Description
These Beef and Cheese Hand Pies are a perfect savory snack or main course, featuring a delicious combination of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and flaky pie crust baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a quick meal or party appetizer, they offer a comforting and satisfying bite with a crispy exterior and flavorful filling.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Pie Ingredients
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts (or puff pastry sheets)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Beef and Season: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up using a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, dried oregano, and optional chili flakes. Stir in tomato sauce and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to blend flavors. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before mixing in the shredded cheese.
- Prepare Pie Crusts: Roll out refrigerated pie crusts on a clean surface and cut into 4–6 inch circles or squares depending on your preferred shape.
- Assemble Hand Pies: Spoon a generous amount of the cooled beef and cheese filling into the center of each pie crust piece. Fold over the dough to form a half-moon or rectangle shape, sealing the edges tightly by pressing with a fork.
- Apply Egg Wash and Vent: Place the prepared hand pies on the lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg to achieve a golden finish during baking. Cut a small slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape while cooking.
- Bake: Bake the hand pies in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pies from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving to enjoy the perfect warm and cheesy bite.
Notes
- You can freeze the unbaked pies for up to 2 months. When baking from frozen, add 5–7 minutes to the cooking time.
- For variation, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or cooked lentils for a different flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
