Meatball Sub Cupcakes are a fun twist on a classic dish! These little delights are made with a soft bread base, filled with hearty meatballs, and topped with gooey cheese and tasty sauce.
I’ve got to say, they are as fun to eat as they are to make. Who doesn’t love a mini-meal that fits right in your hand? Perfect for parties or a cozy night in!
These cupcakes are super easy to whip up. I often serve them as snacks during movie nights—they disappear faster than popcorn! Trust me, you’re going to want to make a lot.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: Refrigerated biscuit dough is perfect for a quick base. However, if you prefer homemade, you can easily whip up a simple dough using flour, baking powder, milk, and butter. Gluten-free dough is also an option if you need a gluten-free version!
Ground Meat: I usually use ground beef for its rich flavor, but Italian sausage adds a zesty kick. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, turkey or chicken can work nicely. Plant-based ground meat is also a great alternative for a vegetarian option!
Marinara Sauce: A jarred marinara sauce saves time, but homemade sauce can elevate this dish. If you’re out of marinara, tomato sauce, or even pizza sauce can be a decent substitute. Adding some herbs can bring them closer to marinara.
Cheese: Mozzarella is fantastic for that gooey stretch. If you want a stronger flavor, consider using provolone or cheddar. Vegan cheese works too, just check that it melts well.
Herbs and Seasonings: Those Italian herbs bring out the flavors. If you’re missing Italian seasoning, combine oregano, thyme, and rosemary to achieve a similar taste!
How Can I Make Sure My Biscuit Cups Hold Their Shape?
The key to perfect biscuit cups is pressing them well into the muffin tin. Ensure the biscuit is flat at the base and rises up the sides. This shapes a nice cup to hold all the tasty fillings. Here are some tips:
- Grease the muffin tin thoroughly so the cups release easily after baking.
- Press the biscuit gently but firmly into the tin, making sure it’s even across the bottom and sides.
- Don’t overfill with the meat mixture; leave some space for the cheese to sit on top.
Keep an eye on the baking time to prevent burning. You want that lovely golden brown around the edges!
How to Make Meatball Sub Cupcakes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 package refrigerated biscuit dough (8-10 biscuits)
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup marinara sauce (plus more for topping)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 1 small fresh basil, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes for prep time and 15-20 minutes for baking. So, you can expect a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, fun, and perfect for a tasty snack or meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be ready for your delicious cupcakes!
2. Cook the Meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook it thoroughly until no pink remains, then drain any extra fat. This step is key for a tasty filling!
3. Add the Flavor:
Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes. This will let all the flavors blend beautifully.
4. Prepare the Biscuit Cups:
While your meat mixture is simmering, take a moment to grease a muffin tin. Grab each biscuit and gently press it into the muffin cup to form a little cup shape, making sure the base is flat and the edges stick up high.
5. Assemble the Cupcakes:
Now, fill each biscuit cup with a spoonful of your savory meat mixture. Don’t forget to top it off with some shredded mozzarella cheese and a little extra marinara sauce for that perfect finishing touch!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop your muffin tin into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges of the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once out of the oven, let your meatball sub cupcakes cool slightly. Then, add a fresh basil leaf on top of each one for a lovely touch before serving. Enjoy them warm for a wonderful treat!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef or Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Cook it just as you would the beef or sausage, but keep in mind it may take a couple of minutes longer to brown. You might want to add a pinch more seasoning since turkey is milder in flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Refrigerated Biscuit Dough?
If you’re looking for a healthier option or don’t have biscuit dough, you can use puff pastry or crescent roll dough. Roll it out and cut it into squares to form your cups in the muffin tin. Baking times may vary, so keep an eye on them towards the end!
How to Store Leftover Meatball Sub Cupcakes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This will help keep the biscuit base nice and crispy!
Can I Make These Cupcakes Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture and biscuit cups separately a day in advance. Assemble them just before baking. This way, you save time and can enjoy them fresh out of the oven!
