Taco Hand Pies: A Delicious Twist on Classic Taco Flavors

Taco Hand Pies are a fun, portable twist on the classic taco. These savory, golden-brown pies combine all the delicious flavors of a taco, packed inside a flaky, crispy crust. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, party appetizer, or lunch on the go, these hand pies bring a fresh take to taco night. Whether you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine or just looking for an easy way to enjoy your favorite taco ingredients, this recipe will be a hit with everyone.

To learn more about the versatility of taco-inspired dishes, you might enjoy reading this guide on how to make Taco Bowls or check out taco night party ideas.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Taco Hand Pies Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Twist on Taco Night

---

• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8-12 hand pies (depending on size) 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Taco Hand Pies are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of tacos in a portable, crispy, and golden package. These hand pies are made with a flaky pie crust, stuffed with a savory mixture of lean ground beef, taco seasoning, Mexican cheese, corn, and black beans, then baked to perfection. They are perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a tasty snack for any occasion!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 1 oz taco seasoning (about 1 packet)

• 1 cup taco/Mexican blended cheese

• ½ cup corn, drained

• ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• 2 packs refrigerated pie crust (4 rounds)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Cook Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks.

3. Add Seasoning: Drain any excess fat from the beef and stir in the taco seasoning. Follow the instructions on the seasoning packet, usually adding a bit of water to form a thick sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

4. Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the seasoned beef, taco cheese, corn, and black beans. Stir well to evenly mix all ingredients.

5. Assemble Hand Pies: Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a bowl or a cutter, cut out 4 to 6 rounds from each pie crust.

6. Fill Pies: Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto one half of each round, leaving space around the edges.

7. Seal Pies: Fold the other half of the pie crust over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press the edges together and seal the pies.

8. Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it over the top of each hand pie to give them a golden, glossy finish when baked.

9. Bake: Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pies are golden brown and crispy.

10. Serve: Let the pies cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite taco toppings or dipping sauces like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Notes

• Customization: Feel free to customize the filling by adding diced onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños for extra flavor.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

• Pie Crust: If you prefer homemade pie crust, you can make your own instead of using the refrigerated version.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish, Snack, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 hand pie
• Calories: 295 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 570mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Taco Hand Pies Recipe

Instructions:

1. Prepare the filling:
   • Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
   • Add the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water to the beef. Stir to combine, then simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and is fully incorporated with the seasoning.
   • Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Stir in the corn, black beans, and cheese.
2. Assemble the hand pies:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts onto a clean, flat surface. Use a round cutter (a large glass works well) to cut out 6-inch circles from the dough.
   • Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each dough circle, ensuring it’s not overfilled.
   • Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press and seal the edges securely.
   • Beat the egg in a small bowl, and brush the top of each pie with the egg wash to give them a golden color when baked.
3. Bake the pies:
   • Arrange the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
   • Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Advanced Techniques

Creating Perfect Taco Hand Pies:

While the basic recipe for taco hand pies is easy to follow, there are a few advanced techniques that can elevate your pies to restaurant-quality level.

1. Homemade Pie Crust: While store-bought pie crusts are convenient, making your own from scratch will give you a flakier, more flavorful crust. A butter-based pie crust is perfect for these hand pies and will create an even more indulgent experience.
2. Flavorful Variations: You can customize the taco hand pie filling to your liking. Add finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick, or experiment with ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
3. Deep Frying: While baking is the go-to method for these hand pies, you can take it a step further and deep-fry them for an even crispier texture. Frying them in hot oil will give the crust a golden, crunchy texture, and it’s an excellent option for party appetizers.
4. Spices and Herbs: Experiment with additional seasonings in the filling. Try adding cumin, chili powder, paprika, or garlic powder to intensify the taco flavors.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storage:

Taco Hand Pies can be stored easily if you have leftovers or want to make a batch ahead of time.

• Refrigeration: Allow the hand pies to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For long-term storage, these hand pies freeze wonderfully. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer the pies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• To reheat refrigerated or frozen taco hand pies, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). For refrigerated pies, bake for 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy. For frozen pies, bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are heated through and the crust is golden.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Taco Hand Pies can easily be modified to fit different dietary needs or preferences. Here are some helpful substitutions:

1. Gluten-Free: Substitute regular pie crusts with gluten-free pie crusts. You can find pre-made gluten-free crusts in most grocery stores, or you can make your own using a gluten-free flour blend.
2. Dairy-Free: To make the hand pies dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese and swap out the egg wash for an alternative such as almond milk or a flaxseed egg wash (1 tablespoon flaxmeal mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
3. Vegetarian: Skip the ground beef entirely and replace it with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also use plant-based protein alternatives to mimic the texture of ground meat.
4. Low-Carb/Keto: Use almond flour or coconut flour to make a low-carb, keto-friendly crust. For the filling, skip the beans and corn, and focus on meat, cheese, and low-carb vegetables like spinach or cauliflower rice.

FAQs About The Recipe

Q1: Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
A1: Yes! You can substitute ground chicken or turkey for the beef in this recipe. The texture will be slightly lighter, and the flavor will still be delicious.

Q2: How can I make these hand pies spicier?
A2: You can add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for extra heat. You can also try adding some chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! You can assemble the hand pies, then refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to bake. This makes them an excellent make-ahead meal or party snack.

Q4: How can I ensure the crust stays crispy?
A4: The key to a crispy crust is to avoid overfilling the pies and to bake them at a high temperature (375°F). Brushing the pies with an egg wash also helps achieve that golden, crispy texture.

Q5: Can I freeze the hand pies before baking?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the hand pies before baking. Lay them flat on a baking sheet, freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, no need to thaw – just bake them straight from the freezer for a few extra minutes.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Taco Hand Pies are the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. Whether you’re enjoying them for lunch, dinner, or as a party appetizer, they bring the delicious, savory taco experience in a new, handheld form. This recipe is easily customizable to fit dietary preferences, and with simple techniques, you can create a crispy, flavorful snack or meal. With a short prep time and a few key ingredients, Taco Hand Pies will quickly become a family favorite that you’ll make again and again.

Try this recipe today, and enjoy the delightful fusion of tacos and pies in a handheld package!