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Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 83 reviews
  • Author: Hugo
  • Total Time: 29 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 hand pies 1x

Description

These Ghost Taco Hand Pies are a fun and spooky twist on classic tacos, perfect for Halloween or any festive occasion. Made with a flavorful seasoned ground beef filling wrapped in flaky pie crusts shaped like ghosts, these hand pies are baked to golden perfection and served with salsa or guacamole for dipping.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Taco Filling

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey, or chicken)
  • 1 Tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrot (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper or baby spinach (optional)

For the Hand Pies

  • 2 pie crusts (defrosted but unbaked)
  • 1/3 cup shredded Mexican cheese
  • 1 egg (for brushing)
  • Salsa (for dipping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Taco Filling: Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. If using ground turkey or chicken, warm a drizzle of olive oil in the skillet first. Add the taco seasoning and optional shredded carrot or chopped bell pepper/spinach. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the meat is browned and crumbs are small. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
  3. Cut Out Ghost Shapes: Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using ghost-shaped cookie cutters, cut out an even number of ghost shapes—one for the bottom and one for the top of each hand pie. Gather and reroll scraps to use all the dough.
  4. Fill the Hand Pies: Arrange half of the ghost shapes on your baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Spoon a small amount of the taco filling onto the center of each ghost, then sprinkle with shredded Mexican cheese.
  5. Create Ghost Faces and Seal: Use a small, round object (like a marker lid) to cut out eyes and a mouth from the remaining ghost shapes. Place these shapes with cut-outs over the filled ghosts on the baking sheets. Use a fork’s tines to gently press and seal the edges all around to prevent filling from leaking.
  6. Apply Egg Wash: Whisk the egg with a small splash of water or milk to make an egg wash. Brush this evenly over the tops of each hand pie to promote browning and a shiny finish.
  7. Bake the Hand Pies: Bake the pies in the preheated oven for 10-14 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and flaky. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
  8. Serve: Serve the warm ghost taco hand pies with salsa or guacamole for dipping and enjoy your festive treat!

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Add shredded carrots or chopped spinach or bell peppers to increase the veggie content.
  • Ensure the edges are well sealed with a fork to prevent filling leakage during baking.
  • Use store-bought pie crusts to save prep time or make your own homemade crusts for a more artisanal touch.
  • Serve with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for extra flavor.
  • These hand pies can be made ahead and frozen before baking; bake directly from frozen with a few extra minutes in the oven.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Keywords: ghost hand pies, taco hand pies, Halloween recipe, ground beef, taco seasoning, savory hand pies, Mexican cheese, spooky snacks

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Find it online: https://flavorsbyhugo.com/ghost-taco-hand-pies-recipe/