Okay, friends, let me tell you about something that’s become a total weeknight hero in my house: Sloppy Joe Cups. You know how everyone loves a good, messy sloppy joe, right? But sometimes, the bun situation gets a little…well, sloppy. That’s where these adorable little cups come in! Think of them as mini, handheld sloppy joe casseroles. The seasoned ground beef filling is nestled in flaky, buttery crescent roll cups – it’s a flavor explosion that’s somehow both comforting and completely irresistible. I swear, these disappear faster than I can make them. They’re even better than regular sloppy joes, if you ask me, because the ratio of filling to bread is just perfect. Trust me, you NEED these in your life. They taste great and I know your family will love these Sloppy Joe Cups!
What is a sloppy Joe cup?
Alright, so what *are* Sloppy Joe Cups? Well, imagine your favorite sloppy joe filling – that savory, slightly sweet, tangy ground beef mixture that just screams comfort food. Now, picture that deliciousness cradled in a buttery, flaky crescent roll cup. That’s it! It’s essentially a deconstructed sloppy joe where the bun is replaced with a perfectly portioned crescent roll. Think of it like a mini pot pie, but instead of a savory stew, you have that classic sloppy joe goodness. The name comes from the way it is created, by cupping the crescent roll dough into a muffin tin and adding the sloppy joe mixture in it. So easy, right? And the best part? No more soggy buns! This is so much easier to serve than regular sloppy joes, and you get the perfect amount of each ingredient in every bite.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, let me count the ways I love these Sloppy Joe Cups. First and foremost, the flavor is just phenomenal. The combination of the savory, slightly sweet sloppy joe filling with the buttery, flaky crescent roll is a match made in food heaven. It’s seriously addictive. But beyond the amazing taste, the simplicity of this recipe is a total game-changer. It only takes a handful of ingredients and minimal effort to whip these up. This one’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It is also very cost-effective. Ground beef is usually pretty budget-friendly, and crescent rolls are an affordable pantry staple. You can easily feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Another great part about these is the versatility. I’ve served them as appetizers, snacks, and even as a quick and easy dinner. What I love most about this is how kid-friendly they are! My kids ask for these all the time, and I’m happy to oblige because they’re so easy to make and I know they’re getting a decent meal. It’s also so much fun to make with my kids, and I love to see them have fun when they are eating. If you love the ease of quick ground beef meals, you should also check out my One-Pan Taco Pasta. It’s another family favorite that’s ready in minutes!
How to Make Sloppy Joe Cups
Quick Overview
Making these Sloppy Joe Cups is seriously a breeze. You basically cook up your sloppy joe filling (ground beef, tomato sauce, seasonings – the usual suspects), then you roll out your crescent roll dough, press it into muffin tins to create cups, and fill ’em up! A quick bake in the oven, and you’ve got golden, bubbly, delicious Sloppy Joe Cups ready to devour. It’s such an easy process, and I’m telling you, the result is just amazing. The biggest advantage of this recipe is how quickly it comes together, and how the crescent roll cups prevent that classic soggy-bun experience. It’s a win-win!
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
I usually go for 80/20 for a bit more flavor, but lean ground beef works too.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion works perfectly here.
• 1/2 cup ketchup: Adds that classic sloppy joe sweetness and tang.
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce: This adds a depth of flavor that’s essential.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Just a touch to balance out the acidity.
• 1 teaspoon mustard: Yellow mustard is classic, but Dijon works in a pinch.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For that extra garlicky punch.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best!
Don’t be afraid to season generously!
For the Cups:
• 2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough: The kind that comes in a tube.
How do I follow
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. This will ensure that your Sloppy Joe Cups don’t stick to the sides and release easily once baked. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the muffin tin!
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Set aside. How do you break up a cooked meat with the spoon? I always do this step first when I am making these, it just makes sure there’s so much flavor!
Step 3: Drain the Fat
Once the ground beef is browned, drain off any excess fat. This will help prevent the Sloppy Joe Cups from being greasy. I usually use a colander for this step, but you can also carefully spoon the fat out of the skillet.
Step 4: Add the Onion
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the ground beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. What’s a good sloppy joe filling? How do you stir an onion to prevent it from burning?
Step 5: Stir in the Sauce Ingredients
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. What are some of the best ways to make a sloppy joe taste better? I love to taste it at this stage and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Step 6: Prepare the Crescent Roll Cups
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into 12 triangles. How do you press a triangle into tin cup? What is the “cup” that holds the sloppy joe filling? What are some tips for making dough cold?
Step 7: Fill the Cups
What is sloppy joe filling? Spoon it into the crescent roll cups, dividing it evenly among the cups. Don’t overfill the cups, or the filling may spill over during baking. I usually fill them about 3/4 full.
Step 8: Bake
What are the best ways to bake a crescent roll in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes? Filling is bubbly. Does it What are the best baking times to bake in your oven?
Step 9: Cool & Serve
Let the Sloppy Joe Cups cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to the wire rack. How do you cool a rack? What are some good ways to serve warm and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What do you serve with these delicious sloppy joe cups? What is the best idea for an occasion?
What is a quick lunch? Serve them with a side of crunchy coleslaw or a simple green salad. The crispness of the slaw or salad provides a nice contrast to the rich, savory cups.
For a family dinner:What are some good side dishes to serve with mac and cheese, corn on the cob or tater tots? What are some of the best kid-friendly options for Sloppy Joe cups?
As an Appetizer:Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or spicy mayo. What is a fun way to customize your own bites? I always like to do this when I have friends over!
For a Party:What are some good toppings for a Sloppy Joe Cup? Green onions, and cream. Mix well. How do you create your own cup?
What are some good ways to serve potato salad with a side of potatoes? Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your favorite pairing!
What are some tips for perfecting Sloppy Joe Cups?
What are the best sloppy joe cups? I have made these countless times, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way.
Browning Beef: What is the Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the ground beef. Brown it in batches if necessary to ensure that it gets a nice sear. This will add a lot of flavor to the sloppy joe filling.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sloppy joe filling for a little kick. This is totally optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor.
Cheese Please: Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the Sloppy Joe Cups before baking for a cheesy twist. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses all work well.
Add Veggies: Sneak some finely diced vegetables into the sloppy joe filling. Bell peppers, celery, or carrots are all great options. My kids never even notice!
Worcestershire Sauce: Don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce! It adds a depth of savory flavor that’s essential to the sloppy joe filling. I use it in so many things, but definitely don’t skip it for this recipe.
Mustard Selection: Experiment with different types of mustard. Dijon mustard adds a more sophisticated flavor, while spicy brown mustard adds a little heat.
Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the crescent roll cups, or the filling may spill over during baking. I usually fill them about 3/4 full.
Serving Style: Let the Sloppy Joe Cups cool slightly before serving. This will prevent the filling from being too runny and burning your mouth. Make sure you tell your family about this one. Learned that one the hard way!
Storing and Reheating Tips
So, you’ve made a batch of Sloppy Joe Cups, and you have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store and reheat them properly:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving them at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as they contain meat and dairy.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled Sloppy Joe Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This is my go-to method, as it keeps them fresh and prevents them from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the Sloppy Joe Cups. Wrap each cup individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the Sloppy Joe Cups, I recommend waiting to add any toppings until just before serving. This will prevent them from getting soggy or losing their flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Sloppy Joe Cups! It’s a total crowd-pleaser, and it’s so easy to make. What makes them special is that they are easy to eat and don’t create a mess! They’re perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even just a fun weekend snack. I really hope you give this recipe a try. I’m confident that you and your family will love them as much as we do. If you enjoy quick and easy recipes like this, be sure to check out my other ground beef recipes on the blog. I’ve got tons of options that are just as delicious and simple to make. Happy cooking, friends! And please let me know how yours turn out! I’d love to hear your feedback and see your own creative variations!
Sloppy Joe Cups
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 can Pillsbury biscuits (about 8 biscuits)
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Separate each biscuit and press into a greased muffin tin to form a cup.
- Spoon the beef mixture into each biscuit cup.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
