Ghost Taco Hand Pies

Introduction

Get ready for a treat that’s spooky, savory, and oh-so-satisfying! Our Ghost Taco Hand Pies are a delightful twist on classic tacos, all wrapped up in a fun, portable package. Imagine flaky pastry filled with seasoned taco meat and gooey cheese, baked until golden brown. They are incredibly tasty, perfect for parties, or just a fun family dinner.

You might think making hand pies is complicated, but these are surprisingly easy and quick. We use ready-made pie crusts, which saves a ton of time and effort. The filling comes together in a flash, and assembling these cute little ghosts is a breeze. Even beginner bakers will find success with this recipe, and everyone will love the results.

So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create some culinary magic! These Ghost Taco Hand Pies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to bring some playful spirit to your table. Let’s dive in and make some delicious memories together!

Cooking Time & Prep Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Small tip: You can prepare the taco filling a day in advance to cut down on prep time on the day you plan to bake. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Ingredients

This recipe makes 8-10 Ghost Taco Hand Pies.

• For the Taco Filling:
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean recommended)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup salsa (mild or medium, your preference)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend
• For the Hand Pies:
• 2 boxes (14.1 ounces each) refrigerated pie crusts (4 crusts total)
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• For Decoration (Optional):
• 10-12 small black olive pieces or edible candy eyes
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for drizzling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Taco Filling

   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.

   Small tip: Make sure to drain the grease well to prevent soggy hand pies.

2. Step 2: Season the Beef

   Stir in the taco seasoning and water with the browned ground beef. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until most of the liquid has evaporated and the mixture is thick. Remove from heat and stir in the salsa. Let the filling cool slightly.

3. Step 3: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the hand pies from sticking and make cleanup easier.

4. Step 4: Roll Out Pie Crusts and Cut Shapes

   Carefully unroll one of the refrigerated pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter (about 4-5 inches tall) to cut out ghost shapes. You should get about 4-5 ghosts per crust. Repeat with the remaining three pie crusts.

   Small tip: If you don’t have a ghost cutter, you can use an oval cutter and gently pinch the bottom to create a tail-like shape, or freehand cut with a knife.

5. Step 5: Assemble the Bottom Layer

   Place half of the ghost cutouts onto the prepared baking sheets. These will be the bottom layers of your hand pies. Keep them a couple of inches apart to allow for expansion.

6. Step 6: Add Filling and Cheese

   Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled taco filling onto the center of each ghost cutout. Leave a small border around the edges. Sprinkle a generous pinch of shredded cheese over the taco filling.

   Small tip: Don’t overfill the pies, or they will be difficult to seal and may burst during baking.

7. Step 7: Create the Top Layer and Seal

   Take the remaining ghost cutouts and place one on top of each filled ghost. Gently press down around the edges to seal them. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative and secure seal.

8. Step 8: Add Ghostly Faces (Optional)

   If desired, use a small knife or a toothpick to gently etch two small “eyes” and an “o-shaped” mouth onto the top crust of each ghost. You can also press in small pieces of black olives for eyes now.

9. Step 9: Apply Egg Wash

   In a small bowl, whisk the large egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of all the hand pies with this egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown shine.

10. Step 10: Bake the Hand Pies

    Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown and puffed up. The exact time may vary slightly depending on your oven.

    Small tip: Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking for even browning.

11. Step 11: Cool and Serve

    Carefully remove the hand pies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, extra salsa, or guacamole.

Tips & Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Look for gluten-free pie crusts in the refrigerated or frozen section of your grocery store. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your taco seasoning mix.
• Vegan/Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with 1 pound of plant-based ground crumble. Cook according to package directions, then follow the recipe. Use dairy-free shredded cheese and ensure your pie crusts are vegan (some use lard, others vegetable shortening).
• Add More Vegetables or Protein: Boost the nutrition by adding finely diced bell peppers, onions, or corn to the taco filling. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner protein option.
• Spicy Version: For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the taco filling. You can also use a “spicy” taco seasoning mix or add diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) to the filling.
• Flavor Boost: Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese to the cooled taco filling for an extra creamy texture and rich flavor. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving (based on 10 servings):

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 18-22 g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30 g
• Fat: 20-25 g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients used.

Health Benefits

• Lean Protein Power: Ground beef, especially leaner cuts, provides essential protein for muscle repair and growth. It’s also a great source of iron, important for energy and preventing anemia, and zinc, vital for immune function.
• Fiber from Whole Grains (if applicable): While we use standard pie crusts, choosing whole wheat pie crusts (if available) would boost your fiber intake, aiding digestion and promoting satiety. Even standard crusts offer some carbohydrates for energy.
• Vitamins and Minerals from Cheese: Shredded cheese adds calcium, which is crucial for strong bones and teeth. It also provides vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium, and vitamin B12, important for nerve function.
• Antioxidants from Salsa: Salsa, made from tomatoes, onions, and peppers, is packed with antioxidants like lycopene (from tomatoes). These compounds help protect your cells from damage and support overall health.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect Pairing: Serve these Ghost Taco Hand Pies with a side of fresh guacamole, extra salsa, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for dipping.
• Main Dish or Appetizer: These pies are hearty enough to be a fun main course, especially when paired with a simple green salad. They also make fantastic appetizers for parties or game nights.
• Complete the Meal: A simple black bean and corn salad or some seasoned rice would complement these hand pies beautifully, making for a well-rounded meal.
• Meal Prep Idea: Bake a double batch! These hand pies are excellent for meal prepping. Store them individually for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Storage Tips: Leftover Ghost Taco Hand Pies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them after baking and cooling completely. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake frozen pies at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Refrigerated pies can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Conclusion

And there you have it – your very own batch of adorable and delicious Ghost Taco Hand Pies! These little savory pastries are truly a delight, combining the comforting flavors of tacos with the convenience of a hand-held treat. They’re perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to any meal and are sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries them.

Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try. It’s simple, fun, and yields incredibly satisfying results. The flaky crust, savory filling, and gooey cheese make for a combination that’s hard to resist. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these disappear!

So, get baking and share these fantastic Ghost Taco Hand Pies with your family and friends. They’re perfect for any gathering, big or small, and a wonderful way to enjoy a creative and tasty meal together. Happy cooking!