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These handheld Cheeseburger Cups are a fun twist on the classic cheeseburger that come together quickly and pack big flavor in every bite. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or serving a crowd, they feature a biscuit base filled with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and your favorite toppings. Everyone will love customizing their own and enjoying all the tastes of a burger without the mess.
I first made these on a busy weeknight and was blown away by how much my family loved them. Now they often request Cheeseburger Cups for dinners and gatherings because they are fun and delicious.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: with good fat content for juicy results
- White onion: for mild sweetness but you can swap yellow or red onions for different flavor notes
- Fresh garlic: adds depth and aroma—can use jarred in a pinch but fresh is best
- Ketchup and mustard: bring the tang and classic burger flavor
- Jumbo biscuit dough: ideal for sturdy cups but crescent dough can work too if molded well
- American cheese cubes: melt perfectly creamy inside each cup
- Toppings: like dill pickles, shredded lettuce, and diced onion add freshness and crunch—pick good quality fresh produce
Instructions
- Cut and Press Dough:
- Cut each biscuit in half and press each piece flat to prepare for lining your muffin tin. This helps create a nice even cup for the filling.
- Line Muffin Tin:
- Grease your muffin tin thoroughly then press each flattened biscuit half along the sides to form cups. Make sure to press gently so the dough holds its shape but isn t too thin.
- Cook Beef and Aromatics:
- Heat a skillet over medium high heat and add ground beef and diced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Season Meat:
- Mix in ketchup and mustard along with salt and pepper to taste. This combination gives the filling its signature burger zing. Remove from heat once everything is combined evenly.
- Add Cheese to Dough Cups:
- Place one or two cubes of American cheese into the bottom of each biscuit cup. This will melt into a gooey layer under the beef filling.
- Fill and Bake:
- Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each dough cup. Bake in a preheated oven for six to seven minutes until the dough starts to set and the filling is hot. Then add another cheese cube on top of each, bake for another seven to eight minutes until the dough is golden and cheese is melty on top. Cool slightly before removing from the tin. Serve with your favorite burger toppings.
My favorite thing about these cups is the biscuit base that crisps up on the edges while staying fluffy inside. It’s like getting a little bread bowl for your burger filling. One family memory I cherish is making a big batch for a game day gathering, where everyone gathered around the table building their own perfect cup and sharing laughs as we loaded toppings high.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cheeseburger cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to keep the biscuit crust crispy. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground chicken or turkey work well if you want a leaner option. You can switch up the cheese to cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Using crescent dough instead of biscuit dough is possible, though you may need to be more careful shaping each cup so it holds together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your cheeseburger cups with classic fries or a fresh side salad. A toppings bar with pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, bacon bits, and sauces like BBQ or ranch makes for a fun interactive meal where everyone can customize their own.
These Cheeseburger Cups are an easy, crowd pleasing weeknight dinner or party appetizer. Serve warm and let everyone customize their own.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well and offers a lighter alternative while keeping the flavor balanced.
- → What type of dough is best for these cups?
Jumbo biscuit dough is ideal for shaping the cups, but crescent dough can also be molded into muffin tins as a substitute.
- → How do I customize the toppings?
Create a toppings bar with options like diced tomatoes, pickles, avocado, bacon bits, and shredded lettuce for personalized servings.
- → Can these cups be made ahead and frozen?
Yes, after cooling completely, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to a month, then reheat before serving.
- → What cooking method is used to prepare the filling?
The ground beef is sautéed with onions and garlic, then mixed with ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper before filling the biscuit cups.