Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! These incredible BBQ Beef Biscuit Cups are a dream come true for busy families and anyone craving a delicious, satisfying dinner without the fuss. Imagine tender, savory ground beef infused with tangy BBQ sauce, nestled in a warm, flaky biscuit crust, and topped with gooey melted cheese. Sounds amazing, right? The best part? This entire meal comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver on those hectic evenings.
A DELICIOUSLY EASY 30-MINUTE MEAL FOR BUSY FAMILIES
Life can be demanding, and finding time to prepare a wholesome, tasty meal often feels like an impossible task. That’s where these BBQ Beef Biscuit Cups shine! This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a culinary hero for quick weeknight dinners, potlucks, and even game day appetizers. Its simplicity makes it incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily adapt it to your family’s specific tastes and dietary needs. If you’re constantly on the hunt for a kid-friendly recipe that even the pickiest eaters will devour, look no further. These savory biscuit cups are a guaranteed hit that will have everyone asking for seconds.
What makes this recipe so special? It’s the perfect blend of minimal ingredients, maximum flavor, and a speedy preparation time. You only need five core ingredients – refrigerated biscuits, ground beef, your favorite BBQ sauce, cheese, and a touch of seasoning – to create a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s a fantastic way to transform humble pantry staples into something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, these BBQ Beef Biscuit Cups offer a stress-free path to a delightful meal.
“These are so easy to make. They taste absolutely awesome! It’s a meal in itself with a salad. Or just a great snack.”
– Karen
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BBQ BEEF BISCUIT CUPS
What should I serve with these biscuit cups?
These versatile BBQ Beef Biscuit Cups pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a classic comfort food experience, consider serving them with crispy french fries or golden tater tots. If you’re looking to add some freshness, a vibrant green salad with a light vinaigrette or a medley of steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or corn would be excellent choices. The options are truly endless, allowing you to customize your meal to your family’s preferences.
Could I use chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly adaptable. If you prefer chicken or have some on hand, you can easily substitute ground beef with cooked, shredded chicken. A convenient option is to use store-bought rotisserie chicken – simply shred it and combine with the BBQ sauce and seasoning. Alternatively, you can cook some chicken breast or thighs, chop them into smaller chunks, and then mix with the sauce. The flavors will be just as delicious!
What if I don’t like BBQ sauce, or want to try a different flavor profile?
No problem at all! The beauty of these biscuit cups lies in their flexibility. If BBQ sauce isn’t your preferred flavor, you have several exciting alternatives. You could use a sloppy joe mix, like Manwich, for a classic, sweet, and tangy profile. Another fantastic idea is to use taco seasoning – simply prepare your ground beef according to the taco seasoning packet directions (adding water or broth as specified) and then fill the biscuits. This will give you a completely different but equally delicious meal!
What if I can’t find the right size biscuits?
The key to these biscuit cups is using regular-sized refrigerated biscuits, typically found in 10-count packages. These are smaller than the “Grands” biscuits, which are generally too large for standard muffin tins and can make the cups too thick. Look for store-brand versions or “Grands Jr.” biscuits. They are usually more affordable and the perfect size. If you can only find the larger Grands biscuits, don’t despair! You can simply cut each biscuit in half and gently press them into the muffin tin, spreading them out as best you can to form the cup shape. They might be a little thicker, but they will still be delicious.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Storing and reheating these BBQ Beef Biscuit Cups is super easy, making them perfect for meal prepping or enjoying later. For short-term storage, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave until warmed through, or for a crispier biscuit, pop them in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. For longer storage, these biscuit cups freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them individually or place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, or reheat directly from frozen at a lower temperature until heated through.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR BBQ BEEF BISCUIT CUPS
Creating these delicious BBQ Beef Biscuit Cups requires a handful of common ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize based on your preferences and what you have on hand.
- Ground Beef: We recommend a lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) to minimize excess grease. However, feel free to use ground turkey, ground sausage, ground pork, or even ground chicken for a different flavor profile or to suit dietary needs. Each option brings its own unique taste to the filling.
- Barbecue Sauce: This is where the magic happens! Your choice of BBQ sauce will significantly impact the final flavor. Sweet Baby Ray’s is a popular choice for its balance of sweet and tangy, but feel free to use your absolute favorite brand. For an extra special touch, consider making a Homemade BBQ Sauce from scratch. Experiment with smoky, spicy, or classic tangy varieties to discover your perfect match.
- Dried Minced Onion: While optional, dried minced onion adds a wonderful depth of savory flavor and a subtle kick. It rehydrates beautifully within the meat mixture, distributing flavor evenly without the texture of fresh onion. If you don’t have it, a pinch of onion powder can be used as a substitute, or you can simply omit it.
- Refrigerated Biscuits: The foundation of our cups! Look for regular-sized refrigerated biscuits, typically in a 10-count or 12-count package (like “Grands Jr.” or most store brands). It’s crucial to avoid the larger “Grands” biscuits, as they tend to be too big and thick for individual muffin tin portions. Flaky layer biscuits also work great, adding an extra dimension of texture.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese melts into a gooey, savory topping that perfectly complements the BBQ beef. You can use pre-shredded cheddar for convenience or shred your own for optimal meltiness. Don’t be afraid to get creative with other cheeses! Pepper Jack will add a nice spicy kick, mozzarella offers a milder, stringier melt, or a Colby Jack blend could provide a rich, creamy finish.
HOW TO MAKE BBQ BEEF BISCUIT CUPS: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Get ready for a super easy and incredibly satisfying cooking experience! These BBQ Beef Biscuit Cups come together quickly with minimal effort, perfect for any night of the week. Just follow these simple steps:
- Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin: Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, take your muffin tin and generously spray each cup with a nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step ensures your biscuit cups won’t stick and will release easily once baked.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, add your pound of ground beef. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up the beef as it cooks. Brown and crumble the ground beef until it’s fully cooked through and no pink remains. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, turn off the heat and carefully drain any excess grease from the pan. This helps prevent your biscuit cups from becoming greasy.
- Create the Flavorful Filling: Return the browned ground beef to the pan. Now it’s time to add the flavor! Pour in about ¾ cup of your favorite barbecue sauce and sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of dried minced onion (if using). Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the ground beef is well coated with the BBQ sauce and the onion is evenly distributed. The aroma will already start to make your mouth water!
- Prepare the Biscuit Cups: Open your can of refrigerated biscuits and separate them. Take each biscuit and gently press it into the bottom and up the sides of the greased muffin tins. The goal is to create a small “cup” or “nest” for the meat filling. Ensure the dough is thin enough along the sides to allow for even baking.
- Fill the Biscuit Cups: Now, evenly divide your flavorful BBQ beef mixture among the prepared biscuit cups. Use a spoon to carefully scoop the meat into each biscuit shell, making sure not to overfill them. You want a good balance of biscuit and filling in every bite.
- Add the Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle about 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each filled biscuit cup, dividing it evenly. This cheese will melt into a delicious, bubbly layer, adding a creamy texture and savory richness to the finished product.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the muffin tin into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuits are beautifully golden brown and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly caramelized. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven. Let the biscuit cups cool for a few minutes in the tin before carefully removing them. Serve them warm with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal, or with a side of crispy fries for a delightful treat. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS:
To ensure your BBQ Beef Biscuit Cups turn out perfectly every time, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Don’t Skimp on Nonstick Spray: Generously grease your muffin tin. This is crucial for easy removal of the baked cups.
- Drain Excess Grease: After browning the ground beef, make sure to drain off any excess fat. This prevents your biscuit cups from being oily and helps the filling hold together better.
- Biscuit Size Matters: As mentioned, use regular-sized refrigerated biscuits (usually 10-12 count per can) rather than the larger “Grands” biscuits. The smaller size fits better in standard muffin cups and bakes more evenly.
- Don’t Overfill: Divide the meat mixture evenly among the biscuit cups to prevent overfilling, which can cause spillage and uneven baking.
- Watch Your Oven: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your biscuit cups during the last few minutes of baking. They are done when the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS & VARIATIONS:
These BBQ Beef Biscuit Cups are incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to make them a complete meal or to switch things up:
- Classic Sides: Serve with a simple green salad, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Comfort Food Pairings: French fries, onion rings, or sweet potato fries are perfect companions for a more indulgent meal.
- Breakfast for Dinner Twist: Add a fried egg on top for a fun, hearty breakfast-for-dinner option.
- Spicy Kick: Mix a dash of hot sauce into your BBQ beef filling, or use Pepper Jack cheese for an extra layer of heat.
- Veggie Boost: Finely dice some bell peppers, onions (if not using dried minced onion), or even a few mushrooms and sauté them with the ground beef for added nutrients and flavor.
- Different Sauces: As explored in the FAQ, swap the BBQ sauce for sloppy joe mix, taco seasoning, or even a creamy mushroom sauce for completely different flavor profiles.
WANT MORE EASY AND DELICIOUS RECIPES LIKE THIS?
If you loved the simplicity and flavor of these BBQ Beef Biscuit Cups, you’re in for a treat! We have a whole collection of quick, easy, and family-friendly recipes that utilize similar concepts – combining simple ingredients with minimal cooking time to create maximum taste. Explore some of our other favorites:
- Mini Chicken Pot Pies
- BBQ Chicken Pizza Cups
- Sloppy Joe Cups
- Crescent Taco Cups
- Taco Biscuit Cups
- Taco Pockets
- Spaghetti Cups
- BBQ Chicken Potato Skillet
- 100 Ground Beef Recipes
Originally published: April 2012
Updated photos & republished: May 2025
BBQ Beef Biscuit Cups (+Video)
BBQ Beef Biscuit Cups are an incredibly simple and flavorful meal, requiring only 5 main ingredients and taking just 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing snack!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 10
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 Tablespoon dry minced onion (optional)
- 12 ounce can refrigerated biscuits (regular size, 10-12 count)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Dried parsley flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 12-cup muffin tin generously with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large pan, brown and crumble 1 pound ground beef over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Turn off heat and carefully drain any excess grease from the ground beef.
- Return the ground beef to the pan. Add ¾ cup barbecue sauce and 1 Tablespoon dry minced onion. Stir well to combine all ingredients, ensuring the beef is thoroughly coated.
- Separate the 12 ounce can of refrigerated biscuits. Place one biscuit into each greased muffin tin cup. Gently press the dough up and along the sides of the muffin tins to form a cup shape.
- Divide the meat mixture evenly among the biscuit cups, carefully scooping it into each one.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of each biscuit cup.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly.
Video
Notes
- Make sure you are getting the regular-sized biscuits. There should be 10-12 biscuits per can. Do not use the larger “Grands” biscuits unless you plan to cut them in half before you use them.
- For an even faster meal, use pre-cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 323kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 18g | Sodium: 641mg | Sugar: 8g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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