If you’ve been searching for a fun and irresistible party snack or a cozy dinner twist, this Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine the classic sloppy joe filling packed into buttery, golden biscuit cups that are perfectly portioned and bursting with flavor. Each bite offers a mouthwatering combination of savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and melty cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a flaky biscuit shell that adds the perfect texture. Whether you’re serving them for a family night or a casual get-together, these cups will bring smiles and satisfy hungry appetites with their playful presentation and homestyle comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups Recipe, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients that each bring their own magic. From the savory ground beef to the flaky biscuit dough, every component plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and texture that everyone will love.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: The hearty base that soaks up all the delicious flavors perfectly.
- ½ cup ketchup: Adds a tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the meat.
- 4 tsp sugar: Enhances the ketchup’s sweetness for a mouth-watering sauce.
- 4 tsp yellow mustard: Brings a subtle tang and depth to the mix.
- 4 tsp white vinegar: Adds brightness to lift the flavors and avoid heaviness.
- 4 tsp Worcestershire sauce: Injects a savory, umami boost that’s essential here.
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes: Adds a mild onion flavor without the fuss of chopping fresh.
- 2 (6-oz) cans refrigerated biscuits (10 biscuits total): The flaky, buttery crust that hugs every savory bite.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top for a gooey, cheesy finish.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Muffin Pan and Ground Beef
First things first, preheat your oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a regular muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and no sticking. Next, brown your lean ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once it’s fully cooked and browned, drain any excess grease to keep your cups from getting oily.
Step 2: Whip Up That Classic Sloppy Joe Sauce
In the same skillet with your cooked beef, add your ketchup, sugar, yellow mustard, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and dried minced onion flakes. Give everything a good stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce gently simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the sauce to thicken and soak into the meat, creating that signature sloppy joe texture and taste. Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper to your preference—this step is what makes the flavors truly pop.
Step 3: Shape the Biscuit Cups
Grab your canned refrigerated biscuits and separate them into individual pieces—there should be 10 biscuits total. Using a rolling pin or your hands, flatten each biscuit into a large circle. Press each flattened biscuit firmly into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup. This forms a sturdy, buttery shell that will hold all your savory filling without leaking or falling apart.
Step 4: Fill and Cheese Those Cups
Now for the best part—spoon your rich, thickened sloppy joe mixture into each biscuit cup, filling them almost to the brim. Then top each cup with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt perfectly during baking, adding a golden, gooey layer that complements the savory filling and flaky dough.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 17 to 20 minutes, or until the biscuit cups turn a lovely golden brown and the cheese appears melted and bubbly. Once they’re out of the oven, feel free to sprinkle a little dried parsley for a subtle pop of color and freshness. Let them cool just slightly before serving so everyone can enjoy every gooey bite without burns.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of dried parsley adds a lovely touch, but you can also offer some finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for a brighter, fresher finish. A little drizzle of spicy mayo or a dollop of sour cream on top can kick the flavor profile up a notch and make your Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups truly unforgettable.
Side Dishes
These biscuit cups pair wonderfully with crispy vegetable sticks like celery and carrots or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside baked beans or corn on the cob. The variety in textures and temperatures will ensure your meal is well-rounded and deeply satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, serve Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper. Adding little ramekins of your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue sauce can turn this into a casual finger food feast. You could even offer a make-your-own topping bar, where everyone can customize their cups with jalapenos, pickles, or extra cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the biscuits from becoming soggy, it’s best to cool the cups completely before storing. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat gently for best texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze these cups either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, shape the biscuit cups with filling but don’t bake; cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. If freezing after baking, cool completely, then wrap each cup individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Reheating
For the best taste and texture, reheat your Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups in the oven at 350ºF for about 10-12 minutes or until warmed through and crisp on the edges. Microwaving is quicker but may result in a softer biscuit. If using a microwave, cover loosely with a damp paper towel to keep the filling moist.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of biscuit dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! While refrigerated biscuit dough works best for ease and texture, you can use homemade biscuit dough or even crescent roll dough for a slightly different flavor and flakiness. Just make sure your dough is sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. Adjust the seasonings as needed and cook the filling just like the original recipe. The biscuit cups will still be deliciously comforting with a vegetarian twist.
How spicy is the Sloppy Joe filling?
This Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups Recipe is mild and tangy, perfect for all ages. If you like a little kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chopped jalapenos to the meat mixture during cooking to spice it up to your liking.
Can I prepare the filling a day ahead?
Definitely! Making the filling a day ahead can actually enhance the flavors as they have more time to meld. Just keep it refrigerated and reheat before assembling your biscuit cups for baking to ensure everything stays fresh and delicious.
What’s the best cheese to use for topping?
Sharp cheddar is classic here because it melts beautifully and balances the sweet and tangy filling. You can also experiment with pepper jack for some heat or mozzarella for extra gooeyness, but cheddar is always a crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to try this Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups Recipe very soon because it truly is one of those feel-good dishes that brings everyone together around the table. Easy to make, packed with vibrant flavors, and endlessly adaptable, it’s the perfect choice for a fun family dinner, an appetizer for your next party, or a cozy weekend treat. Once you taste these golden, cheesy cups filled with that classic sloppy joe goodness, I promise you’ll be making them again and again.
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Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups are a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich, combining savory ground beef in a tangy sauce baked inside flaky biscuit cups topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family-friendly meal or party appetizer, these bite-sized cups offer a fun and flavorful way to enjoy a comforting favorite with minimal prep and quick baking time.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ cup ketchup
- 4 tsp sugar
- 4 tsp yellow mustard
- 4 tsp white vinegar
- 4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Biscuit Cups
- 2 (6-oz) cans refrigerated biscuits (10 biscuits total)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Dried parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare muffin pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Spray a regular muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef until browned. Drain off any excess grease to reduce fat content in the dish.
- Make sloppy joe sauce: Add ketchup, sugar, yellow mustard, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and dried minced onion flakes to the cooked beef. Stir thoroughly and reduce heat to low. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Prepare biscuit cups: Open the cans of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate into 10 biscuits. Using a rolling pin, roll each biscuit into a large circle to fit the muffin cups properly. Press each circle firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the sprayed muffin pan cups to form a shell.
- Assemble the cups: Spoon the thickened meat mixture evenly into each biscuit cup. Top each with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for a gooey finish.
- Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 17 to 20 minutes until the biscuits are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle the Sloppy Joe Biscuit Cups with dried parsley for added flavor and color. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
- You can substitute shredded cheddar with mozzarella or your favorite melting cheese.
- Drain excess grease from the cooked beef to keep the cups from becoming too oily.
- To save time, biscuit dough can be purchased pre-rolled if available.
- Serve these cups with a side of coleslaw or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
