Ground Beef Hand Pies Recipe

If you’re craving something comforting, hearty, and absolutely delicious, this Ground Beef Hand Pies Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. Picture perfectly golden, flaky crusts enveloping a rich, savory filling made with tender ground beef, sweet carrots, fragrant onions, and a touch of tomato paste for depth. These hand pies are not only delightful to eat but also so convenient for lunchboxes, casual dinners, or entertaining friends. Each bite bursts with a cozy mix of flavors that feels like a warm hug on a plate, making these little pockets of goodness impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the best way to guarantee that every part of these hand pies shines. Each component plays a key role in building layers of taste, texture, and color, ensuring your Ground Beef Hand Pies Recipe is as delicious as it is satisfying.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a subtle richness and helps soften the vegetables perfectly.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a sweet, aromatic base flavor that’s essential for depth.
• 1/2 cup carrots, finely diced: Offers a slight natural sweetness and a nice pop of color.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that enhances the savory filling.
• 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein star of the filling, delivering satisfying bite and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds umami richness and balances the savory notes.
• 1/3 cup beef broth: Keeps the filling juicy and flavorful without making it soggy.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Gives a subtle tang and complexity to the meat mixture.
• 3/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors throughout the hand pies.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and warmth.
• 1/2 cup frozen peas: Injects a fresh touch of green and slight sweetness, balancing the richness.
• 2 refrigerated pie crusts: Easy-to-use base that bakes up beautifully flaky and golden.
• 1 large egg, beaten: Perfect for brushing on top to achieve that irresistible shiny, golden finish.

How to Make Ground Beef Hand Pies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your hand pies bake evenly and don’t stick—this little step makes cleanup a breeze and guarantees perfect bottoms to your pies.

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies

Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add your chopped onion and diced carrots. Cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant, laying down that wonderful flavor foundation for the filling.

Step 3: Add Garlic for Aroma

Throw in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds. This quick step infuses warmth and a mouthwatering aroma without overpowering the other ingredients.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, add the ground beef straight into the skillet. Break it up with your spatula and cook until fully browned. Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep the filling from becoming too oily, which keeps each bite perfectly balanced.

Step 5: Mix in Flavor Enhancers

Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Let this simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and thicken just slightly, creating a rich and cohesive filling.

Step 6: Add a Pop of Green

Fold in the frozen peas and let them cook for about a minute. Then remove the skillet from heat and set the filling aside to cool completely. This pause is key for an easy filling-to-dough assembly later without melting the pie crust.

Step 7: Prepare the Pie Crust Circles

Roll out your refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface if needed, then cut four circles from each crust to yield eight circles total. These will form the perfectly sized bases for your hand pies.

Step 8: Fill Each Circle

Place roughly 1/4 cup of your cooled ground beef mixture into the center of each pie crust circle. This amount makes sure every pie is well-stuffed but also easy to seal.

Step 9: Seal and Vent

Fold the dough over each filling mound to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp around the edges tightly so the filling won’t escape during baking. Don’t forget to cut a few small slits on top to vent steam for the crispiest crust.

Step 10: Brush with Egg Wash

Brush each hand pie with the beaten egg to give them a gorgeous golden hue and glossy finish once baked. It’s an extra touch that makes these beauties look even more inviting.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Bake the pies for 18 to 22 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown. Let them cool slightly before digging in to enjoy the perfect balance of flaky crust and savory filling.

How to Serve Ground Beef Hand Pies Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or finely sliced green onions on top of your hand pies for a burst of color and freshness. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also add a lovely smoky note that pairs beautifully with the beef.

Side Dishes

These hand pies shine alongside crisp garden salads or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or a tangy coleslaw make excellent companions that complement the robust filling perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these hand pies on a rustic wooden board with small ramekins of dipping sauces like horseradish cream, spicy mustard, or even a rich gravy. Cutting them into smaller bite-sized pieces can turn them into perfect party appetizers that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow your Ground Beef Hand Pies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days and maintain their flaky crust and flavorful filling.

Freezing

To freeze, place cooled hand pies on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months—perfect for a stress-free, quick meal anytime you want.

Reheating

Reheat your hand pies in the oven at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes to keep the crust crisp and the filling warm. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and less enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! Homemade pie crust will add a delightful personal touch and can taste even flakier. Just make sure it’s well-chilled before rolling and assembling to prevent shrinking during baking.

What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, soy sauce mixed with a pinch of lemon juice or vinegar can mimic its tangy umami flavor nicely in this recipe.

How do I prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?

Cooking the filling thoroughly and allowing it to cool before filling the crust helps a lot. Also, venting the pies with slits on top lets steam escape during baking, keeping the crust crisp.

Can I add cheese inside the filling?

Yes, adding shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the filling before sealing the pies is a delicious variation that brings a creamy, melty surprise in every bite.

Are these hand pies freezer friendly?

Definitely! Both unbaked and baked hand pies freeze well. Freeze unbaked ones for best texture, and when ready, bake straight from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about making these Ground Beef Hand Pies Recipe at home. They turn simple, everyday ingredients into handheld pockets of pure joy that everyone will love. Whether for a hectic weeknight or a casual get-together, these hand pies deliver comfort and flavor with every bite. Give this recipe a try—you’re just one step away from discovering a new family favorite that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

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