Description
These Beef and Cheese Hand Pies are a perfect savory snack or meal option, featuring a flaky crust filled with flavorful ground beef and melty cheese. Ideal for appetizers, picnics, or a hearty main dish, they offer comforting and satisfying flavors with versatile filling options that can be customized with sautéed vegetables or spicy additions.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or pepper jack for a zesty twist)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
For the Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup cold water (plus more if needed)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat. Add onions, bell peppers, and jalapeños if using, and cook until softened. Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in the shredded cheese.
- Assemble the hand pies: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into circles about 5-6 inches in diameter. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef and cheese filling onto one half of each circle. Fold the dough over to cover the filling and press edges firmly with a fork to seal.
- Apply egg wash and bake: Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg to create a golden crust. Cut a small slit on top of each pie to release steam during baking.
- Bake and serve: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- For a twist, try adding cooked sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the filling.
- Use different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for varied flavor profiles.
- These pies can be frozen before baking; bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Ensure the filling is cooled before assembling to prevent dough from becoming soggy.
- Serve with sour cream, salsa, or your favorite dipping sauce.
