Introduction: Can Fun, Handheld Sloppy Joes Be Ready in Just 30 Minutes?
Craving a playful, comforting twist on a classic sloppy Joe that’s perfect for kids and adults alike? The Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups, with 8 glowing reviews, are your answer! These bite-sized treats feature lean ground beef and veggies in a tangy barbecue sauce, nestled in flaky biscuit cups and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Wondering how to create these restaurant-quality, kid-friendly morsels at home in just 30 minutes for 10 delicious biscuit cups? Follow along, and I’ll guide you through every step to make this easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, party appetizers, or fun family meals!
Overview: Why This Recipe Rocks
The Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups are a quick, savory dish that transforms the classic sloppy Joe into portable, biscuit-based cups, combining a flavorful beef filling with a golden, flaky crust. They’re fun, versatile, and simple to prepare. Here’s why they’re a standout:
- Time Requirement: About 30 minutes total (20 minutes prep, 10 minutes cooking).
- Difficulty Level: Easy! If you can brown beef and shape biscuits, you’re set.
- Why It’s Awesome: This dish uses pantry staples like barbecue sauce and refrigerated biscuits to deliver bold, tangy flavors in a fun format. It’s versatile (customize fillings or toppings), yields 10 biscuit cups to serve 5–10 people, and is ideal for quick dinners, snacks, or party bites. Plus, it’s baked in a muffin tin, keeping cleanup simple!
With their golden biscuits and cheesy tops, these biscuit cups are as appetizing as they are delicious. Let’s get cooking!
Essential Ingredients
To make Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups for 10 biscuit cups, you’ll need these key ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture to this fun dish:
- Lean Ground Beef (1 lb, 90% lean): Savory, protein-rich base.
- Celery (¼ cup, finely chopped): Adds crunch and subtle flavor.
- Onion (¼ cup, finely chopped): Brings sweet, savory depth.
- Green Pepper (¼ cup, finely chopped): Provides color and mild sweetness.
- Barbecue Sauce (½ cup): Delivers tangy, smoky flavor.
- Refrigerated Flaky Biscuits (1 tube, 12 oz, 10 count): Forms the golden, flaky cups.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (½ cup): Adds melty, cheesy richness.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Replace celery or green pepper with carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Barbecue Sauce: Use ketchup, sloppy Joe sauce, or a spicy version for a different twist.
- Biscuits: Substitute with crescent roll dough or homemade biscuit dough (pre-shape into circles).
- Cheddar Cheese: Swap with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Add-Ons: Include black beans, corn, or diced jalapeños in the filling for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free biscuits and barbecue sauce (check labels).
Why These Ingredients Matter: The lean beef and veggies provide protein and fiber, while the barbecue sauce adds bold, tangy flavor. The biscuits create a flaky, handheld base, and the cheese brings gooey richness, making these cups a balanced, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for casual dining.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups step by step. It’s so simple, you’ll feel like a pro chef in no time!
Step 1: Preheat and Cook the Filling
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a large skillet, cook 1 lb lean ground beef, ¼ cup finely chopped celery, ¼ cup finely chopped onion, and ¼ cup finely chopped green pepper over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, breaking up the beef into crumbles, until the beef is no longer pink (165°F internal temperature) and vegetables are tender.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in ½ cup barbecue sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tip: Chop vegetables finely for even cooking, and drain beef well to avoid a greasy filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Biscuit Cups
- Grease 10 cups of a standard muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Separate 1 tube (12 oz, 10 count) refrigerated flaky biscuits and flatten each into a 5-inch circle.
- Press each biscuit into the bottom and up the sides of a greased muffin cup to form a cup shape.
Tip: Press biscuits firmly to create a deep cup, ensuring they hold the filling without tearing.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
- Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the biscuit cups, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake at 400°F for 9–11 minutes, until the biscuits are golden brown.
- Sprinkle with ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese and bake for 1–2 minutes longer, until the cheese is melted.
Tip: Fill cups evenly to ensure consistent baking, and watch closely during the final bake to avoid over-melting the cheese.
Step 4: Serve
- Let the biscuit cups cool in the tin for 2–3 minutes, then remove carefully with a spoon or spatula.
- Serve hot, arranged on a platter or individual plates.
Tip: Serve immediately to enjoy the flaky biscuits and melty cheese at their best.
Assembly: Serving the Perfect Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups
Your Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups are ready to delight! Here’s how to make them look as fun as they taste:
- Serving: Arrange biscuit cups on a platter for a party vibe or serve 2–3 per plate for a meal, showcasing their golden edges and cheesy tops. Pair with a dipping sauce or side.
- Presentation Tips:
- Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or a sprinkle of extra cheese for a pop of color.
- Serve in colorful muffin liners for a festive, kid-friendly look.
- Stack on a tiered stand for a party appetizer display.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with a side of coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a fresh salad. A cold soda, iced tea, or sparkling water with lime complements the tangy flavors.
Pro Tip: For a fun twist, serve with a side of extra barbecue sauce or ranch for dipping to enhance the sloppy Joe flavor.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups are best fresh, but you can store leftovers or prep components ahead. Here’s how to keep them tasty:
- Storage:
- Store leftover biscuit cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing:
- Freeze baked biscuit cups (without cheese topping) in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat and add fresh cheese.
- Alternatively, freeze the beef filling alone and assemble with fresh biscuits later.
- Reheating:
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes on a baking sheet to recrisp the biscuits, until heated through (165°F internal temperature).
- Microwave for 1–2 minutes, but oven reheating retains the best texture.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prepare the beef filling up to a day ahead; store in the fridge.
- Assemble biscuit cups (without baking) a few hours in advance; refrigerate in the muffin tin and bake when ready.
- Chop vegetables a day ahead to save prep time.
Tip: Sprinkle with fresh cheese after reheating to revive the gooey topping.
Recipe Variations
The Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups are super versatile. Here are some fun ways to mix it up:
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy barbecue sauce or add diced jalapeños to the filling.
- Veggie Boost: Include diced mushrooms, zucchini, or corn with the vegetables.
- Vegetarian: Swap beef for plant-based ground meat, lentils, or extra veggies.
- Cheesy Deluxe: Add extra cheddar or mix in pepper jack for a spicier twist.
- Low-Carb: Use low-carb biscuit dough or serve filling in lettuce cups.
- Flavor Twist: Add 1 tsp chili powder or cumin to the beef for extra depth.
Mix and match to suit your taste or pantry staples!
Conclusion: A Fun, Tex-Mex Comfort Classic
The Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups are a quick, playful meal that brings tangy, savory flavors to your table in just 30 minutes. With lean beef, tender veggies, and flaky biscuit cups topped with melty cheese, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, party appetizers, or family meals. Try them as is or add your own spin—maybe some extra spice or veggies? Share your creations with us! Grab your muffin tin, gather your ingredients, and enjoy every crispy, delicious bite!
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Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups
Description
Craving a playful, comforting twist on a classic sloppy Joe that’s perfect for kids and adults alike? The Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups, with 8 glowing reviews, are your answer! These bite-sized treats feature lean ground beef and veggies in a tangy barbecue sauce, nestled in flaky biscuit cups and topped with melted cheddar cheese
Ingredients
To make Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups for 10 biscuit cups, you’ll need these key ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture to this fun dish:
- Lean Ground Beef (1 lb, 90% lean): Savory, protein-rich base.
- Celery (¼ cup, finely chopped): Adds crunch and subtle flavor.
- Onion (¼ cup, finely chopped): Brings sweet, savory depth.
- Green Pepper (¼ cup, finely chopped): Provides color and mild sweetness.
- Barbecue Sauce (½ cup): Delivers tangy, smoky flavor.
- Refrigerated Flaky Biscuits (1 tube, 12 oz, 10 count): Forms the golden, flaky cups.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (½ cup): Adds melty, cheesy richness.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Replace celery or green pepper with carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Barbecue Sauce: Use ketchup, sloppy Joe sauce, or a spicy version for a different twist.
- Biscuits: Substitute with crescent roll dough or homemade biscuit dough (pre-shape into circles).
- Cheddar Cheese: Swap with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Add-Ons: Include black beans, corn, or diced jalapeños in the filling for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free biscuits and barbecue sauce (check labels).
Why These Ingredients Matter: The lean beef and veggies provide protein and fiber, while the barbecue sauce adds bold, tangy flavor. The biscuits create a flaky, handheld base, and the cheese brings gooey richness, making these cups a balanced, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for casual dining.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Cook the Filling
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a large skillet, cook 1 lb lean ground beef, ¼ cup finely chopped celery, ¼ cup finely chopped onion, and ¼ cup finely chopped green pepper over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, breaking up the beef into crumbles, until the beef is no longer pink (165°F internal temperature) and vegetables are tender.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in ½ cup barbecue sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tip: Chop vegetables finely for even cooking, and drain beef well to avoid a greasy filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Biscuit Cups
- Grease 10 cups of a standard muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Separate 1 tube (12 oz, 10 count) refrigerated flaky biscuits and flatten each into a 5-inch circle.
- Press each biscuit into the bottom and up the sides of a greased muffin cup to form a cup shape.
Tip: Press biscuits firmly to create a deep cup, ensuring they hold the filling without tearing.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
- Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the biscuit cups, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake at 400°F for 9–11 minutes, until the biscuits are golden brown.
- Sprinkle with ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese and bake for 1–2 minutes longer, until the cheese is melted.
Tip: Fill cups evenly to ensure consistent baking, and watch closely during the final bake to avoid over-melting the cheese.
Step 4: Serve
- Let the biscuit cups cool in the tin for 2–3 minutes, then remove carefully with a spoon or spatula.
- Serve hot, arranged on a platter or individual plates.
Tip: Serve immediately to enjoy the flaky biscuits and melty cheese at their best.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free biscuits and barbecue sauce (check labels).
2. How can I make it vegetarian?
Swap beef for plant-based ground meat, lentils, or extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.
3. What are the health benefits of this dish?
This dish offers protein from lean beef, fiber from vegetables, and calcium from cheese. Pair with a salad for a balanced meal.
4. Can I use ground turkey?
Yes! Use 1 lb ground turkey; cook until no longer pink (165°F) and drain excess fat.
5. How do I keep the biscuits flaky?
Flatten biscuits evenly, avoid overfilling, and bake until golden to maintain texture.
6. Can I use homemade biscuits?
Yes! Use homemade biscuit dough, cut into 5-inch circles, and press into muffin cups.
7. How long does it take to make this dish?
Prep takes about 20 minutes (cooking beef and shaping biscuits), and cooking takes 10 minutes, so you’re done in about 30 minutes.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Double all ingredients to make 20 biscuit cups; use two muffin tins or bake in batches.