Beef Hand Pies

These Beef Hand Pies are perfect for anyone who loves savory pastries filled with flavorful beef and herbs. The golden, flaky crust holds a juicy beef filling, making each bite a comforting experience. Whether for a cozy dinner, a quick lunch, or a crowd-pleasing snack, these hand pies are sure to satisfy your cravings. The best part is how easy these are to make! Using store-bought pie crusts saves time, but you can also use homemade pastry dough for a truly personalized touch. These hand pies can be made ahead of time and frozen, so they’re great for meal prep or busy nights when you need a delicious homemade meal in a flash.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 cup beef broth

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.

  3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.

  4. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

  5. Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Cut each crust into 4 even circles (you should have 8 circles in total).

  6. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each pie circle, then fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges to seal.

  7. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg.

  8. Arrange the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 8 hand pies

Beef Hand Pies: A Savory Delight for Every Occasion

Hand pies have been a beloved snack or meal in many cultures across the globe for centuries. From the iconic Cornish pasties of the UK to the empanadas of South America, hand pies are incredibly versatile and can be filled with almost anything — from meat to vegetables, cheese, and even sweet fillings. Among the vast array of hand pies, Beef Hand Pies stand out due to their savory and hearty filling that combines juicy beef, aromatic herbs, and a perfectly flaky crust. These little pockets of joy are the perfect balance of flavor and texture, making them an ideal choice for a quick meal, a picnic snack, or a fun party appetizer.

A Perfect Comfort Food

Beef Hand Pies are a true comfort food. Their rich, savory filling made with ground beef, onions, garlic, and aromatic herbs offers a satisfying and hearty meal in every bite. The combination of these ingredients creates a filling that is both flavorful and balanced. When wrapped in a golden, flaky crust, the result is a comforting dish that is sure to bring warmth and satisfaction to your taste buds.

Whether you’re craving a quick snack, a portable lunch, or a hearty dinner, Beef Hand Pies are an excellent choice. They are easy to make and provide a great way to enjoy a balanced meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. These pies are perfect for busy weeknights when you need something filling and delicious but don’t have hours to spend cooking.

Why Beef Hand Pies Are a Great Choice

There are several reasons why Beef Hand Pies are a fantastic addition to your recipe collection. First, they are incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the filling to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. If you’re not a fan of beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative. You can also add additional vegetables like peas, carrots, or potatoes to make the filling even more hearty.

Additionally, Beef Hand Pies are a great option for meal prep. You can make a large batch of them and store them in the freezer for later use. Simply pop them in the oven whenever you need a quick, satisfying meal, and they’re ready in minutes. They’re also ideal for parties or gatherings because they’re easy to serve and can be eaten on the go, making them perfect for any casual occasion.

Health Benefits of Beef Hand Pies

While Beef Hand Pies may be considered indulgent due to their rich filling and buttery crust, they can also offer some nutritional benefits when made with wholesome ingredients. Ground beef, especially lean cuts, is an excellent source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron and zinc. The beef provides the energy and nutrients needed for muscle repair and immune function, while the herbs and spices in the filling offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

In addition, by using a homemade or store-bought pie crust made with quality ingredients, you can ensure that you’re not consuming unnecessary preservatives or artificial additives. If you’re looking to make the dish even healthier, consider making your own whole-wheat crust, which can add fiber and nutrients to the final product.

An Easy and Time-Saving Recipe

One of the biggest appeals of Beef Hand Pies is how easy and quick they are to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have these delicious hand pies ready in under an hour. The recipe calls for simple ingredients like ground beef, onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs that you likely already have in your kitchen. The use of store-bought pie crusts saves even more time, ensuring that you can make a delicious meal in a fraction of the time it would take to prepare a traditional pie from scratch.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Beef Hand Pies are incredibly versatile and can be served at virtually any occasion. They make a great addition to a family dinner, a picnic in the park, or as a party appetizer. Their portable nature makes them a perfect choice for lunch boxes or as a snack during a busy workday. You can also serve them with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or even a simple dipping sauce, depending on your mood or the occasion.

For those hosting a gathering, Beef Hand Pies are a great option because they are easy to make in large quantities and can be served as finger food. Guests can easily grab one (or two) without needing a plate or utensils. They are ideal for potlucks, picnics, or casual gatherings with friends and family.

How to Make Beef Hand Pies a Family Favorite

One of the joys of making Beef Hand Pies is how much you can involve your family in the cooking process. This recipe is simple enough for kids to help with, whether it’s rolling out the dough, filling the pies, or brushing the crust with egg wash. Not only does this create an opportunity for family bonding, but it also teaches kids valuable cooking skills that they can carry with them throughout life.

Assembling the pies can also be a fun and creative experience. You can get creative with the fillings by adding vegetables or even cheese for extra flavor. These hand pies are also highly customizable, so each person can make their own hand pie according to their preferences.

How to Store and Reheat Beef Hand Pies

Beef Hand Pies are ideal for storing and reheating, making them perfect for meal prepping or making in advance. After baking, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. If you plan to eat them within a few days, you can store them in the fridge. Otherwise, place them in the freezer for long-term storage.

To reheat, you can bake them again in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is warmed through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can microwave them, though this may result in a softer crust. Either way, you’ll have a tasty and convenient meal ready to go.

Conclusion

Beef Hand Pies are a flavorful, versatile, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal, a satisfying snack, or something to serve at your next gathering, these hand pies are sure to impress. With their savory beef filling and flaky, golden crust, they offer a comforting and hearty meal that’s packed with flavor. Plus, they’re simple to make, customizable to suit your tastes, and can be made ahead of time, making them a great option for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find yourself reaching for these delicious hand pies time and time again!

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