If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both satisfying and easy to make, look no further than these delicious Ground Beef Hand Pies. Packed with savory flavors from well-seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and rich cheese, all wrapped in a flaky puff pastry, these hand pies are perfect for a hearty snack, lunch, or even dinner. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a family meal, these hand pies will be a hit!

Why You’ll Love These Ground Beef Hand Pies

These Ground Beef Hand Pies are great for several reasons. First, they’re incredibly portable, making them perfect for school lunches, picnics, or an on-the-go meal. The flaky puff pastry gives a buttery crunch, while the filling is full of comforting flavors from the seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, and gooey cheese. Best of all, this recipe is easy to make ahead, freeze, and bake when you’re ready to enjoy.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Hand Pies

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious hand pies:

2 tablespoons butter
1 medium carrot, peeled and finely diced
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 pound ground beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio)
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 level tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 ¼ cups beef stock or broth
1 medium russet potato, peeled and diced into ¼-½ inch cubes
¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
¼ cup green peas
2 (17.3 ounce) packages puff pastry sheets, frozen
1 egg, whisked for egg wash

Essential Equipment for Ground Beef Hand Pies

To ensure your Ground Beef Hand Pies turn out perfectly, make sure to have the following kitchen equipment ready:

Large skillet or frying pan
Wooden spoon for stirring
Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
Rolling pin for working with puff pastry
Pastry brush for egg wash
Baking sheet lined with parchment paper

How to Make Ground Beef Hand Pies: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these easy steps to create delicious Ground Beef Hand Pies:

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by prepping all of your vegetables. Peel and dice the carrot and potato into small cubes. Mince the garlic and chop the fresh herbs. Keep the puff pastry frozen until needed.
Cook the Filling: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced carrots and sauté until they soften, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce.
Create the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well to coat. Gradually pour in the beef stock while stirring to combine, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Add Potatoes and Simmer: Add the diced potatoes to the beef mixture. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 25-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Add the Veggies and Herbs: Stir in the fresh thyme, parsley, and green peas. Once everything is combined, remove the skillet from the heat and allow the filling to cool.
Prepare the Puff Pastry: While the filling is cooling, thaw the puff pastry sheets according to package instructions (this usually takes 30-45 minutes). Once thawed, roll each sheet into a 10×10 inch square. Use a sharp knife to cut the sheets into 5-inch squares.
Assemble the Hand Pies: Place about ½ cup of the beef filling into the center of each pastry square. Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the filling. Wet the edges of the pastry with water, then top with another pastry square. Press the edges firmly together and trim off any excess pastry to create neat edges.
Chill the Pies: Cut small vents on the top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape. Place the pies on a baking sheet and freeze them for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
Bake the Hand Pies: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the top of each hand pie with the whisked egg wash for a golden finish. Bake the hand pies for 24-26 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the hand pies to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh thyme if desired.

Expert Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Hand Pies

Cool the Filling: Make sure to cool the filling before adding it to the puff pastry to prevent soggy pies.
Freeze Before Baking: A short freeze helps firm up the pies and ensures the pastry holds its shape during baking.
Customize the Filling: Feel free to swap out veggies like peas or carrots with corn, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a personalized touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling the Pies: Be careful not to overstuff the pies, as they may burst open during baking.
Skipping the Egg Wash: The egg wash gives the pies a beautiful golden-brown color, so don’t skip this step.
Not Sealing the Edges Properly: Ensure the edges are firmly pressed together to prevent the filling from leaking out.

Serving and Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Hand Pies

These Ground Beef Hand Pies are best served hot out of the oven. You can present them as a casual snack on a wooden board or plate them with a side salad for a complete meal. Pair with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or even some crispy fries for a satisfying meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Ground Beef Hand Pies

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes to regain their crispiness. Alternatively, you can freeze the pies after baking by wrapping them individually and reheating directly from frozen at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Hand Pies

Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the hand pies and freeze them unbaked. When you’re ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or even lamb would work beautifully in this recipe.

What can I serve with these hand pies?
These hand pies pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even some hearty mashed potatoes.