Cheeseburger Biscuit Cups: A Comforting, Fun Twist on a Classic!
These Cheeseburger Biscuit Cups bring together all the savory flavors of a cheeseburger in a bite-sized, fluffy biscuit cup. Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or even as a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, this recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. The combination of seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and golden biscuit dough creates a comforting experience that is bound to satisfy any craving for a warm, homemade meal.
Ingredients Overview
- Ground Beef (1 lb): This is the star of the filling, bringing a hearty, savory flavor that perfectly complements the soft biscuit cup. For extra flavor, opt for a lean blend.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Adding a small onion brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the beef mixture. You can use yellow or white onion depending on your preference.
- Ketchup (1/2 cup): Ketchup brings a touch of sweetness and acidity, enhancing the burger-like flavor and giving the mixture a nice saucy texture.
- Mustard (2 tbsp): Mustard adds a bit of tangy, spicy warmth that balances the ketchup and gives that classic cheeseburger taste.
- Refrigerated Biscuit Dough (1 can): This makes forming the cups super easy and ensures a golden, tender base for each serving.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Cheddar cheese melts beautifully over the beef, creating that iconic cheeseburger finish.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning the meat and balancing the flavors.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the biscuit cups after baking.
2. Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess fat for a leaner, more flavorful filling.
3. Season the Filling
Add ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper to the skillet, stirring until the mixture is evenly combined and saucy. Reduce heat and allow the flavors to meld together for a couple of minutes.
4. Shape the Biscuit Cups
Take each piece of biscuit dough and press it gently into each muffin cup, creating a small well to hold the beef mixture. Flatten the dough slightly to avoid an overly thick base.
5. Fill the Biscuit Cups
Spoon a generous portion of the seasoned beef mixture into each biscuit cup. Fill to the top, but avoid overfilling for even baking.
6. Add Cheddar Cheese Topping
Sprinkle a hearty layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture in each cup. The cheese will melt and create a bubbly, golden crust.
7. Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the biscuit dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow the cups to cool slightly before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Cheeseburger Biscuit Cups
- Choose the Right Beef: Use a lean ground beef blend for a balanced taste without excess grease.
- Mince the Onion Finely: Small pieces will cook faster and blend better with the beef, avoiding a chunky texture.
- Make Room for Filling: Press the biscuit dough deep enough to create a solid cup for the filling, but keep the walls thick enough to hold the mixture.
- Try Variations: For extra flavor, consider adding a bit of Worcestershire sauce or BBQ sauce to the beef mixture.
- Evenly Divide Cheese: Adding an even layer of cheese ensures a consistent gooey, delicious top on each cup.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If freezing, let the cups cool completely, wrap each individually in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, bake the cups in an oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore their original crispiness. For quicker reheating, use a microwave but place a damp paper towel over the cups to keep them moist.
20 Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a lighter alternative that works well with the other flavors. - Can I make these without onion?
Yes, you can skip the onion if you prefer, or substitute with onion powder for a milder flavor. - Is there a gluten-free option?
Try using gluten-free biscuit dough if available or substitute with a homemade gluten-free dough. - What other cheese works well?
Mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack add great taste; for a sharp bite, try using Colby. - Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef mixture in advance, then assemble and bake the next day. - How can I prevent soggy bottoms?
Avoid overfilling with sauce and ensure your dough is fresh and evenly pressed into the tin. - Is there a vegetarian version?
Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or a mixture of diced mushrooms and lentils. - Can I add pickles?
Yes! Add chopped pickles to the beef mixture or serve on top after baking for a tangy twist. - Are these good for meal prep?
Absolutely. They freeze well and can be reheated easily for quick meals. - Can I make this with homemade dough?
Certainly! Homemade dough will work; just ensure it’s rolled thin enough for baking in muffin cups. - What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
Use oven-safe ramekins or small baking dishes if you don’t have a muffin tin. - Do I need to grease the muffin tin if using non-stick?
It’s recommended to still grease to ensure easy removal and prevent sticking. - Can I add vegetables?
Sure! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded carrots are delicious additions. - Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese for a savory, dairy-free version. - What size biscuit dough works best?
Regular-sized biscuits are ideal; jumbo may be too large for muffin tins. - Is it possible to add bacon?
Adding crumbled bacon on top of the cheese is a fantastic idea for extra flavor! - Are these kid-friendly?
Yes! The cheeseburger flavor and small size make them very kid-friendly. - How can I make them spicy?
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili powder for a kick! - Do these reheat well in the microwave?
Yes, but cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. - Can I bake these at a different temperature?
Yes, but adjust the baking time accordingly; lower temperatures will require longer baking.
20 Secrets to Cheeseburger Biscuit Cup Perfection
- Preheat the Oven Properly: Starting with a hot oven helps ensure the biscuit cups bake evenly.
- Add Seasoning Gradually: Season to taste as you cook the beef, adjusting as needed.
- Use Fresh Biscuits: Fresh biscuit dough will be easier to shape and won’t shrink during baking.
- Mix Sauces for Variety: Experiment by adding BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Press Dough Evenly: For consistent cooking, press each biscuit cup to an even thickness in the muffin tin.
- Try Mini Muffin Tins for Smaller Bites: Make these in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized appetizers.
- Add Garlic Powder or Onion Powder for Extra Flavor: These seasonings boost the savory taste.
- Consider a Bread Crumb Topping: For added crunch, sprinkle bread crumbs over the cheese before baking.
- Keep the Beef Mixture Warm: A warm filling melds with the biscuit dough better during baking.
- Bake on the Middle Rack: For even baking, place the muffin tin on the middle oven rack.
- Grease the Muffin Tin Well: Greasing well ensures the cups release easily without breaking.
- Check for Doneness at 15 Minutes: Baking times vary, so check the cups at 15 minutes to avoid over-baking.
- Layer Cheese for a Richer Flavor: Add half the cheese in the beef mixture and the rest on top.
- Let Them Rest Before Serving: Cooling slightly prevents the cups from breaking apart when removed.
- Add Green Onions for Garnish: Chopped green onions add a lovely touch of color and freshness.
- Store in Layers: When storing, place a sheet of wax paper between layers to keep them from sticking.
- Use a Cookie Scoop for Portioning: This helps evenly divide the filling among the cups.
- Experiment with Toppings: Top with a dollop of sour cream or sliced jalapeños after baking
