Chili Cheese Cups are a fun, easy-to-make dish that combines hearty beef chili, topped with melted cheese, and baked inside flaky, tender biscuits. Perfect for game days, parties, or a weeknight dinner, these cups come together in under 30 minutes. They’re the perfect balance of chili, cheese, and biscuit crust that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb 85% lean ground beef

• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste

• 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes

• 2 tablespoons chili powder

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 1 to 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 3 packages (8-count) refrigerated biscuit dough (24 total)

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

• Fresh parsley, finely minced (optional, for garnishing)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spray two standard 12-cup muffin pans generously with cooking spray and set aside.

2. Cook the Chili:
   In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up into crumbles. Add the kidney beans, tomato paste, onion flakes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute. Turn off the heat.

3. Prepare the Biscuit Cups:
   Open the biscuit dough and stretch each piece slightly to fit into the muffin pan. Press the dough into the muffin cavities, covering the base and sides.

4. Fill with Chili and Cheese:
   Add about 1 rounded tablespoon of the chili mixture to each biscuit cup. Top each with a generous pinch of shredded cheese.

5. Bake the Cups:
   Bake for 12 minutes. After 12 minutes, use the back of a spoon to press the cups back down as they will rise during baking. Add more cheese on top and bake for an additional 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the biscuits are golden brown.

6. Serve:
   Allow the cups to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Nutrients

Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 118

• Carbohydrates: 8g

• Protein: 9g

• Fat: 6g

• Saturated Fat: 3g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 1g

Why Chili Cheese Cups Work So Well

What makes Chili Cheese Cups stand out is the combination of flavors and textures. The rich, savory chili made from ground beef, beans, and spices is the star of the dish, while the biscuit dough acts as a sturdy, flaky base. The melted cheddar cheese on top adds a creamy, indulgent layer that brings all the ingredients together perfectly. The chili provides a hearty and flavorful filling, while the biscuit crust offers a satisfying, light crunch that contrasts beautifully with the chili. This easy-to-make dish is both comforting and fun, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Key Ingredients That Make This Dish Shine

• Ground Beef: The base of the chili, providing rich flavor and protein. Lean ground beef (85% lean) is used for a balance of flavor and a relatively low fat content.

• Kidney Beans: The beans add heartiness and texture to the chili, as well as a boost of fiber and protein. They also absorb the flavors of the chili, making each bite more satisfying.

• Tomato Paste: Tomato paste thickens the chili and adds a concentrated, savory flavor that’s key to making the chili rich and full-bodied.

• Spices: The chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper give the chili its signature warmth and depth of flavor. Smoked paprika, in particular, adds a subtle smoky undertone that enhances the overall taste.

• Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough makes for a quick and easy crust, offering a soft and fluffy base that perfectly complements the chili. It’s simple but effective, with a nice, slightly crispy exterior once baked.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The melted cheese on top is the finishing touch, adding creaminess and a rich, cheesy flavor that balances out the chili’s spiciness.

• Fresh Parsley: The optional fresh parsley garnish adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby finish to the dish.

How to Make Chili Cheese Cups

This dish is easy to assemble and cooks quickly, making it ideal for busy nights or when you’re looking for a fun, crowd-pleasing meal.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and generously spray two 12-cup muffin pans with cooking spray. This will ensure that the biscuit cups don’t stick to the pan during baking.

Step 2: Cook the Chili

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once the beef is fully browned, add the kidney beans, tomato paste, onion flakes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom. Once combined, turn off the heat and set the chili aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Biscuit Cups

Open the biscuit dough and stretch each biscuit piece slightly to fit into the muffin pan. Press the dough into the muffin cavities, covering both the base and sides to form small cups. This will hold the chili and cheese while baking.

Step 4: Fill with Chili and Cheese

Spoon about 1 rounded tablespoon of the chili mixture into each biscuit cup. Top each cup with a generous pinch of shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring that the cheese is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake the Cups

Place the muffin pans in the oven and bake for 12 minutes. After 12 minutes, the biscuit dough will have risen, and the cups will need a little help staying in shape. Use the back of a spoon to gently press the cups back down. Add more cheese on top of each cup and bake for another 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the biscuits are golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

Allow the Chili Cheese Cups to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly minced parsley for added color and flavor. Serve them warm and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Chili Cheese Cups

Chili Cheese Cups are a complete meal on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of sides to round out the meal. Here are some ideas:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would balance the richness of the chili cheese cups, adding some freshness to the meal.

• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables, such as peppers, zucchini, or corn on the cob, would pair nicely with the savory chili and cheesy biscuit cups.

• Sour Cream and Guacamole: A dollop of sour cream and a side of guacamole would provide a cool, creamy contrast to the warm and spicy chili cups.

• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chili cheese cups on a bed of rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.

Conclusion

Chili Cheese Cups are a fun and delicious way to enjoy chili with a twist. Combining hearty beef chili, melted cheese, and flaky biscuit crust, they offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving them for game day, a casual dinner, or a party, they’re sure to be a hit. Quick to make and full of flavor, this dish is a great option for satisfying your chili cravings in less time. Give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness of Chili Cheese Cups today!