Ground Beef Hand Pies

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When I need something hearty, comforting, and easy to grab on the go, Ground Beef Hand Pies are my go-to recipe. There’s just something deeply satisfying about biting into a golden, flaky pastry and hitting that savory, flavorful beef filling inside. It’s like a mini meat pie, wrapped in buttery dough that practically melts in your mouth. Whether I’m prepping these for a weeknight dinner, serving them at a party, or freezing a batch for later, they always deliver.

What I love most is how versatile these hand pies are. You can dress them up with spices and veggies or keep them as simple as seasoned ground beef and onions. The balance of crisp pastry and savory filling hits every time, and they’re just the right size to serve as snacks, appetizers, or a full meal with a side salad. Trust me—once you make a batch, they’ll disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love These Ground Beef Hand Pies

These hand pies hit all the right notes: crispy on the outside, juicy and flavorful on the inside. They’re perfect for meal prepping since they freeze beautifully, and they’re just as good reheated. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunchbox option or an impressive party snack, these pies work across the board. Plus, they don’t require any fancy equipment—just a pan, a rolling pin, and your hands.

What Kind of Pastry Should I Use?

For the best results, I use store-bought puff pastry. It’s buttery, flaky, and incredibly easy to work with, especially when you’re short on time. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can absolutely make your own pastry dough, but for a quick and reliable option, frozen puff pastry delivers that perfect golden crunch without the extra effort.

Options for Substitutions

Don’t have ground beef? Ground turkey or chicken makes a great leaner alternative. Want to make it vegetarian? Swap the meat for lentils or chopped mushrooms—both will soak up the seasoning just as well. You can also play with spices: go smoky with paprika and cumin, or lean Italian with oregano and basil. Frozen mixed vegetables can be added for a little more texture and nutrition too.

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Ingredients for These Ground Beef Hand Pies

Ground Beef – The heart of the filling. Use lean ground beef for a less greasy result, or go with an 80/20 blend if you want a richer flavor.

Onion – Diced finely and sautéed with the beef, onions bring in sweetness and depth.

Garlic – Adds aromatic richness and layers of flavor to the meat.

Tomato Paste – Gives the beef mixture a concentrated, slightly tangy base and helps bind the filling.

Worcestershire Sauce – Offers umami and saltiness that enhances the savory meat filling.

Frozen Mixed Vegetables – Peas, carrots, and corn provide texture, color, and a bit of sweetness.

Salt & Pepper – Essential seasoning to bring the flavor together.

Paprika – Adds a gentle smokiness and warmth.

Puff Pastry Sheets – Store-bought and thawed, these create the crispy, golden shell that makes the pies so satisfying.

Egg – Beaten and used as an egg wash to give the pastry that beautiful golden sheen.

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Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Toss in minced garlic and stir until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Seasoning and Vegetables

Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined. Add the frozen vegetables and cook for 2–3 more minutes until they are heated through. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Pastry

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry if needed and cut it into even squares or circles, depending on your preferred shape. Each piece should be big enough to hold a heaping spoonful of filling.

Step 4: Fill and Seal

Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each pastry square. Brush the edges with water or egg wash, then fold the pastry over into a pocket—either triangle or rectangle. Press the edges with a fork to seal tightly.

Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake

Transfer the filled hand pies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a glossy finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the hand pies rest for 5 minutes after baking so the filling sets a bit. Serve warm as a snack, appetizer, or pair with a fresh salad for a complete meal.

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How Long to Prepare the Ground Beef Hand Pies

Prep Time: Preparing the filling and assembling the pies takes about 30–35 minutes. Cooking the beef, chopping onions, letting the mixture cool, and assembling the pastries require a bit of hands-on effort, especially if you’re making a large batch.

Cook Time: Baking takes approximately 20–25 minutes in a 400°F (200°C) oven. You’ll know they’re done when the pastry is puffed and golden brown on top.

Total time for the full recipe comes in under an hour, making this a realistic option for weeknights or prep-ahead weekends.

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Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Hand Pies

• Cool the filling before assembling – Hot filling can make the pastry soggy or harder to seal.
• Don’t overfill – Too much filling can cause leaks. One heaping tablespoon per hand pie is ideal.
• Use a fork to crimp edges – This seals the pies well and gives them that classic ridged look.
• Brush with egg wash generously – It gives the pies their golden, glossy finish.
• Bake on parchment paper – It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the cooling step – If you skip cooling the beef mixture, the pastry will be harder to manage and may tear.
• Using too much liquid in the filling – Watery filling can lead to soggy bottoms.
• Overworking the pastry – If you reroll it too many times, it may become tough and lose its flaky texture.
• Not sealing the edges well – This can cause the filling to burst out while baking.
• Underbaking – Make sure the pastry is fully puffed and deeply golden before pulling it out of the oven.

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What to Serve With Ground Beef Hand Pies?

1. Fresh Garden Salad

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pies.

2. Roasted Vegetables

Serve them with roasted carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts for a hearty meal.

3. Tomato Soup

The warm, tangy soup is a classic pairing that makes this feel like comfort food.

4. Coleslaw

Creamy coleslaw adds crunch and contrast to the savory pies.

5. Pickles or Pickled Onions

A tangy bite on the side cuts through the richness and brings zing to each bite.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Let the pies cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer: These hand pies freeze exceptionally well. Wrap each cooled pie in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

Reheating: To retain the crispy texture, reheat in a 375°F oven for 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving unless you’re okay with a softer crust.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per hand pie (estimated):

• Calories: ~310 kcal
• Protein: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 370mg
• Cholesterol: 45mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to seal the hand pies?

Use a fork to press and seal the edges after folding the pastry. This ensures they stay shut during baking.

Can I make the filling in advance?

Absolutely. You can make the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

How do I prevent the pies from getting soggy?

Make sure the filling is not watery and let it cool before placing it on the pastry. Also, baking them at a high temperature helps the pastry crisp up quickly.

Can I use pie dough instead of puff pastry?

Yes, pie dough works too, though it will give you a different texture—more crumbly and less flaky.

Are these good for meal prep?

Definitely. You can make and freeze them uncooked or fully baked. They reheat beautifully in the oven.

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Conclusion

Ground Beef Hand Pies are one of those all-in-one meals that check every box—crisp, savory, portable, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner idea, prepping for the week, or serving them at a gathering, they never fail to impress. Once you master the method, the variations are endless. They’re proof that great comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.

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