Ground Beef Hand Pies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ground Beef Hand Pies are deliciously versatile and simple to make. The filling comes together quickly, and store-bought or homemade pie dough gives them that irresistible flaky crust. They’re ideal for meal prep, freezer-friendly, and easy to customize with your favorite flavors. Each hand pie is a self-contained meal, making them great for picnics, parties, or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Ground beef
  • Onion, finely chopped
  • Garlic, minced
  • Carrot, finely diced (optional)
  • Frozen peas or mixed vegetables
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Tomato paste or ketchup
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Paprika or Italian seasoning (optional)
  • Olive oil or butter
  • Pie crust dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the onion and garlic until softened.
  3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
  4. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, peas, and carrots. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika or Italian seasoning. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until everything is well combined. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
  5. Roll out the pie crust dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut into circles (about 5–6 inches wide) using a round cutter or small bowl.
  6. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each dough circle. Add cheese if desired.
  7. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges with a fork to seal.
  8. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden crust.
  9. Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky.
  10. Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 hand pies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

  • Cheesy beef hand pies: Mix shredded cheese into the beef filling for extra richness.
  • Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce for a kick.
  • BBQ style: Stir in a bit of BBQ sauce instead of tomato paste for a smoky twist.
  • Breakfast hand pies: Add scrambled eggs and hash browns to the filling.
  • Vegetarian option: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or black beans.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. To freeze, place uncooked or cooked pies on a baking sheet until solid, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Bake frozen hand pies for 25–30 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until golden and heated through.

FAQs

Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?

Yes, puff pastry works wonderfully and creates an even flakier texture.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to assemble.

Can I fry these instead of baking?

Yes, you can deep-fry or air-fry them until golden brown, though baking is less greasy.

Can I use other meats?

Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage all make great substitutes.

How do I prevent the pies from bursting open?

Don’t overfill them, and make sure the edges are sealed tightly with a fork.

What dipping sauces go well with hand pies?

Ketchup, ranch, BBQ sauce, or spicy aioli all pair perfectly.

Can I make mini versions for parties?

Yes, use a smaller cutter to make bite-sized pies for appetizers.

Should I vent the pies?

If using thick dough, poke a small slit on top to let steam escape.

How do I get an extra golden crust?

Brush with egg wash or a mix of egg and a tablespoon of milk before baking.

Can I add potatoes to the filling?

Yes, small diced potatoes make the filling heartier—just pre-cook them before adding.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Hand Pies are a savory, satisfying treat with flaky pastry and a rich, meaty filling. Easy to make, fun to eat, and endlessly customizable, they’re perfect for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to game-day snacks. Whether you bake them fresh or pull them from the freezer for a quick meal, these hand pies are guaranteed to hit the spot every time.

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Ground Beef Hand Pies

Ground Beef Hand Pies

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Ground Beef Hand Pies are golden, flaky pastry pockets stuffed with a savory mix of seasoned beef and vegetables. These handheld delights are easy to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for a snack, meal, or on-the-go treat.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 hand pies
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small carrot, finely diced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste or ketchup
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp paprika or Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook onion and garlic until softened.
  3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
  4. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, peas, and carrots. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika or Italian seasoning. Cook for 3–4 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  5. Roll out pie crust on a lightly floured surface and cut into circles about 5–6 inches wide.
  6. Place a spoonful of beef filling in the center of each circle. Add cheese if desired.
  7. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press edges with a fork to seal.
  8. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
  9. Place hand pies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and flaky.
  10. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use puff pastry for an extra flaky texture.
  • Prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate up to 2 days before assembling.
  • Don’t overfill pies to prevent bursting during baking.
  • Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes for a crisp finish.
  • Freeze uncooked pies and bake directly from frozen for 25–30 minutes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 hand pie
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
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