Name: Ground Beef Hand Pies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 carrot, peeled and finely diced; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 pound ground beef (85/15 lean to fat ratio); 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 ¼ cups beef stock or broth; 1 medium russet potato, peeled and diced into ¼-inch cubes; ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish); 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley; ¼ cup green peas; 2 packages (17.3 ounces each) puff pastry sheets, frozen; 1 egg, whisked for egg wash

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Ground Beef Hand Pies are the ultimate comfort food wrapped in flaky pastry. Filled with seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and savory vegetables, these pies pack a punch of rich flavors in every bite. Whether you make them for a weekend lunch, meal prep for the week, or freeze them for later, these hand pies are sure to become a household favorite. The golden brown crust provides the perfect contrast to the juicy, savory filling, making them irresistible to anyone craving a satisfying meal. Customize them by adding cheese or your favorite herbs to the filling, and serve them alongside a simple salad or your favorite dipping sauce. These hand pies are a perfect way to enjoy a hearty meal on the go or at home!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
1 carrot, peeled and finely diced

Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 pound ground beef (85/15 lean to fat ratio)

1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ¼ cups beef stock or broth
1 medium russet potato, peeled and diced into ¼-inch cubes

¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley

¼ cup green peas
2 packages (17.3 ounces each) puff pastry sheets, frozen
1 egg, whisked for egg wash

Directions:

Prep all ingredients (except puff pastry); keep the puff pastry sheets frozen.
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced carrots for 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook until browned and crumbled.

Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for another 2 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour, stir well, and cook for 1 minute.
Pour in the beef stock and add the diced potatoes. Simmer the mixture for 25-35 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
Add fresh thyme, parsley, and green peas. Stir and remove from heat, allowing the filling to cool.

Thaw puff pastry sheets for 30-45 minutes, then roll each to 10×10 inches and cut into 5-inch squares.
Place about ½ cup of the beef filling in the center of each square. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
Wet the edges with water, cover with another pastry square, and press edges to seal. Trim excess pastry and crimp with a fork.

Cut small slits on top of each pie to vent. Freeze the hand pies for 15-20 minutes while preheating the oven to 400°F.
Brush the tops with egg wash and bake for 24-26 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 8 hand pies

The Appeal of Ground Beef Hand Pies

The allure of hand pies lies in their portability and ease of consumption, making them ideal for busy lifestyles. Whether you’re a parent preparing snacks for your children, a professional looking for convenient lunch options, or someone who enjoys savory bites while on the move, Ground Beef Hand Pies offer the perfect solution. The savory filling is encased in pastry, preventing messes and making it easy to eat without cutlery or plates. This convenience, paired with the delicious flavor of the filling, makes them a crowd favorite.

Beyond the practical advantages, these hand pies provide a sense of comfort and nostalgia. There’s something inherently satisfying about biting into a warm, flaky pie filled with rich beef and vegetables. It feels like a homemade meal in a compact, neat package. The satisfaction comes not only from the taste but also from the process of making them. Whether you choose to create your pie dough from scratch or use store-bought puff pastry, the act of preparing, filling, and baking these pies is a labor of love that brings joy to both the cook and the consumer.

Versatility in Flavors

One of the greatest advantages of Ground Beef Hand Pies is their versatility. While the core ingredients include ground beef, potatoes, and a handful of spices, you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your personal preferences or dietary requirements. For instance, you could substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian-friendly version. You could also add various vegetables, like mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers, to enhance the nutritional value and flavor complexity of the pies.

The filling can also be customized with a variety of spices and herbs to add regional or ethnic flair to the dish. For example, adding cumin and chili powder gives the pies a Tex-Mex twist, while swapping in curry powder or garam masala can lend an Indian-inspired flavor. The use of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley in the filling can elevate the pies’ flavor, giving them a fragrant and fresh taste that balances the richness of the beef.

Cheese is another versatile element. While the recipe may call for shredded cheddar, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as gouda, mozzarella, or even blue cheese for a bolder flavor. The choice of cheese can transform the hand pies from traditional comfort food to something more gourmet, depending on your preference.

A Perfect Meal Prep Option

Ground Beef Hand Pies shine as a meal prep option. You can make a large batch of pies and store them in the refrigerator or freezer, ensuring you always have a quick, satisfying meal on hand. To store them, simply wrap the baked pies individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the pies in the oven or microwave, and they will taste just as fresh and delicious as when they were first baked.

The hand pies are also a great way to repurpose leftovers. If you have extra ground beef or vegetables from another meal, you can easily incorporate them into the pie filling. This not only reduces food waste but also adds variety to your meal plan. With a bit of creativity, you can mix and match different ingredients to create new flavor combinations, keeping the dish exciting and varied.

Nutritional Value

Ground Beef Hand Pies are not just about indulgence; they can be made into a balanced, nutritious meal as well. The ground beef provides a good source of protein, while the potatoes and vegetables add fiber and essential vitamins. You can further boost the nutritional content by using whole wheat pastry for a higher fiber content or adding leafy greens like spinach or kale to the filling. Cheese, though rich, can be used in moderation or substituted with lower-fat varieties to control calorie intake.

The pies also offer a good balance of macronutrients, with protein from the beef, carbohydrates from the potatoes and pastry, and fat from the butter or oil used in cooking. This makes them a satisfying and well-rounded meal, especially when paired with a simple side salad or fresh vegetables. By adjusting the recipe to suit your dietary needs, these pies can easily fit into a healthy, balanced diet.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

While Ground Beef Hand Pies are delicious on their own, they can be elevated when served with complementary sides and dips. A side salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance the richness of the pies, providing a refreshing contrast to the savory filling. Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts, also make excellent accompaniments, adding both flavor and nutrition to the meal.

For dipping, sour cream, ranch dressing, or a robust tomato sauce can enhance the flavors of the hand pies. If you want to add a spicy kick, a hot sauce or a jalapeño-infused dip would work perfectly. For a more gourmet touch, consider serving the pies with a balsamic reduction or a garlic aioli.

These pies are also versatile in terms of when they can be served. They make a hearty and satisfying lunch or dinner, but they can also be cut into smaller pieces and served as appetizers or party snacks. Their portable nature makes them ideal for picnics, potlucks, or gatherings where finger foods are preferred.

Tips for Perfect Pies

Making Ground Beef Hand Pies successfully relies on a few key techniques. First, achieving the perfect flaky crust is essential. Whether you opt for homemade pie dough or store-bought puff pastry, handling the dough with care is crucial. Keep your ingredients cold, especially if making your own dough, and avoid overworking it, as this can lead to a tough, dense crust rather than the desired light and flaky texture.

Another important tip is to ensure the filling is properly seasoned and cooled before assembling the pies. If the filling is too hot, it can cause the pastry to become soggy, which will prevent it from achieving that golden brown, crisp finish. Allow the filling to cool to room temperature before spooning it onto the pastry.

When sealing the pies, be sure to press the edges firmly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Using a fork to crimp the edges not only ensures a good seal but also adds a decorative touch. Finally, brushing the tops of the pies with an egg wash before baking will give them a beautiful, glossy finish and encourage even browning.

Conclusion:

Ground Beef Hand Pies are a timeless dish that combines the comfort of a home-cooked meal with the convenience of a portable snack. Their flaky crust and savory, flavorful filling make them irresistible, whether served fresh from the oven or reheated later for a quick meal. With their versatility in flavor options, ease of preparation, and ability to be made ahead and frozen, these pies are a perfect solution for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone who loves delicious, hearty food.

By experimenting with different ingredients and seasonings, you can make these hand pies uniquely your own, catering to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you serve them as a main course, a snack, or a party appetizer, they are sure to be a hit at the table. So, why not try your hand at these delightful Ground Beef Hand Pies? You’ll find they are not only a joy to eat but also a pleasure to make.