Ground Beef Hand Pies are the ultimate comfort food wrapped in a golden, flaky crust. Imagine a buttery pastry pocket filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, and vegetables—crispy on the outside, juicy and savory on the inside. These little pies are hearty enough to serve as a main dish but portable enough to enjoy as a snack or lunch on the go. They’re a favorite across cultures, with versions appearing everywhere from Latin America (empanadas) to Europe (Cornish pasties). What makes them universally loved is their versatility—you can bake or fry them, add your favorite seasonings, and even freeze them for later. These hand pies bring together the richness of ground beef with the comfort of pastry, making them a dish you’ll crave again and again.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ cup (75 g) frozen peas and carrots

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon cumin (optional)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 package (2 sheets) puff pastry, thawed

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional, for garnish)

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.

3. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

4. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, cumin, peas, and carrots. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

5. Roll out puff pastry sheets and cut into 4- to 5-inch circles or squares.

6. Place a spoonful of beef mixture in the center of each pastry piece. Fold over and seal edges with a fork.

7. Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds if desired.

8. Place hand pies on the baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.

9. Cool slightly before serving.

Nutrients (Per Hand Pie – based on 8 servings)

• Calories: ~280

• Protein: 12 g

• Fat: 16 g

• Saturated Fat: 5 g

• Carbohydrates: 24 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugars: 2 g

• Sodium: 330 mg

• Iron: 2 mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love Ground Beef Hand Pies because they’re the perfect mix of crispy, flaky pastry and savory filling. They’re easy to customize with different flavors and ingredients, and they store well for later meals. Whether you’re packing lunch for work, serving snacks at a party, or making a quick dinner, these pies are a crowd-pleaser. Their portable size makes them perfect for kids, busy adults, and anyone who loves handheld comfort food.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

Hand pies have been enjoyed for centuries, with variations appearing all around the world. From British pasties to Jamaican patties and Argentine empanadas, the idea of enclosing a filling in dough is a timeless culinary tradition. Ground beef versions became popular due to affordability, accessibility, and versatility. This recipe draws inspiration from those traditions while keeping things simple and accessible for home cooks.

Ingredient Spotlight

Ground beef is the hero here, providing hearty protein and a savory base. Onion and garlic build depth of flavor, while Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste add richness and umami. Vegetables like peas and carrots add sweetness and texture, balancing out the meatiness. Puff pastry is what makes these hand pies truly irresistible—it bakes up light, flaky, and golden every time. A final egg wash ensures shine and crunch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the pastry crisp. They can also be frozen before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, place on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the cooking time.

Common Variations to Try

• Cheesy Hand Pies: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the beef filling.

• Spicy Version: Stir in chili powder, cayenne, or diced jalapeños.

• Mediterranean Twist: Add feta cheese, spinach, and a dash of oregano.

• Breakfast Hand Pies: Swap beef for scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese.

• Vegetarian Option: Use lentils, mushrooms, or beans instead of beef.

Pairing Recommendations

Ground Beef Hand Pies pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ketchup, spicy mayo, or chimichurri. For a complete meal, serve them with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or soup. They’re also great party food—pair with a crisp lager or a glass of red wine like Merlot for adults, or fruit juice for a family-friendly option.

Health Benefits

While hand pies are indulgent, they do have nutritional value. Ground beef provides protein, iron, and B vitamins, essential for energy and muscle health. Vegetables like peas and carrots add vitamins A and C, plus fiber. Puff pastry, while rich, makes the dish satisfying in small portions. When enjoyed in moderation, Ground Beef Hand Pies can be part of a balanced diet, especially if paired with a fresh salad or roasted veggies.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Hand Pies are the perfect balance of savory filling and flaky crust, offering a comforting yet versatile dish you can enjoy anytime. They’re easy to make, customizable, and loved by both kids and adults. With endless variations and simple storage options, these pies are a smart addition to your cooking rotation. Whether baked fresh for dinner, prepared ahead for meal prep, or served at a gathering, they’re guaranteed to impress with every bite.