Print

Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 139 reviews

Ghost Taco Hand Pies are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional tacos, encased in flaky pie crusts making them perfect portable snacks or party treats. Packed with seasoned lean ground meat and vegetables, topped with melted Mexican cheese, these hand pies are brushed with egg for a golden finish and best served with salsa for dipping.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 1 pound lean ground beef, ground turkey, or chicken
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrot (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper or baby spinach (optional)
  • 1/3 cup shredded Mexican cheese

Pie Crust

  • 2 pie crusts, defrosted but unbaked

Other

  • 1 egg for brushing
  • Salsa for dipping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground meat until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning, shredded carrot, and chopped bell pepper or spinach to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pie Crusts: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out each pie crust on a clean surface and cut each crust into 4 equal squares or circles, depending on your preference.
  3. Assemble the Hand Pies: Place a spoonful of the meat and vegetable filling onto the center of each pie crust piece. Sprinkle some shredded Mexican cheese over the filling. Fold the crust over the filling to form a half-moon or square shape, pressing the edges firmly together with a fork to seal.
  4. Brush with Egg Wash and Bake: Place the assembled hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the tops of the pies with the egg wash to give them a golden, glossy finish when baked. Cut small slits on top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
  6. Serve: Serve warm with salsa on the side for dipping. Enjoy your Ghost Taco Hand Pies as a fun meal or snack!

Notes

  • For a healthier option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
  • You can add more vegetables like corn or black beans to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Make sure the pie crust is well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
  • These hand pies can be baked ahead of time and reheated in the oven for a quick snack.
  • Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of taco seasoning or adding some diced jalapeño.