Handheld cheeseburger biscuit cups

These handheld cheeseburger cups bring all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger wrapped up in a crispy biscuit shell. Perfect for a quick dinner or a party snack, they are easy to make and fun to customize with your favorite toppings. Whether you want a nofuss family meal or a creative gathering treat, these cups deliver that familiar burger taste in a bitesized form.

I first made these cheeseburger cups when I wanted a change from the usual burgers, and now they have become my goto dish for game days and quick family meals. The cheesy, savory goodness packed into a biscuit never fails to satisfy.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: the base for rich meaty flavor, but ground chicken or turkey also work well if you want something lighter
• White onion: adds sweetness and a bit of crunch, feel free to swap with yellow or red onions based on your preference
• Fresh garlic: brings aromatic depth, though jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch
• Ketchup and mustard: classic burger condiments that add tang and sweetness, key for that authentic cheeseburger taste
• Biscuit dough: jumbo biscuit dough is best for the sturdy base; use fresh or frozen but ensure it is not too soft or your cups may not hold shape
• American cheese cubes: melt smoothly and provide gooey cheeseburger goodness, but other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack can be tasty alternatives
• Toppings: classic choices like dill pickles, shredded lettuce, and diced onion add freshness and texture to finish off the savory cups

Instructions

Savor the Basics:

Cut each biscuit in half and press each half flat to prepare them for molding into the muffin pan. This gives just the right thickness for the crust that will hold up to the filling.

Shape the Cups:

Press each piece of flattened biscuit dough firmly into the greased muffin tin cavities, making sure they line the bottom and sides evenly. This step is essential to create a cup that won’t leak juices while baking.

Cook the Filling:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef with diced onions. Cook until the beef is nicely browned and onions soften, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic towards the end and cook just until it becomes fragrant, about one minute, so the garlic flavor shines without burning.

Season the Meat:

Mix ketchup and mustard into the beef mixture, then season with salt and pepper to taste. This combination brings the classic tang and sweetness of a cheeseburger into the filling. Remove the skillet from the heat once combined.

Add Cheese and Assemble:

Place a cube or two of American cheese into each biscuit cup, spreading them out at the bottom. Then evenly divide the cooked beef mixture over the cheese in each cup.

Bake the Cups:

Place the muffin tin in a preheated oven and bake for 6 to 7 minutes to start melting the cheese and warming the dough. Remove the tin and add another cheese cube on top of each cup, then bake for an additional 7 to 8 minutes until the cheese is melted and the biscuit is golden and fully cooked.

Serve with Toppings:

Allow the cheeseburger cups to cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin. Top with your favorite burger fix ins like pickles, shredded lettuce, and additional diced onions to complete the experience.

My favorite ingredient in this recipe is the biscuit dough. I love how it crisps up on the edges yet stays soft and flaky inside, perfectly complementing the juicy beef and melty cheese. I remember making a big batch for a family party and everyone was amazed at how easy and satisfying these cups were. They vanished in no time.

Storage Tips

Store leftover cheeseburger cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm them in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes to bring back the crispy biscuit shell and melted cheese texture. For longer storage, freeze completely cooled cups individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or ground chicken can replace ground beef for a leaner protein option without sacrificing taste. Use crescent roll dough if biscuit dough is not available but press it firmly into the muffin tin to hold the filling well. Cheese options like cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella can add a different flavor profile while still delivering that gooey texture. Try swapping ketchup and mustard with BBQ sauce or a spicy chipotle mayo for a flavor twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve cheeseburger cups alongside crispy oven fries or a simple green salad for a balanced casual meal. Offer a toppings bar with options like diced tomatoes, pickles, bacon bits, avocado slices, and a variety of sauces for everyone to customize their own cup. Pair with classic sides like coleslaw or baked beans for a fun backyard party spread.

These cheeseburger cups are a crowd pleasing, easy make ahead option that brings familiar burger flavors to a fun handheld format. Let them cool slightly before serving so they hold together.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef to create a lighter version of these biscuit cups.

→ What type of dough works best for the biscuit cups?

Jumbo biscuit dough is recommended for its reliable texture, but crescent dough can also be used with some adjustment.

→ How should I prepare the biscuit cups before baking?

Cut each biscuit in half, press flat, and firmly press into greased muffin tin cups to form the base for the filling.

→ Can I customize toppings for these biscuit cups?

Absolutely! Classic toppings like pickles, shredded lettuce, diced onions, or even bacon bits and avocado add great flavor.

→ Is it possible to make these in advance and reheat?

Yes, these biscuit cups can be frozen after cooling completely and reheated later for a quick meal option.