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Looking for a cheesy, savory appetizer that’s impossible to stop eating? These Mini Steak and Cheese Cups are flavor-packed little bites stuffed with tender steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and gooey melted cheese baked all together inside a crispy golden dough cup.
Perfect for game day, holidays, potlucks, or even a fun family dinner!
If you’re in love with the delicious flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak but would rather have something party-friendly that’s easy to serve, get ready to fall in love!
Ingredients
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy with simple, good ingredients
- Party perfect!
- Freezer-friendly
- Easy to customize with different cheese and toppings
- Kid-approved.
These little cups pack big-time steakhouse flavor in a wild little handheld package—no fork necessary.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Preheat your oven to 375°F and coat a standard muffin tin liberally with cooking spray.
Step 2: Sauté the Meat Kind. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, melt olive oil.
Add the onions and peppers and sauté for 3–4 minutes until they’ve softened. Add the thinly sliced steak, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring, until the steak is browned and cooked through, 4–6 minutes. Important: Be careful not to overcook the steak, or it will be tough.
Let it cool slightly off the heat.
Step 3: Form the cups. Separate the biscuit dough and flatten each piece into a 4-inch circle. Press each flattened dough round into the muffin tin, pressing against the sides to form a cup.
Step 4: Fill & Bake Spoon steak mixture evenly into each dough cup. Top generously with shredded cheese. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from the pan.
Perfect Mini Steak and Cheese Cups Tips
1. Use Thinly Sliced Steak. Try to find shaved beef or a super-delicate slice of sirloin. If you’re slicing at home, pop that steak in the freezer for 20 minutes first—it makes it easier to slice ultra-thin.
2. Drain Excess Liquid. If your filling looks juicy, drain away any excess before filling the cups. A juicy filling can often be more wet than desired.
3. Don’t Overfill. Give the cups some breathing room with a little space on top. Cheese expands and may ooze as the cups cook.
4. Select Your Cheese: Provolone – for the classic cheesesteak flavor, Mozzarella – for cheesesticks worthy of Instagram: extra stretchy and mild, White American – ultra creamy, Cheddar – the sharper the better. You can even combine different cheeses for flavor depth.
5. For the crispy finish Brush the tops lightly with melted butter before baking for a golden finish.
Variations on the Theme:
Spicy Version. Add jalapeno peppers or a dash of hot sauce. Or if you’re a mushroom lover, add some sautéed mushrooms.
Low-Carb: Use low-carb dough options or serve the filling in baked cheese cups.
Breakfast: Use chopped breakfast steak in place of the steak, and toss in some scrambled eggs!
Serving and Storage:
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: These baked cups can be frozen for up to 2 months, and reheated in the oven at 350F for 10–12 minutes.
Reheating Tips: Avoid the microwave, as it may soften the crust. The oven will keep them crispy!
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the steak filling up to 24 hours ahead.
Store in the fridge and assemble just before baking.
Perfect for stress-free party prep!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground beef?
Yes! Cook and season it well for a similar flavor.
Can I make them ahead?
Sure! Just assemble and refrigerate until ready to bake and serve.
What’s the best cut of steak?
Sirloin, ribeye, or shaved sandwich steak are ideal.
Can I use puff pastry?
Sure, but cut the baking time down slightly and keep an eye on them.
Final Thoughts
Mini Steak and Cheese Cups are everything you want in a party appetizer—crispy, cheesy, and savory, and impossible to resist grabbing.
They’re the ultimate combination of comfort food’s favorite flavors, given a bite-size facelift that’s little and oh-so-easy to eat.
They’ll make a perfect addition to your holiday table, birthday parties, game day, and family get-togethers.
Once you make these, you’ll be adding them to every party menu. They’ll disappear quickly—so you might want to double the batch!
Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it goes! Make sure you bookmark this recipe for your next party, too!
