As the autumn leaves crunch underfoot and the air grows crisp, it’s time to get a little playful in the kitchen. Enter my Ghost Taco Hand Pies! These delightful treats are not just scrumptious with their flaky crust and savory fillings, but they also deliver a touch of whimsy perfect for any Halloween gathering. The beauty of these hand pies lies in their versatility; whether you’re a fan of ground beef, turkey, or even veggies, there’s a filling for every palate. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up, making them a fantastic choice when you want to impress without stress. Curious about how to make these hauntingly good pies that will disappear faster than a ghost at midnight? Let’s dive into the fun! Why Are Ghost Taco Hand Pies Perfect? Fun Presentation: Shaped like playful ghosts, these hand pies add festive flair to any Halloween feast or casual gathering. Versatile Fillings: Whether you prefer savory ground beef, turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian mix, there’s a delicious option for everyone. Easy Preparation: With simple steps and no culinary expertise required, these pies are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute parties. Crowd Pleaser: Their unique look and tasty fillings make them a guaranteed hit among guests—just watch them vanish! Meal Prepping-Friendly: Make ahead by prepping the filling a day prior or freeze for a quick snack anytime, just like a batch of Shrimp Poblano Tacos. Dive in and enjoy these delicious Ghost Taco Hand Pies that blend fun and flavor effortlessly! Ghost Taco Hand Pie Ingredients For the Filling • Lean Ground Beef – This main protein source provides richness; substitute with ground turkey or chicken for lighter options. • Taco Seasoning – Adds robust flavor and essential spice; consider homemade seasoning for better control over ingredients. • Shredded Carrot – An optional addition for sweetness and nutrition; grated zucchini works well as a substitute. • Chopped Bell Pepper or Baby Spinach – Optional veggies for extra flavor and color; feel free to use any preferred greens or peppers. • Shredded Mexican Cheese – Provides a melty, cheesy goodness; try sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor. For the Crust • Pie Crusts – Essential for structure; ensure they are defrosted and unbaked before use for the best results. For Assembly • Egg (for brushing) – Creates a golden-brown finish; a vegan substitute can be a mixture of plant milk and oil. • Salsa (for dipping) – Adds a tangy accompaniment; both homemade and store-bought options are delightful with these Ghost Taco Hand Pies. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ghost Taco Hand Pies Step 1: Prepare Pie Crusts Start by rolling out your pie crusts on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Using a 4-5 inch ghost-shaped cookie cutter, cut out 20-24 ghost shapes and carefully transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you have scraps, re-roll them and cut out additional shapes as needed. Step 2: Make Taco Filling In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of lean ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then add taco seasoning and optional veggies like shredded carrots or chopped bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 3-4 additional minutes, then mix in shredded Mexican cheese until melted. Allow the filling to cool completely. Step 3: Assemble Hand Pies Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you assemble the hand pies. Place half of the ghost-shaped crusts on a lined baking sheet. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled taco filling into the center of each ghost, making sure to leave a border around the edges for sealing. Step 4: Seal & Decorate In a small bowl, beat an egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of the bottom crusts with this mixture to help them stick together. Carefully place the remaining ghost shapes on top, pressing the edges to seal tightly, then crimp with a fork for a decorative touch. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg wash for a beautiful golden finish. Step 5: Bake Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the Ghost Taco Hand Pies for 18-25 minutes. They should puff up and turn a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them; they are done when they are evenly golden and fragrant. Step 6: Serve Once baked, allow the hand pies to cool on the baking sheets for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm with salsa for dipping, and watch these playful Ghost Taco Hand Pies disappear at your gathering! Expert Tips for Ghost Taco Hand Pies Cool Filling First: Allow the taco filling to cool completely before assembling. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy and ensures a perfectly crispy result. Shape Variations: Get creative with your cookie cutters! While ghosts are festive, stars or pumpkins work equally well for celebrations beyond Halloween. Avoid Overfilling: Stick to 2-3 tablespoons of filling per pie to prevent overflowing during baking, which can lead to messy cleanup. Sealing Technique: Make sure to press the edges tightly when sealing the pies. This helps to keep the filling inside and ensures a pleasant bite as you enjoy these delicious Ghost Taco Hand Pies. Golden Brown Finish: Use the egg wash on both the edges and tops of the hand pies for that beautiful, appetizing golden finish that makes them irresistible. Storage Solutions: If you have leftovers, store the hand pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze them for a quick snack later on! Make Ahead Options These Ghost Taco Hand Pies are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the taco filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply make the filling as directed, allowing it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the flavors intact and ensures that the filling doesn’t become soggy. If you need to prep even further ahead, the assembled hand pies can be frozen unbaked for up to 3 months; just place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for delicious, warm treats that are just as delightful as when freshly made! Storage Tips for Ghost Taco Hand Pies Fridge: Store Ghost Taco Hand Pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure they have cooled completely before covering to maintain crispness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the hand pies once cooled. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheating: To reheat, bake frozen hand pies directly from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy. Make-Ahead: Prepare the filling up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake just before serving for fresh, warm Ghost Taco Hand Pies. Ghost Taco Hand Pies: Delicious Variations Feel free to get creative and customize your Ghost Taco Hand Pies with these fun and flavorful ideas! Vegetarian Delight: Substitute ground meat with black beans and corn for a hearty, plant-based filling. You can still keep the scrumptious taco flavor while catering to veggie lovers. Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to your filling for a flavorful kick. This little heat boost will awaken your taste buds! Cheesy Upgrade: Experiment with different cheeses; pepper jack or queso fresco can bring an extra layer of flavor or creaminess to your hand pies. What’s a taco without a little extra cheese? Savory Sweetness: Toss in some caramelized onions or roasted sweet potatoes for a delicious contrast to the savory filling. This delightful combo will surprise and please your guests! Flavorful Fillers: Enhance your base mix by incorporating chipotle seasoning or BBQ sauce, creating a smokey, tangy filling that elevates the classic taco flavors. Wholesome Greens: Replace bell peppers or spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a healthier approach; simply sauté until tender before mixing with your filling. Alternative Crusts: Swap out traditional pie crust for puff pastry or even phyllo dough for a flaky and elegant upgrade that’s sure to impress. Sweet Pies: For a unique twist, try making dessert versions by filling the crusts with sweetened cream cheese and fruit. They’ll be the ghostly dessert everyone will rave about! Dive into these variations and remember, just like in cooking, the fun lies in experimenting. Enjoy the journey with your Shrimp Poblano Tacos recipe for more playful, delicious meals! What to Serve with Ghost Taco Hand Pies There’s nothing like pairing these playful hand pies with delicious sides that enhance their savory goodness and festivity! Zesty Guacamole: Creamy and rich, this avocado dip adds a fresh contrast to the warm pies, balancing out the flavors wonderfully. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Perfectly roasted, these sweet potato fries provide a delightful crunch and hint of sweetness that complements the savory filling. Spicy Salsa Verde: The tangy kick of salsa verde brightens each bite, elevating the flavor profile and adding a delightful zest. Cool Sour Cream: A dollop of cool sour cream provides a rich, creamy element that counteracts the spices, making every mouthful even more enjoyable. Fresh Garden Salad: Crisp greens tossed in a light vinaigrette bring a refreshing balance to the meal, cutting through the richness of the hand pies. Classic Mexican Rice: Fluffy and flavorful, this side dish adds an authentic touch to your meal, making it feel complete and satisfying. Frozen Margarita: For an adult twist, serve these hand pies with frozen margaritas, adding a splash of fun and flavor to your Halloween gathering. Caramel Apple Pops: Embrace the autumn vibe by serving these sweet treats as dessert, rounding off a festive meal with a touch of seasonal delight! Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best ground meat for filling my Ghost Taco Hand Pies? Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, opt for lean ground beef or turkey that’s about 85% lean. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground chicken also works wonderfully. Choose fresh meat with a bright color and avoid packages that may have dark spots or excessive liquid. What’s the best way to store leftover Ghost Taco Hand Pies? To keep your Ghost Taco Hand Pies fresh for up to 3 days, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before covering to maintain that delightful crustiness. If you have extras, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap will help maintain their texture. Can I freeze Ghost Taco Hand Pies for later? Very much so! To freeze, let the baked hand pies cool completely. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake directly from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, until heated through and crispy. What if my pie crusts are cracking while I assemble the pies? If you find your pie crusts are cracking, they may be too cold or not rolled out evenly. Try using room-temperature dough and roll it gently to about 1/8 inch thick, ensuring you don’t apply too much pressure. If you experience cracking, you can patch it up with small pieces of excess dough before sealing. Are Ghost Taco Hand Pies safe for kids or those with allergies? Absolutely! Just be mindful of specific allergies. If you’re preparing for children or guests with food sensitivities, try using gluten-free pie crusts and adjusting the filling accordingly (for instance, using beans or other pulses in place of meat). Always check labels on the taco seasoning and cheese for allergens. Can I make the filling ahead of time for the Ghost Taco Hand Pies? Yes, indeed! You can prepare the taco filling up to 24 hours in advance. After cooking, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. This not only saves time on the day of serving, but the flavors also meld together beautifully when allowed to sit overnight! Ghost Taco Hand Pies: Spooktacular Tasty Treats for Halloween Enjoy these delightful Ghost Taco Hand Pies, perfect for Halloween gatherings with tasty fillings and a fun presentation. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins Servings: 12 pocketsCourse: DinnerCuisine: MexicanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Filling1 pound Lean Ground Beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken1 packet Taco Seasoning homemade can be used for better control1 cup Shredded Carrot optional for sweetness1 cup Chopped Bell Pepper or Baby Spinach optional veggies for flavor1 cup Shredded Mexican Cheese try sharp cheddar for stronger flavorCrust2 ready-made Pie Crusts ensure defrosted and unbakedAssembly1 large Egg for brushing1 cup Salsa for dipping Equipment SkilletBaking sheetCookie cutterParchment Paper Method PreparationStart by rolling out your pie crusts on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Using a 4-5 inch ghost-shaped cookie cutter, cut out 20-24 ghost shapes and carefully transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.In a skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then add taco seasoning and optional veggies. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes, then mix in shredded Mexican cheese until melted. Allow filling to cool.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place half of the ghost-shaped crusts on a lined baking sheet. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of cooled taco filling into the center of each ghost, leaving a border around the edges.Beat an egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of the bottom crusts with this mixture. Place the remaining ghost shapes on top, pressing the edges to seal tightly, then crimp with a fork. Brush the tops with egg wash.Bake for 18-25 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool on the baking sheets for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm with salsa. Nutrition Serving: 1pocketCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg NotesAllow the taco filling to cool completely before assembling to avoid soggy crust. Get creative with cookie cutters for festive shapes beyond ghosts. If leftovers remain, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
