Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these ghost taco hand pies! They’re like a savory hug wrapped in flaky, golden crust. Every bite bursts with delicious taco flavors that make me feel like I’m at a cozy gathering with friends, reminiscing over good times. I remember the first time I made these for a game night; they disappeared faster than I could keep track! The combination of seasoned meat, gooey cheese, and fresh veggies tucked inside a crispy shell is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up! Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be the star of every get-together. Perfect for snacking or as a fun appetizer, you’re going to love how versatile and delicious they are!
Ingredients for Ghost Taco Hand Pies
- 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts (you can find these in the baking aisle; they make life so much easier!)
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey, chopped (feel free to use whatever you prefer; turkey is a great low-fat option!)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (this is where the magic happens—just grab your favorite brand)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for that gooey goodness)
- 1/2 cup diced onions (adds a lovely crunch and flavor—don’t skip this!)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, they add that juicy touch)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash, it gives those hand pies that beautiful golden color)
How to Prepare Ghost Taco Hand Pies
Alright, let’s dive into making these delightful ghost taco hand pies! It’s a fun process, and I promise, you’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together.
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because you want those hand pies to bake up nice and crispy! While that’s happening, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Once it’s warm, toss in your ground beef or turkey along with the diced onions. You want to cook the meat until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Browning the meat properly adds so much flavor, so don’t rush this step!
Mixing the Filling
Once your meat is browned, sprinkle in that taco seasoning and diced tomatoes. Give it a good stir to combine everything and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts smelling like a fiesta—seriously, it’s that good!
Assembling the Hand Pies
Now for the fun part—assembling! Roll out your pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles, about 4-5 inches in diameter. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture and a sprinkle of shredded cheese on one half of each circle. Be careful not to overfill; you want to fold them easily! Now, fold the crust over to create a pocket and press the edges to seal them. If you want to be extra sure they’re sealed, you can crimp the edges with a fork—it gives them a nice touch and keeps everything tucked inside!
Baking Instructions
Next up, it’s time to make them shine! Brush the tops of your hand pies with the beaten egg for that gorgeous golden color once baked. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (trust me, cleanup will be a breeze this way). Bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and flaky. Keep an eye on them—every oven is a little different, and you want them to look irresistible! Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love Ghost Taco Hand Pies
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Customizable with your favorite fillings—mix it up with different meats or veggies!
- Great for parties—everyone loves finger foods, and these hand pies are a hit!
- Freezable for future snacks—make a batch ahead and pop them in the freezer!
- Kid-friendly and fun to eat—easy for little hands to grab and enjoy!
Tips for Success
To make sure your ghost taco hand pies turn out perfectly, here are some of my best tips! First off, be mindful of the filling’s moisture. If it’s too wet, your hand pies might get soggy, so make sure to drain any excess liquid from the tomatoes. If you want to mix things up, try using shredded chicken or even black beans for a vegetarian twist! You could also throw in some corn or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
Another great tip is to let the assembled hand pies chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape better while baking. And don’t forget to brush that egg wash generously—it makes such a difference in getting that golden brown finish. With these little tricks, you’ll be a hand pie pro in no time!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional goodness of these ghost taco hand pies! Each serving, which is one hand pie, is approximately 210 calories. You’ll also find about 12g of fat, including 5g of saturated fat, and 8g of protein to keep you satisfied. With 20g of carbohydrates and 1g of sugar, they’re a tasty treat that won’t break the calorie bank. Plus, they contain 350mg of sodium, so they’re perfect for an occasional snack. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect when you indulge in these savory bites!
FAQ About Ghost Taco Hand Pies
Can I make ghost taco hand pies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These ghost taco hand pies are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare them, assemble, and then freeze them before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can bake them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. It’s a great way to have tasty snacks on hand for unexpected guests or busy weeknights!
What can I serve with ghost taco hand pies?
These hand pies pair wonderfully with a variety of dips and sides! I love serving them with fresh salsa for that zesty kick. Guacamole is another fantastic option—it adds creaminess that complements the crispy hand pies perfectly. You could also whip up a quick sour cream dip or a tangy cilantro-lime sauce. For a little extra crunch, a side salad with a light vinaigrette makes a delightful addition to your snack spread!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. To reheat, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again. You can also microwave them, but they won’t have that same delightful crunch. Enjoy them while they’re still tasty!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these ghost taco hand pies, the options are endless! I love to pair them with a zesty salsa that adds a burst of freshness and flavor. A classic pico de gallo or a smooth avocado salsa works wonders. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, whip up some spicy guacamole for a creamy dip that complements the savory filling perfectly. For a lighter touch, serve them alongside a crisp garden salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. These pairings not only enhance the flavors but also make your snack spread look inviting and delicious!
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Ghost Taco Hand Pies: 7 Savory Bites for Cozy Gatherings
Delicious ghost taco hand pies filled with savory ingredients.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 hand pies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a skillet, cook the ground meat with onions until browned.
- Add taco seasoning and tomatoes; mix well.
- Roll out pie crusts and cut into circles.
- Place a spoonful of the meat mixture and cheese on half of each circle.
- Fold the crust over to create a pocket and seal the edges.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Serve with salsa or sour cream.
- These can be made ahead and frozen.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Fat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hand pie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: ghost taco hand pies, taco snacks, savory hand pies