Dinner

Ground Beef Hand Pies Recipe

ByMatteo Rossi March 27, 2026March 27, 2026

Introduction

These delicious ground beef hand pies are the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Packed with savory filling wrapped in buttery pie crusts, they make a satisfying and portable meal or snack. Easy to prepare and sure to please, they’re a fantastic way to enjoy classic flavors in a convenient hand-held bite.

The image shows four golden brown empanadas on a wooden board with a white marbled texture in the background. One empanada in front is cut open, revealing two layers: a bottom and top flaky, light golden pastry layer with a shiny surface, and a thick middle layer of finely ground cooked beef that is deep brown and moist. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on and around the empanadas. The edges of each empanada are crimped to seal the filling inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons Olive Oil (substitute with vegetable oil if needed)
1 cup Onion, chopped (can substitute with shallots for a milder flavor)
1 cup Carrots, diced (replace with finely diced zucchini if preferred)
2 cloves Garlic, minced (optional but recommended for depth)
1 pound Ground Beef (ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter alternative)
2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (use tomato sauce if paste is unavailable)
1/2 cup Beef Broth (swap with vegetable broth for a lighter option)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce (soy sauce can be a substitute for a similar effect)
Salt, to taste
Black Pepper, to taste
1 cup Frozen Peas (fresh peas can be used, adjust cooking times accordingly)
2 pieces Refrigerated Pie Crusts (homemade dough can substitute for a fresher flavor)
1 large Egg, beaten (milk can be used as an alternative for a non-egg wash)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and diced carrot until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture until it thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Fold in the frozen peas, then remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.
Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts and cut each into 8 equal circles, approximately 6 inches in diameter.
Step 4: Place about 1/4 cup of the cooled filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges tightly to seal and cut small slits on top to allow steam to escape.
Step 5: Brush the tops of each hand pie with the beaten egg to create a golden finish. Arrange the pies on a baking sheet and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until golden and flaky.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and let the hand pies cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or dried herbs like thyme to the filling mixture.
Use homemade pie dough for a fresher, more buttery crust if time allows.
Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Mix in finely chopped mushrooms or bell peppers to add extra vegetables.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with cooked lentils or mashed chickpeas.

Storage

Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispness. These pies can also be frozen before baking—freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag and bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How to Serve

The image shows four golden brown meat pies arranged on a wooden board with some small green herb pieces scattered around. One meat pie is cut open to reveal three layers: the top flaky crust is shiny and light brown with visible folds and crimped edges, beneath it sits a juicy, crumbly dark brown ground meat filling, and the bottom layer is a thin, slightly crispy crust holding the filling. The whole scene has a warm, inviting look with soft light highlighting the textures of the flaky crust and savory meat inside, set against a blurred dark background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the hand pies in advance. Keep them refrigerated until ready to bake or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I use a different type of crust?

Absolutely. Refrigerated pie crusts work well for convenience, but puff pastry or homemade pie dough are excellent alternatives depending on the texture you prefer.