If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the zesty flavors of a taco with the comforting, handheld convenience of a pie, then you absolutely must try this Taco Hand Pies Recipe. These little pockets of joy pack all the vibrant, savory goodness of your favorite taco filling wrapped snugly in flaky, golden pastry. They’re perfect for snack time, lunch boxes, game day, or whenever you want a satisfying treat that’s bursting with flavor and utterly fun to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, bringing together the classic taco flavors while the pie crust adds that irresistible flaky texture. Each one contributes a special element to the taste, texture, and colorful appeal of these hand pies.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty, flavorful base that makes these pies satisfyingly meaty.
- 1 oz taco seasoning: Boosts the beef with that unmistakable blend of spices for authentic taco flair.
- 1 cup taco/Mexican blended cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy pockets that complement every bite.
- ½ cup corn (drained): Adds a slight sweetness and pop of color to balance the savory filling.
- ½ cup black beans (drained and rinsed): Brings creaminess and earthiness, plus a fibrous texture.
- 1 egg: Used as an egg wash for a glossy golden crust that holds everything together.
- 2 packs refrigerated pie crust: The easy shortcut to flaky, tender dough without the fuss.
How to Make Taco Hand Pies Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Add Seasoning
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s warming up, brown the lean ground beef in a skillet until it’s fully cooked. Then stir in a full packet of taco seasoning along with about two-thirds of a cup of water, just like the package instructions recommend. Let this mixture simmer gently to let those vibrant taco spices infuse every bite of beef.
Step 2: Melt in Cheese
Once the beef is perfectly seasoned and simmered, stir in the taco or Mexican blended cheese. This will melt into the meat mixture, creating pockets of creamy goodness that contrast beautifully with the spices and beef’s richness.
Step 3: Add Corn and Black Beans
Next, fold in the drained corn and black beans. These not only add wonderful texture and color but also deepen the flavor profile, making these hand pies feel hearty and full-bodied beyond just meat and cheese.
Step 4: Cut Dough Circles and Fill
Using a 4-inch biscuit cutter, cut circles out of your refrigerated pie crust dough. Place a heaping tablespoon of the meat filling in the center of half the circles you’ve cut. This step ensures each pie will have the perfect balance of filling to flaky crust.
Step 5: Seal the Pies
Beat the egg to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of the dough circles with the filling, then carefully place the remaining dough circles on top. Press the edges together firmly using a fork or a sandwich press to seal the pies tightly so no filling escapes during baking.
Step 6: Add Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the tops of the hand pies generously with the egg wash. This step helps them develop that irresistible shiny golden crust as they bake. Arrange your pies on a lined baking sheet and bake them in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until they’re puffed up and beautifully browned.
How to Serve Taco Hand Pies Recipe
Garnishes
These hand pies are deliciously satisfying on their own, but topping them with fresh garnishes really elevates the experience. Think zesty sour cream dolloped on top, a sprinkle of diced fresh cilantro, or a dash of vibrant salsa or guacamole alongside. These add bright, fresh notes that cut through the richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Taco Hand Pies with light, refreshing sides such as a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette, Mexican street corn salad, or even a simple bowl of tortilla chips and salsa. These compliments create a balanced meal without overpowering the pies’ flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your pies on a platter with various dipping sauces arranged around them—think chipotle mayo, creamy avocado crema, or tangy queso dip. You could even stack them into a mini taco hand pie tower for a conversation-starting centerpiece at parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover taco hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days without losing their delicious flavor or flaky crust.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time, you can freeze the assembled pies before baking by placing them on a parchment-lined tray in the freezer until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep great for up to 2 months and bake straight from frozen with a few extra minutes in the oven.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the pies in a preheated 350-degree oven for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that golden, flaky crust texture.
FAQs
Can I use other meats in this Taco Hand Pies Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles all work wonderfully as a substitute for ground beef, allowing you to customize the flavors to your liking.
What can I use instead of refrigerated pie crust?
If you prefer making your own dough, a simple homemade pie crust or even biscuit dough from scratch will work just as well to create that flaky exterior.
Can these be made vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for extra black beans, corn, and maybe some sautéed veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian filling.
Is there a recommended dipping sauce?
These pies pair beautifully with sour cream, guacamole, or a spicy salsa roja. A tangy crema or chipotle mayo also adds a lovely kick that complements the filling.
How long will it take to make from start to finish?
With about 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes in the oven, this Taco Hand Pies Recipe can be ready to enjoy in just 30 minutes—perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Final Thoughts
These Taco Hand Pies Recipe are such a delightful way to enjoy all the flavors of tacos with none of the mess. They are fun to make, easy to customize, and absolutely crowd-pleasing. I truly hope you give them a try soon—they’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to snacks or meals for any occasion!
Print
Taco Hand Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 hand pies (6 servings with 2 pies each)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Taco Hand Pies are delicious, portable snacks perfect for a quick meal or party appetizer. Made with seasoned ground beef, Mexican cheese, corn, and black beans, all enclosed in flaky pie crust, they’re baked to golden perfection and easy to make with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 oz taco seasoning
- â…” cup water (for taco seasoning, as per package directions)
- 1 cup taco/Mexican blended cheese
- ½ cup corn, drained
- ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
Crust & Topping
- 2 packs refrigerated pie crust
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat and Brown Beef: Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add taco seasoning and ⅔ cup water according to the seasoning package directions, then bring to a simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of taco or Mexican blended cheese into the seasoned beef mixture until melted and well combined.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate the drained corn and rinsed black beans into the beef and cheese mixture, stirring evenly throughout for a well-balanced filling.
- Cut Dough Circles: Using a 4-inch diameter biscuit cutter, cut circles out of the refrigerated pie crust dough. Arrange half of the circles on a clean surface to be filled.
- Fill and Seal Pies: Place a heaping tablespoon of the meat mixture in the center of half of the cut dough circles. Beat the egg to create an egg wash. Brush egg wash around the edges of the filled circles to help seal. Top each with a remaining dough circle. Use a fork or a sandwich press to crimp the edges securely, preventing any filling leakage during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush another layer of egg wash over the tops of the sealed hand pies to promote browning. Place pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking mat. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- Ensure the filling is not too watery to prevent soggy crust; drain extra liquid if needed.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Freeze assembled pies before baking for convenient make-ahead meals; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- For spicier pies, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling mixture.
- Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking on the baking sheet.
