Name: Ghost Taco Hand Pies: 1 Easy Spicy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 39 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb Lean Ground Beef or Ground Turkey/Chicken; 1 tbsp Taco Seasoning; 1 cup Shredded Carrot (optional); 1 cup Chopped Bell Pepper or Baby Spinach (optional); 1 cup Shredded Mexican Cheese; 2 packs Pie Crusts (refrigerated dough); 1 large Egg (for brushing); Salsa (for dipping)

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Ghost Taco Hand Pies have become my absolute favorite Halloween treat! They’re not just spooky and fun to look at, but they pack a punch of flavor that always impresses my friends. I remember one year, I was looking for something new and exciting for our Halloween party, and stumbling upon a recipe for these spicy delights was a game-changer. The aroma of seasoned beef and warm pastry filling the kitchen is pure magic. If you’re wondering, what are ghost taco hand pies? They’re essentially flaky, buttery pastry pockets filled with a savory taco meat mixture and baked into a fun ghost shape. Get ready for some seriously delicious, spicy ghost pepper taco hand pies – let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Ghost Taco Hand Pie Recipe

These aren’t just any hand pies; they’re a fiesta of flavor and fun! You’ll adore how the savory, spiced filling perfectly complements the flaky, buttery crust. Plus, they’re incredibly quick to make, fitting into even the busiest schedules thanks to the easy ghost taco hand pie instructions.

Deliciously Spiced: A burst of taco seasoning and savory meat in every bite.
Quick Prep: Get dinner on the table fast with minimal fuss.
Healthier Choice: Lean ground meat and optional veggies make them a guilt-free indulgence.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have.
Family Favorite: The fun ghost shape makes them a hit with kids and adults alike.
Easy to Follow: The easy ghost taco hand pie instructions ensure success for beginners.
Perfect for Parties: They’re portable, easy to serve, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Homemade Ghost Taco Hand Pies

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making these amazing homemade ghost taco hand pies. We’ll start with the filling, which is key to that spicy hand pie filling ghost pepper flavor, and then move on to the crust.

1 lb lean ground beef – or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option
1 tbsp taco seasoning – for that classic taco flavor
1 cup shredded carrot (optional) – adds a touch of sweetness and moisture
1 cup chopped bell pepper or baby spinach (optional) – for extra veggies and color
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese – melts beautifully and adds creaminess
2 packs pie crusts (refrigerated dough) – the foundation for our flaky pastry
1 large egg (for brushing) – creates a gorgeous golden-brown finish
Salsa (for dipping) – essential for serving!

How to Make Ghost Taco Hand Pies

Ready to create these spooky and delicious treats? Follow these simple steps to assemble your own batch of ghost taco hand pies. It’s easier than you think to get that perfect flaky crust and flavorful filling.

Preparing the Filling

First, let’s get that savory filling ready! Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground meat. Brown it well, breaking it apart into small pieces. Stir in the taco seasoning and any optional veggies you’re using, like carrots or peppers. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until everything is fragrant and the meat is fully cooked. Let this delicious mixture cool a bit before assembling.

Shaping and Assembling the Hand Pies

Now for the fun part – making them look like ghosts! Lightly flour your surface and roll out the pie crusts. Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter to create an even number of ghost tops and bottoms. Place half the ghost crusts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon your cooled taco filling onto each one, making sure not to overfill, then generously sprinkle with shredded cheese. Top with the remaining ghost cutouts, pressing down to seal the edges firmly with a fork. Don’t forget to cut out little eyes and a mouth on the top crusts!

Baking and Finishing Touches

To get that perfect golden hue, whisk one large egg with a splash of milk or water. Brush this egg wash all over the top of each assembled hand pie. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Now it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-14 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and a delightfully flaky crust. These ghost taco hand pies are almost ready to enjoy after you learn how to bake ghost taco hand pies perfectly.

Pro Tips for the Best Ghost Taco Hand Pies

Want to elevate your ghost taco game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make these hand pies truly spectacular. These tips will ensure your ghost taco hand pies are a guaranteed hit, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out.

Always let your filling cool completely before assembling. A hot filling can melt the dough, making it difficult to seal and leading to leaks.
Don’t overstuff the hand pies! Leave a little space around the edges so you can get a good seal with the fork.
For extra crispy edges, try brushing the bottom crusts with egg wash before adding the filling and topping.
If you don’t have ghost cookie cutters, you can freehand cut shapes with a knife or use a large round cutter and then trim into a ghost.

What’s the secret to perfect Ghost Taco Hand Pies?

The real secret to achieving the best ghost taco hand pie recipe results is ensuring a good seal. Pressing the edges firmly with a fork and even giving them a little crimp prevents the delicious filling from escaping during baking. Cold ingredients also help maintain dough structure. For more insights on baking techniques, you can explore resources on pie-making techniques.

Can I make Ghost Taco Hand Pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble the hand pies completely, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Ghost Taco Hand Pies?

The most common mistake is overfilling, which can cause the pies to burst. Another pitfall is not sealing the edges properly; a good fork crimp is essential. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature to get that perfect golden-brown, flaky crust. Understanding oven temperatures is crucial for baking success, and you can find more information on oven calibration.

Best Ways to Serve Ghost Taco Hand Pies

These fun ghost taco hand pies are perfect for Halloween parties, but they’re so tasty you’ll want to serve them anytime! They’re fantastic on their own, but a little something extra takes them over the top. Imagine biting into that flaky pastry and savory filling, then dipping it into a cool, zesty salsa or creamy guacamole. For a more adventurous pairing, consider them alongside a spicy salsa verde, reminiscent of a classic ghost pepper empanadas recipe. They also make a great appetizer for game nights or potlucks, offering a delightful kick that guests will rave about. If you’re looking for other appetizer ideas, check out these cranberry feta pinwheels with cream cheese.

Nutrition Facts for Ghost Taco Hand Pies

When you’re enjoying these festive ghost taco hand pies, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting. Each of these delightful pastry pockets offers a satisfying mix of flavors and nutrients. They’re a fun treat, and understanding their nutritional breakdown helps you enjoy them mindfully.

Serving Size: 1 hand pie
Calories: 250 kcal
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 1 g
Protein: 12 g
Sodium: 300 mg
Cholesterol: 45 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your ghost taco hand pies.

How to Store and Reheat Ghost Taco Hand Pies

One of the best things about making these festive ghost taco hand pies is that they’re just as delicious the next day! Once they’ve cooled completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll keep nicely in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to prepare these spooky treats further in advance, you can absolutely freeze them. Wrap each cooled ghost pepper stuffed pastry tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat!

To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy. For a quicker fix, you can microwave them for about 30-45 seconds, though they might lose some of their crispiness. Reheating them in an air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 5-7 minutes also works wonders, giving them a lovely crisp texture again. For more ideas on delicious baked goods, explore our desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ghost Taco Hand Pies

Can I freeze the filling for Ghost Taco Hand Pies?

Yes, you absolutely can! Prepare the taco filling as directed, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. This is a great way to get a head start on making your ghost taco hand pies. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw the filling and proceed with assembling the pies.

What’s the difference between a Ghost Taco Hand Pie and a Ghost Taco Turnover?

Essentially, they’re very similar! A ghost taco turnover recipe usually implies a pastry pocket filled with a savory mixture, often folded over rather than having a top and bottom crust. Our ghost taco hand pies are shaped like ghosts and use a double crust, making them extra fun and perfectly sealed. Both offer a delightful, portable, and flavorful snack or meal. For another savory pastry option, consider these beef and cheese chimichangas.

How do I make Ghost Taco Hand Pies less spicy?

If you’re not a fan of intense heat, simply reduce or omit the taco seasoning and skip any spicy additions. You can also use a milder seasoning blend. The key is to control the heat source. For milder ghost pepper seasoned hand pies, ensure you’re not adding any actual ghost peppers! Stick to standard taco seasoning for a flavorful but gentle taste.

Can I use store-bought ghost-shaped cookie cutters?

Definitely! While freehand cutting is an option, using ghost cookie cutters makes the process much easier and ensures a consistent shape for your ghost taco hand pies. You can find these online or at most baking supply stores, especially around Halloween. They really add to the fun of making these pastries!

Ghost Taco Hand Pie Variations You Can Try

While the classic taco-filled ghost is fantastic, there are so many fun ghost taco hand pie variations to explore! Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings and even your crusts. These ideas will help you make the most of this versatile recipe.

Vegetarian Delight: Swap the ground meat for black beans, corn, and sautéed mushrooms seasoned with taco spices. This makes for a hearty and delicious meat-free option.
Pizza Pockets: Fill your ghosts with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and a spoonful of pizza sauce. It’s a fun twist that kids will adore.
Breakfast Bonanza: Try a breakfast version with scrambled eggs, crumbled bacon or sausage, and shredded cheddar cheese. Perfect for a spooky brunch! For more breakfast ideas, see our breakfast recipes.
Quick & Easy Crusts: For an even faster approach, consider using ghost pepper crescent roll hand pies. Simply unroll the dough, cut out ghost shapes, fill, seal, and bake according to crescent roll instructions. It’s a great shortcut for busy days!