beef filling can be cooked 1-2 days in advance and stored in the fridge, making assembly even faster on busy nights.
· Serving Suggestions: These cups are a complete meal on their own but pair wonderfully with a simple green salad, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or potato salad.
I hope this comprehensive guide helps you master this beloved recipe. If you’d like to explore one of the specific variations like the Cheeseburger or Buffalo Wing style in more detail, just let me know!
