Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a fun, festive, and utterly delicious treat, I’ve got just the thing for you! My Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe is a total game-changer when it comes to snack time or party food. Picture flaky pie crusts shaped like adorable little ghosts, packed with flavorful taco filling and melty cheese—how can you resist? This recipe always gets tons of compliments, and I’m excited to share the secrets to making it as easy and tasty as possible.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind the Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe lies in using simple, fresh ingredients that pack big flavor with minimal effort. I always keep taco seasoning on hand to make the filling pop, and the pie crust keeps everything light and flaky.

• Ground Meat: I usually go with lean ground beef, but ground turkey or chicken works great if you want a lighter option.
• Taco Seasoning: This blend brings all those classic taco spices without the hassle of measuring individual spices.
• Shredded Carrot (optional): A sneaky way to add some extra veggies and natural sweetness—kids often don’t even notice!
• Chopped Bell Pepper or Baby Spinach (optional): Adds great color and texture, plus a little boost of nutrition.
• Pie Crusts: I buy pre-made pie crusts for convenience, make sure they’re defrosted but still cold for easier handling.
• Shredded Mexican Cheese: A tasty blend of cheddar, monterey jack, and other cheeses gives you that gooey, melty goodness.
• Egg: Used for brushing on the crust so your pies bake up golden and glossy.
• Salsa: For dipping, because it just wouldn’t be tacos without salsa!

Variations

I love how versatile these hand pies are—you can totally make them your own with just a few tweaks. Sometimes I like to sneak in extra veggies or swap out the meat for something different to keep things interesting.

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the meat for cooked black beans or lentils and add extra spices—this makes a delicious and hearty meatless option that even the meat-lovers in my family enjoy.
• Pizza-Inspired Variation: I’ve tried replacing the taco filling with marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni for a fun twist—my kids went nuts for these pizza hand pies!
• Gluten-Free Option: If you have a gluten sensitivity, use gluten-free pie crust found at most grocery stores to keep the flavor without the gluten.
• Spice Level: Feel free to dial up the heat with extra chili powder or jalapeños if that’s how you roll—these hand pies take well to customization.

How to Make Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Taco Filling

Start by heating a medium skillet over medium-high heat. If you’re using beef, just toss it in and break it apart with your spatula right away. For leaner meats like turkey or chicken, drizzle a little olive oil first so it doesn’t dry out. Add the taco seasoning along with your choice of shredded carrot and bell pepper or spinach to sneak in some veggies. Cook everything for about 5-6 minutes until the meat is fully browned and the veggies soften. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then set it aside to cool slightly. This step is where your filling gets packed with flavor!

Step 2: Prepare and Cut the Pie Crusts

While the filling cools, preheat your oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Roll out your defrosted pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Grab a ghost-shaped cookie cutter—if you don’t have one, you can always freehand cut a ghost shape or use any fun shape you like. You’ll want an even number of cutouts because each hand pie needs a top and a bottom. Don’t worry if you have scraps—just gather, roll out again, and cut more! This is also a great step for kids to help with for a hands-on activity.

Step 3: Assemble Your Ghost Taco Hand Pies

Place half of the ghost cutouts on your work surface or baking sheets with enough space between each. Spoon a small heaping of the taco filling into the center of each one, then sprinkle on some shredded cheese. Now, take the remaining ghost cutouts and use something small and round—like a marker lid, as I do!—to cut out eyes and maybe a spooky mouth. These cutouts will be your top crusts and give your pies their character. Carefully place each “ghost face” on top of the filled bases, then press around the edges gently with a fork to seal them up. Don’t skip this sealing step; it keeps the filling inside and helps your pies bake perfectly.

Step 4: Brush and Bake

Whisk together an egg with a splash of water or milk to create a beautiful egg wash. Brush this over the tops of your ghost pies—it’s the secret to that golden, glossy crust that’ll make your handiwork look professional. Pop the baking sheets in the oven for 10 to 14 minutes, keeping an eye on them. You want the crust to turn a warm golden brown, and your kitchen will start smelling like the best taco joint ever. Once baked, let the pies cool briefly before serving so the filling firms up just right.

How to Serve Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top these hand pies with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro because the bright herb adds a fresh pop that balances the cheesy, meaty filling. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole on the side also makes for a nice creamy contrast. If you want to get festive, a little drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or a sprinkle of diced jalapeños amps up the flavor too.

Side Dishes

These pies pair fantastically with a crisp mixed green salad or a simple corn salad with lime and chili powder. I also love serving them alongside some chips and salsa for extra crunch. And if you’re serving at a party, these are incredible with a cold Mexican beer or a refreshing iced tea.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween gatherings, I like arranging these ghost hand pies on a big platter lined with black or orange napkins to amp up the spooky vibe. Adding some edible eyes or fun toothpick flags helps the presentation pop. Another time, I turned them into a fun “build your own taco hand pie” station where everyone made their own filling combos—it was a total hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, any leftover Ghost Taco Hand Pies store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend placing a piece of parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together. When I reheat them, I like to use the oven or toaster oven to keep the crust nice and crisp instead of soggy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these unbaked hand pies before for easy meal prep: just assemble, place them on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want to bake them, pop them straight into a preheated oven—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. It’s a real timesaver on busy days or for last-minute gatherings!

Reheating

To bring your leftover hand pies back to life, I warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving if you can, because that tends to make the crust soggy, and that’s nobody’s favorite texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe brings a bit of whimsy and a whole lot of flavor to the table. Whether you’re making it for a spooky celebration, a quick family dinner, or a casual get-together, these hand pies are always a hit. I hope you have as much fun making them as my family and I do eating them! Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly these little ghostly treats disappear from the plate.

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