Easy Ground Beef Hand Pies

Big Font Headline: Easy Ground Beef Hand Pies: A Savory Delight for Any Occasion

Introduction: When it comes to comfort food, few dishes match the satisfaction and convenience of hand pies. These savory delights are perfect for on-the-go meals, picnics, or simply as a comforting dinner option. Today, we’re presenting a delicious recipe for Easy Ground Beef Hand Pies that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. With a flaky crust and a hearty beef filling, these hand pies are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients:

• 2 boxes refrigerated rolled pie crusts (4 crusts total)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium white onion, finely diced
• 2 large carrots, finely diced
• 3 medium Yukon gold potatoes, finely diced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups beef stock
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Crusts:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Remove the pie crusts from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature as per package instructions.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked.
   • Add diced onions, carrots, and potatoes to the skillet, and cook until the vegetables are tender.
   • Season the mixture with dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and pepper, to taste.
   • Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir until well combined.
   • Pour in the beef stock and stir continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes a cohesive filling. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Hand Pies:
   • Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface.
   • Using a round cutter or a bowl, cut out circles from the pie crusts.
   • Place a spoonful of the beef filling onto one half of each circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
   • Fold the other half of the circle over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
   • Seal the edges by pressing them together with a fork. Repeat with remaining crusts and filling.
4. Bake the Hand Pies:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash.
   • Brush the tops of each hand pie with the egg wash.
   • Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Remove the hand pies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • These hand pies are delicious on their own or served with your favorite dipping sauce.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• You can customize the filling by adding different vegetables such as peas, corn, or bell peppers.
• For an extra flavor boost, consider adding Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the filling mixture.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. Italian seasoning or smoked paprika can add depth to the filling.
• If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought frozen mixed vegetables instead of chopping fresh ones.

Keto Version:

For a keto-friendly version of these hand pies, you can substitute the pie crust with a homemade almond flour crust or a fathead dough. Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips, and use almond flour or coconut flour as a thickener instead of regular flour. Additionally, you can increase the fat content by adding diced bacon or shredded cheese to the filling.

Low Carb Version:

To reduce the carb content, you can use a low-carb tortilla or a cauliflower crust as the base instead of traditional pie crust. Swap out the potatoes for extra vegetables like zucchini or broccoli. You can also use a sugar-free beef stock to further lower the carb count.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I freeze these hand pies?
   • Yes, these hand pies freeze well. Once baked, let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave straight from the freezer.
2. How long do these hand pies stay fresh?
   • These hand pies are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made. However, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   • Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Just ensure it’s fully cooked through before assembling the hand pies.
4. Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the hand pies up to a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

These Easy Ground Beef Hand Pies are a versatile and satisfying meal option that the whole family will love. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or packing them for lunch, they’re sure to be a hit. With their flaky crust and flavorful filling, they’re a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. So why wait? Get creative in the kitchen and whip up a batch of these delicious hand pies today!