There’s something incredibly satisfying about foods that come in individual servings—like little edible gifts. That’s exactly the vibe you get with these BBQ Sloppy Joe Muffins with Pickle Chips. They combine the nostalgia of a classic sloppy joe sandwich with the irresistible charm of biscuit cups. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacking, or laid-back parties, these savory little cups are loaded with rich barbecue beef, melted cheese, and finished with tangy pickle chips. Think of them as a twist on farmhouse BBQ muffins—with a bold, crave-worthy personality.
BBQ Sloppy Joe Muffins with Pickle Chips
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine American
12-cup Muffin Tin Essential for shaping your biscuit cups. Standard-sized muffin tins work best. If you only have a mini muffin tin, you can halve the biscuits and create smaller bar b cups for appetizers.
Nonstick skillet To cook the beef mixture evenly.
Mixing spoon/spatula For stirring the beef and scooping into muffin cups.
Rolling pin (optional) If the biscuit dough is thick, gently flattening it can help it better fit into the muffin tin.
Measuring spoons & cups To keep ingredient amounts on point.
For the Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef 85/15 for best flavor
- ½ yellow onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup ketchup
- ⅓ cup barbecue sauce use your favorite brand
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Biscuit Cups
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough like Pillsbury Grands or similar – 8 large biscuits
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese sharp cheddar works great
- ½ cup sliced dill pickle chips or bread & butter pickles for a sweeter touch
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Optional Toppings
- Thinly sliced green onions
- A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce
- Pickled jalapeños for heat
Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your muffin tin with cooking spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking.
Cook the BBQ Beef Filling
In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and onions. Break the meat up with your spoon and cook until browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Add minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then mix in the ketchup, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened slightly. You want the mixture to be rich and saucy but not too watery—it needs to hold its shape in the muffin tin.
Prepare the Biscuit Cups
Take one biscuit and gently press it out with your hands or a rolling pin until it’s about 4-5 inches wide. Place the flattened biscuit into one of the muffin tin cups, pressing it into the bottom and sides to form a little bowl. Repeat with all 8 biscuits.
Note: This step is what transforms these from plain muffins into true bbq cups. Whether you call them bbq beef cups or barbecue beef cups, the dough forms the structure and bite.
Assemble the Muffins
Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture into each biscuit cup, filling it to just below the rim. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each one.
Bake to Perfection
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15–17 minutes, or until the biscuit edges are golden and cooked through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Add the Finishing Touches
Remove from the oven and let cool for 3–5 minutes in the pan. Then carefully lift each muffin out using a fork or butter knife. Top each muffin with a few pickle chips and a sprinkle of green onions if you like. For that extra zing, drizzle a bit more barbecue sauce over the top.
What to Serve With BBQ Sloppy Joe Muffins
These bbq cups muffin tins create are super versatile and can go from snack to dinner with the right pairings:
- Coleslaw: A tangy vinegar-based slaw balances the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Sweet potato fries: Their natural sweetness is a perfect match for smoky barbecue flavors.
- Baked beans: Lean into that classic cookout combo.
- Corn salad: A fresh, slightly sweet corn and tomato salad with lime dressing adds contrast.
- Pickle platter: Go all-in on the pickle vibe by serving assorted pickled veggies on the side.
For drinks, iced tea or a cold soda (like root beer or cola) fits the comfort food vibe. If the adults are joining in, a crisp lager or hard cider would work well.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works great if you're looking for a lighter option. Just make sure to add a bit of olive oil while cooking to prevent it from drying out, since they’re leaner than beef.
2. What’s the best type of biscuit dough for this recipe?
Any canned biscuit dough labeled as "flaky" or "Grands" will work perfectly. Pillsbury is a reliable brand and often used in recipes like bbq cups pillsbury or bbq biscuit cups. Just avoid the extra buttery versions, as they may brown too fast.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the beef filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also assemble the entire muffin tin, cover, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.
4. What if I don’t like pickles?
No problem! Skip the pickle chips and opt for jalapeños, a dollop of sour cream, or just enjoy them as-is. The pickles do add a punch of flavor, but they’re totally optional.
5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave them for about 30-45 seconds. They reheat well and still taste amazing the next day.
