Ghost Taco Hand Pies

why make this recipe

Ghost Taco Hand Pies are a fun and spooky twist on traditional tacos, making them perfect for Halloween or any casual get-together. They are easy to prepare and can be a hit with both kids and adults. The flaky pie crust paired with the savory taco filling offers a delightful bite that is sure to please everyone. Plus, they are portable and make for a fun treat for parties!

how to make Ghost Taco Hand Pies

To prepare these tasty treats, start by making the taco filling. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey/chicken) until it’s browned and crumbled. Add in taco seasoning and optional vegetables for an extra crunch. Once done, you’ll construct the ghost shapes using pie crusts that you can cut with cookie cutters.

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef (ground turkey, or chicken)
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1/4 cup shredded carrot (optional)
1/4 cup chopped bell pepper or baby spinach (optional)
2 pie crusts (defrosted but unbaked)
1/3 cup shredded Mexican cheese
1 egg (for brushing)
Salsa (for dipping)

Directions:

To make the taco filling, set a medium skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the ground beef and start to break it apart into crumbles. (If using ground turkey or chicken, warm a drizzle of olive oil in the skillet first.) Add taco seasoning and shredded carrot or pepper, if using. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the meat is browned, continuing to break it up into small pieces as you go. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Roll out the pie crusts on a pastry mat or the counter lightly dusted with flour. Use ghost-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes, being sure to have an even number — you’ll need one for the top and one for the bottom of each taco pie. Gather and roll out the scraps until all the pie crust is used.
Arrange half of the cut ghost shapes on the pastry mat, leaving some space around each. Spoon a small amount of the taco filling into the middle of each ghost, then sprinkle a bit of cheese on top.
Use anything small and round to cut out eyes and/or a mouth from the remaining ghost shapes. (I used the lid of a Crayola marker!) Place one of the shapes with a cut-out over each filled ghost on the baking sheets, then use the tines of a fork to gently seal all the edges.
Mix the egg with a splash of water or milk in a small bowl to make an egg wash, then brush this on top of each mini pie.
Bake for 10-14 minutes, until the tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven, let cool for a minute or two, then serve with salsa or guacamole for dipping. Enjoy!

how to serve Ghost Taco Hand Pies

These Ghost Taco Hand Pies are perfect as a snack or appetizer. Serve them warm alongside salsa, guacamole, or your favorite dipping sauce. You can also get creative by adding toppings like sour cream or diced avocados. These hand pies are great for sharing during a Halloween party or family gathering!

how to store Ghost Taco Hand Pies

To store leftovers, let the hand pies cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

tips to make Ghost Taco Hand Pies

Make it simple: Use store-bought pie crusts to save time.
Get creative: Experiment with different fillings like black beans or cheese.
Perfect the dough: Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick for a perfect texture.
Seal well: Press the edges firmly to prevent the filling from leaking out.

variation

Consider using different types of protein, like shredded chicken or lentils, for a vegetarian option. You can also try adding different spices or toppings to the filling for a unique flavor.

FAQs

Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and cut out the ghost shapes ahead of time. Store them in the fridge, and then bake them just before serving.

What can I serve with Ghost Taco Hand Pies?
They pair well with salsa, guacamole, or even a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How can I make them spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or spicy taco seasoning to the filling for an extra kick!