If you’re looking for a fun, tasty twist on a classic comfort food, this Sloppy Joe Cups Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Imagine all the messy, saucy goodness of a traditional Sloppy Joe tucked into perfectly crispy, biscuit cups that hold every bite together. These little handheld delights are not only simple to make but also pack a nostalgic punch that’s perfect for game days, busy weeknights, or casual get-togethers. With every bite delivering a savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy flavor explosion, these cups are sure to become your new go-to crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is straightforward but vital, each bringing its own magic to the table—whether it’s the rich, hearty beef that forms the base, the tangy Sloppy Joe sauce that brightens the flavor, or the soft, golden biscuit cups that add texture and warmth.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Use lean to keep it juicy without too much grease.
- 1 (15 oz) can sloppy joe sauce: This adds the bold, tangy tomato flavor that makes a Sloppy Joe special.
- 1 (10-count) can refrigerated biscuits (regular size): These form the perfect golden shells that cradle all the savory filling.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a gooey, melty finish with a sharp, creamy punch.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a muffin tin. This little step ensures your biscuit cups turn golden and release easily once baked.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nicely browned and fragrant. Don’t rush this step; browning adds incredible depth of flavor. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep things from being greasy.
Step 3: Add the Sloppy Joe Sauce
Stir the canned sloppy joe sauce into the browned beef. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly—this keeps every cup nice and saucy but not soggy.
Step 4: Shape the Biscuit Cups
Press each biscuit dough into the muffin tin cups, making sure to press up the sides to create a little edible bowl. This will hold all the delicious filling in place while baking.
Step 5: Fill and Top
Spoon the sloppy joe mixture into each biscuit cup, filling them almost to the top. Then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each one—this melts down to a rich, bubbly layer that pulls everything together.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the biscuit edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted and inviting. Keep an eye on them—you want that perfect balance between crisp and tender.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let your Sloppy Joe Cups cool for a few minutes before taking them out of the tin. This little pause helps the cheese set just enough so they hold together beautifully when you dig in.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Cups Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a few rings of pickled jalapeño can brighten up the rich flavors spectacularly. A dash of hot sauce on the side also pairs perfectly if you like a little kick.
Side Dishes
Pair these cups with a crisp garden salad for freshness or classic coleslaw for crunch and tang. For a cozy meal, creamy mashed potatoes or roasted veggies complement the savory meat beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Sloppy Joe Cups Recipe on a rustic wooden board with some colorful dipping sauces like ranch, spicy ketchup, or honey mustard. To add some fun flair, garnish them with tiny pickles or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Sloppy Joe Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them great for quick lunches or snacks the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, these can be frozen after baking and cooling. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the biscuit is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delicious biscuit texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use homemade Sloppy Joe sauce instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade sauce will add a personal touch and let you adjust sweetness, spice, or tang exactly to your liking. Just make sure it’s thick enough so the cups don’t get soggy.
What if I don’t have refrigerated biscuit dough?
You can substitute with crescent roll dough or even puff pastry for a different but equally delicious result. Just shape them carefully to hold the filling well.
Are there vegetarian alternatives for this Sloppy Joe Cups Recipe?
Yes! Try swapping ground beef with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils. Season and cook them in the same sloppy joe sauce for a hearty vegetarian version.
How spicy is this recipe?
This particular Sloppy Joe Cups Recipe has a mild and approachable flavor, but feel free to add hot sauce or diced peppers if you want to turn up the heat.
Can these cups be made smaller for appetizers?
Definitely. You can use mini biscuit dough or cut larger biscuits into smaller rounds and press them into mini muffin tins to create bite-sized Sloppy Joe cups—perfect for parties!
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the simplicity and comfort of Sloppy Joe Cups Recipe. They’re perfect for feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a nostalgic meal with a fun twist. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—you might find your new favorite snack or dinner idea. Plus, the smiles around the table will make all the effort totally worth it.
Print
Sloppy Joe Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 sloppy joe cups
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sloppy Joe Cups are a fun, bite-sized twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich. Made by filling biscuit dough cups with savory ground beef cooked in a tangy sloppy joe sauce, then topped with melted cheddar cheese, they’re perfect for parties, snacks, or family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can sloppy joe sauce
Assembly
- 1 (10-count) can refrigerated biscuits (regular size)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cook Beef: In a skillet set over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish lean.
- Add Sauce: Stir in the canned sloppy joe sauce with the browned beef and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Prepare Biscuit Cups: Press one refrigerated biscuit into each muffin tin cup, pushing the dough up the sides to form a cup shape that will hold the filling.
- Fill Cups: Spoon the sloppy joe beef mixture evenly into each biscuit cup. Make sure each cup is nicely filled but not overflowing.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each filled biscuit cup. Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese has melted beautifully.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the sloppy joe cups to cool slightly in the pan before removing and serving warm.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and drain excess fat after cooking for a healthier dish.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough provides a quick and easy way to create the cup base but can be substituted with homemade dough if preferred.
- These cups reheat well in the oven or microwave, making them good for leftovers or meal prep.
- You can customize the sloppy joe sauce by adding diced onions or peppers for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with textured vegetable protein or lentils and use a vegetarian sloppy joe sauce.
