Unbelievably Tasty Chili Cheese Cups Recipe That Everyone Loves

Crispy tortilla shells cradle a zesty chili cheese cups experience that’ll make your taste buds dance with delight.

Melted cheese and hearty chili create a perfect handheld bite.

Compact and flavorful, these little cups pack a serious punch of comfort.

Friends and guests will go wild for this crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines classic flavors in a clever way.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation mean you can whip up these tasty treats in no time.

Crunchy edges and spicy filling guarantee these cups will become an instant favorite at any gathering.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular recipe that promises to impress everyone around the table.

Things Chili Cheese Cups Deliver In Every Bite

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up these chili cheese cups in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy families craving a delicious, hassle-free meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with hearty beef, beans, and melted cheese nestled in crispy biscuit cups, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Kid-Friendly Customization: Easy to adapt for picky eaters by adjusting spice levels or adding favorite toppings, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.
• Portable Party Snack: Easily transportable and mess-free, these cups are ideal for potlucks, game nights, or casual gatherings where finger foods reign supreme.

Chili Cheese Cup Filling and Dough

• Ground Beef: The hearty base of the chili, provides rich meaty flavor and protein. Choose lean ground beef for less grease, but some fat adds taste.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Pepper: Blend of spices that create a deep, warm chili flavor. Fresh spices ensure the best taste and aroma.
• Onion Flakes: Adds subtle onion flavor without chopping fresh onions. Dried spice provides consistent seasoning.

• Biscuit Dough: Creates the crispy cup structure for holding chili. Pre-made dough saves preparation time.
• Kidney Beans: Adds texture and additional protein to the chili. Canned beans are convenient and consistent.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken the chili. Provides rich, deep color.

• Cheese: Melts to create a gooey topping. Shredded varieties melt most effectively.
• Parsley (Optional): Fresh herb for garnish and color contrast.

Instructions For Chili Cheese Cups

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to 400°F.

Grab two muffin pans and coat them generously with cooking spray so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Toss ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Break up the meat and cook until it turns a rich golden brown.

Keep stirring to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Chili

• Kidney beans
• Tomato paste
• Onion flakes
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and let the spices mingle for about a minute.

The mixture will look thick and robust.

Step 4: Shape the Biscuit Bases

Open the biscuit package and gently stretch each piece of dough.

Press each piece into the muffin pan cavities, making sure to cover the bottom and sides completely.

Step 5: Load the Cups

Spoon a generous dollop of chili into each biscuit-lined cup.

Sprinkle a layer of cheese on top of the chili.

Step 6: Bake and Transform

Place the muffin pans in the oven and bake for 12 minutes.

Pull them out and use the back of a spoon to press down the cups.

Add another sprinkle of cheese and return to the oven for 8 more minutes until the cheese melts and the dough turns golden.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cups rest in the pan for 5 minutes.

If you want, garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve these delicious bites while they’re warm and watch everyone dig in!

Cheese Cup Tips With Chili Flavor Fun

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein options that maintain the delicious flavor profile.
• Press biscuit dough firmly against muffin pan sides and bottom to create a sturdy base that won't become wet from chili filling.
• Adjust chili powder and cumin quantities to personalize heat intensity, adding red pepper flakes for extra kick or reducing spices for milder taste.
• Use shredded cheese blends like Mexican or cheddar for optimal melting and ensure even coverage across chili cups.
• Prepare chili mixture and biscuit cups in advance, storing separately in refrigerator, then assemble and bake just before serving for fresh, hot appetizers.

Chili Cups Reheat for Quick Comfort

• Store cooled chili cheese cups in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm individual cups on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying and maintain moisture. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Arrange cups on a baking sheet, cover loosely with aluminum foil. Warm at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during the last 2 minutes to crisp the edges.
• Wrap each cup separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using microwave or oven method.

Fun Sips For Chili Cups

• Enhance Your Chili Cheese Cups Experience
• Pair with Crisp Lager: Select a light, refreshing beer like a classic American lager that cuts through the rich, spicy flavors of the chili cheese cups, cleansing your palate between bites.
• Create Fresh Salsa Side: Whip up a zesty tomato-cilantro salsa with diced onions and lime juice to add bright, tangy notes that complement the hearty chili and cheesy texture.
• Serve with Cool Sour Cream Drizzle: Top each cup with a dollop of cold sour cream to balance the spicy chili and provide a creamy contrast to the crispy biscuit base.
• Add Pickled Jalapeño Garnish: Sprinkle thinly sliced pickled jalapeños on top for an extra kick of heat and a punchy vinegar accent that elevates the overall flavor profile.

Cheesy Takes on Chili Cheese Cups

• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Replace biscuit dough with large lettuce leaves, using butter lettuce or romaine for a crisp, low-carb base that adds fresh crunch.
• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils, maintaining protein content while creating a plant-based alternative that's equally hearty.
• Gluten-Free Cornbread Cup Option: Use gluten-free biscuit dough or create cups with cornbread mix, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the recipe without compromise.
• Spicy Southwest Modification: Add diced jalapeños, switch chili powder for chipotle powder, and include a dash of hot sauce to elevate the heat and create a more intense flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean alternative. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and crumbled like the ground beef.

• Do I need to pre-cook the biscuit dough?

No, the biscuit dough gets cooked directly in the muffin pan during baking. Simply stretch and press it into the cavities before adding the chili.

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is ideal, but you can also use monterey jack or a mexican cheese blend for similar melting and flavor characteristics.

• Can I make these cups ahead of time?

You can prepare the chili mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the cups just before serving to maintain the best texture and crispness.

Chili Cheese Cups Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Chili cheese cups deliver a mouthwatering twist on classic comfort food, blending spicy ground beef with melted cheese in crispy tortilla shells. Simple yet irresistible, these bite-sized treats will make you the star of any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) 85% lean ground beef
• 1 (15-ounce/425 grams) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 to 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Base and Cheese:

• 3 (8-count) packages refrigerated biscuit dough (24-count total; Trader Joes Buttermilk Biscuit Dough or Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers)
• 1 (6-ounce/170 grams) can tomato paste
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese blend
• Finely minced fresh parsley (optional for garnishing)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 400°F and thoroughly coating two standard muffin pans with non-stick spray.
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small, uniform crumbles while cooking.
3. Enhance the beef mixture by incorporating kidney beans, tomato paste, onion flakes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and pepper. Stir thoroughly and allow spices to develop their flavors for approximately one minute.
4. Carefully separate individual biscuit dough pieces and gently stretch each one to line the muffin pan cavities, ensuring complete coverage of base and sides.
5. Distribute chili mixture evenly into each dough-lined cup, avoiding overfilling, and sprinkle an initial layer of cheese on top.
6. Transfer muffin pans to the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes. After initial baking, gently press each cup back into shape using a spoon’s back, then add a second cheese layer.
7. Continue baking for an additional 8 minutes until cheese melts completely and dough achieves a golden-brown finish.
8. Allow chili cheese cups to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, which helps them set and makes removal easier. Optional: garnish with fresh minced parsley before serving warm.

Notes

• Trim biscuit dough edges carefully to prevent burning and ensure even baking around the cup’s rim.
• Switch ground beef to ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Use silicone muffin liners for easier removal and minimal sticking, especially if your muffin pan tends to hold onto baked goods.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and cumin quantities, allowing flexibility for mild or bold taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 307
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 749 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 63 mg