Fresh and vibrant cups is a recipe that has become popular in several regions of Latin America, especially in countries where ground meat and intense flavors are staples in daily cooking. Its origin is linked to the tradition of using simple doughs, like cookie or cake dough, to form small edible cups that are filled with savory mixtures, creating a practical and delicious dish.
In Mexico and other Central American countries, this dish is often known as "savory meat muffins" or "barbecue meat cups." Meanwhile, in some parts of South America, it may be found with variant names that reflect its main ingredients or preparation, although the base of dough and meaty filling remains constant. This recipe reflects the creativity in home cooking to combine crispy textures with juicy and seasoned fillings, ideal for family gatherings or informal meals.
How to prepare Fresh and Vibrant Cups
To begin, in a skillet, brown the ground meat and then drain the excess fat.
Add the barbecue sauce, onion, and brown sugar and set the mixture aside to let the flavors develop.
Separate the cookie dough into 12 pieces and place one in each of the 12 ungreased muffin cups, pressing the dough toward the sides up to the rim of the cup to form the shells.
Fill the cups with the prepared mixture and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of each cup.
Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Let it cook for 12 minutes or until the dough is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot to enjoy its full flavor and texture at their best.
Variations:
You can use a 13-ounce can of chili beans instead of the meat mixture for a different, vegetarian option.
You can also add green bell pepper or a spicy chili pepper to the previous recipe to give it an extra touch of flavor and heat, achieving great results in taste.
