Delicious Ghost Taco Hand Pies with a flaky crust and savory filling

Why Make This Recipe

Ghost Taco Hand Pies are not only fun to make, but they also give a delicious twist to classic hand pies. These spooky treats are perfect for Halloween gatherings or simply for a night in with friends or family. Everyone loves tacos, and these delightful hand pies bring that flavor in a cute, creative form. With their crispy pie crust and tasty filling, these ghostly goodies are sure to please both kids and adults alike. Plus, they are easy to prepare, making them a great choice for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a quick and fun dish.

How to Make Ghost Taco Hand Pies

Making Ghost Taco Hand Pies is a straightforward process. Follow these easy steps, and you will have a delightful dish that looks and tastes great.

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (or 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

Prepare the Taco Filling: Start by setting a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the ground beef. Break it apart into crumbles with a spatula. If you choose ground turkey or chicken, drizzle a bit of olive oil in the skillet first before adding the meat. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir in the shredded carrot or chopped bell pepper if you want. Cook everything for about 5-6 minutes until the meat is browned, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
Preheat the Oven: While the filling cools, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
Roll Out the Pie Crusts: Out on a clean surface, sprinkle a little flour to keep things from sticking. Roll out the pie crusts. Use ghost-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Remember, you need an even number of these, as you’ll use one for the top and one for the bottom of each taco pie. Gather any leftover scraps and roll them out again to make sure you use all your pie crust.
Fill the Ghost Shapes: Place half of the ghost shapes onto your prepared baking sheets, giving each some space. Spoon a small amount of taco filling into the middle of each shape. Top the filling with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Add the Faces: Take the remaining ghost shapes and use something small and round to cut out eyes and a mouth. This could be the lid of a marker or a small knife. Place these ghost shapes on top of the filled ones on the baking sheets. Use a fork to gently press down the edges to seal the pies.
Brush with Egg Wash: In a small bowl, mix the egg with a splash of water or milk. This is your egg wash. Brush it over the top of each pie to give them a nice golden color when baked.
Bake: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for about 10-14 minutes, until the tops are golden brown. Once they are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Serve warm with salsa or guacamole for dipping. Enjoy!

How to Serve Ghost Taco Hand Pies

Serve Ghost Taco Hand Pies warm as a fun appetizer or snack. You can place them on a platter and let everyone help themselves. Pair them with salsa, guacamole, or even sour cream for that perfect dipping experience. They make great party food, and kids especially love their spooky shape!

How to Store Ghost Taco Hand Pies

If you have any leftovers, store the Ghost Taco Hand Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. You can also refrigerate them. When you want to enjoy them again, reheat them in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave. Just be careful not to overheat, as they might get soggy.

Tips to Make Ghost Taco Hand Pies

Customize the Filling: Feel free to add your favorite taco ingredients, like black beans, corn, or different spices.
Make it Veggie: If you want a vegetarian option, you can skip the meat entirely and use beans and veggies instead.
Cut More Faces: Have fun with different shapes and sizes for the eyes and mouths. Let the kids help with this part!

Variation

You can try using different seasonings if taco seasoning isn’t your favorite. Italian seasoning can give a unique taste, turning the filling into a mini pizza pie. You could also change the type of cheese used—cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack can add different flavors.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze Ghost Taco Hand Pies?
Yes, you can freeze them! Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

2. What if I don’t have ghost-shaped cookie cutters?
No problem! You can use any shape you have. Simple circles or other fun shapes will work just fine. The spirit of the dish is all about having fun!

3. Can these be made in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling, cut the shapes, and assemble the pies in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you are ready to bake. This is great for parties!

Conclusion

Ghost Taco Hand Pies are an exciting and tasty way to enjoy taco flavors in a cute, easy-to-make treat. Perfect for Halloween or any fun gathering, they combine deliciousness with creativity. Follow the steps above, and you’ll have a hit recipe that everyone will love! Enjoy making and sharing these delightful hand pies.