Get ready to discover the ultimate comforting meal you can hold in your hand: Beef Hand Pies! These delightful, individual pies feature a rich, savory ground beef filling packed with vegetables, all encased in a perfectly golden, flaky crust.
They are incredibly versatile, making them ideal for a hearty snack, a grab-and-go lunch, or even a fun family dinner. You’ll love how simple these savory beef pastries are to prepare.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Beef Hand Pies Recipe
This recipe is a true winner, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. Here’s why you’ll adore these savory Beef Hand Pies:
- Easy & Family-Friendly: Simple steps make this a breeze, even for busy weeknights. Kids and adults alike will enjoy these comforting individual pies.
- Hearty & Flavorful Filling: The rich ground beef and vegetable mixture is incredibly satisfying. Every bite bursts with savory deliciousness.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week. They reheat wonderfully for quick meals.
- Adaptable to Dietary Preferences: Easily swap ingredients to fit your family’s needs. Use different veggies or lean meats.
- Ideal for Parties or Quick Snacks: These portable pockets are fantastic for entertaining or simply grabbing when hunger strikes.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Beef Hand Pies:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 carrots, peeled and finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 large potato, peeled and finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1/2 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
- 2 packages pie crust (4 pre-made pie crusts total)
- 1 egg, optional (for egg wash)
Notes & Substitutions
- You can easily customize these savory meat pies to your liking. For a leaner option, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Feel free to vary the vegetables; try adding diced bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
- While store-bought pie crusts make this recipe super quick, you can certainly use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe for an extra special touch.
- For a deeper, richer flavor, substitute half a cup of the beef stock with Guinness beer. You can also explore different ground meats for unique flavor profiles.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools to make these individual beef pies. Here’s what helps:
- Large, deep skillet
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Large biscuit cutter (3-4 inch)
- Meat chopper or sturdy spatula
- Small bowl and whisk for egg wash
- Pastry brush (optional)
Instructions For The Best Beef Hand Pies
Creating these delicious Beef Hand Pies is straightforward. Follow these steps for perfect results.
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil, preparing them for your savory pastries.
- Melt the butter in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they soften and become translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking the meat into fine crumbles with a meat chopper or spatula, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the finely diced carrots and potatoes. Continue cooking until they just begin to soften, about 3-5 minutes. They will still be slightly firm at this point.
- Mix in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme until thoroughly blended with the meat and vegetables.
- Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir well to combine. The flour will help thicken the gravy for these delicious ground beef pockets.
- Carefully pour in the beef stock. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are tender, which typically takes 5-10 minutes.
- Stir in the peas. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Set the savory filling aside to cool slightly while you prepare the pie crusts.
- Unroll the pie crusts. Using a 3-4 inch large biscuit cutter, cut as many circles as you can from each crust. Gather and gently re-roll the dough scraps to cut additional circles, maximizing your yield of these yummy beef hand pies.
- If making an egg wash, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Place about 1 heaping tablespoon of the ground beef filling into the center of a pie crust circle. The exact amount will depend on the size of your cut circles.
- Lightly brush the edge of the bottom pie crust around the filling with the egg wash (if using). Place a second pie crust circle directly over the filling. Using the tines of a fork, press the edges of the two crusts together firmly to seal all the way around, creating a decorative edge.
- Cut a small slit or two in the center of the top pie crust. This allows steam to escape during baking. Transfer the sealed hand pie to your prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining pie crust circles and filling.
- Brush the tops of all the individual beef pastries lightly with the egg wash. This gives them a beautiful golden-brown shine.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the pie crusts are golden brown and flaky.
- Allow the Beef Hand Pies to cool for a few minutes before serving. The filling gets very hot during baking, so be cautious.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Achieving perfect Beef Hand Pies is simple with a few tricks. For a truly flaky crust, ensure your pie dough is cold when working with it; this prevents it from becoming tough.
- To prevent soggy bottoms, make sure your filling isn’t too wet. If the gravy seems thin, simmer it a bit longer to reduce before filling the pies.
- Don’t discard dough scraps; gently combine and re-roll them once to cut more circles, but avoid overworking the dough. Always taste and adjust your seasoning for optimal flavor before filling the pies.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These versatile Beef Hand Pies are perfect for many occasions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful beef pockets as a hearty appetizer or a satisfying main course. They are wonderful on their own but also pair nicely with dipping sauces like ketchup, a dollop of sour cream, or extra gravy. For a complete meal, serve them alongside a crisp, simple green salad.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Beef Hand Pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze unbaked hand pies, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at the same temperature, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time, until golden and heated through.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with your Beef Hand Pies! Try different ground meats such as ground chicken, turkey, or even lamb for a unique flavor profile. Experiment with diverse spices and herbs like paprika, cumin, or rosemary to change the character of the filling.
For an extra rich treat, add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the filling before sealing the pies. If you’re feeling ambitious, use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe for a truly from-scratch experience.
Nutrition Information
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of Beef Hand Pies.
Disclaimer: These are approximate values and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Lean ground beef offers a wealth of essential nutrients, including protein, iron, and B vitamins, while also being lower in fat.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 hand pie |
| Calories | 190 kcal |
| Carbohydrate Content | 21 g |
| Protein Content | 7 g |
| Fat Content | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 4 g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 20 mg |
| Sodium Content | 272 mg |
| Fiber Content | 1 g |
| Sugar Content | 1 g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 1.1 g |
| Potassium Content | 212 mg |
| Vitamin A Content | 910 IU |
| Vitamin C Content | 5 mg |
| Calcium Content | 12 mg |
| Iron Content | 1 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze beef hand pies?
Yes, you can! Freeze unbaked pies on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake them from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with beef hand pies?
These savory pastries are great with a simple green salad, a side of roasted vegetables, or even a cup of warm soup. Don’t forget a dipping sauce like ketchup or a rich gravy!
Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?
Absolutely! Puff pastry will give your individual beef pies a lighter, even flakier texture. Adjust baking time as needed according to puff pastry package directions.
Conclusion
You now have everything you need to create these truly satisfying Beef Hand Pies. With their savory, hearty filling and golden, flaky crust, they are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
This recipe is wonderfully easy to follow, making it perfect for busy parents and beginners alike. We encourage you to try this versatile recipe soon and share your delicious creations with us!
Beef Hand Pies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Melt butter in a skillet. Sauté onion 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain fat.
- Add carrots and potatoes. Cook 3–5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Mix well.
- Add flour and stir to coat. Pour in beef stock and simmer 5–10 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in peas. Adjust seasoning. Let filling cool slightly.
- Cut circles from pie crusts using a biscuit cutter. Re-roll scraps to cut more.
- Fill circles with 1 tbsp beef filling. Brush edges with egg wash. Top with another circle and seal with fork.
- Cut small slits on top. Brush with egg wash. Place on baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes until golden. Cool before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- You can swap ground beef with turkey or chicken, or add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
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