Savory Beef Hand Pies
Enjoy these delicious Savory Beef Hand Pies, perfect for any gathering or a comforting family dinner. This recipe features a rich filling made from ground beef, diced vegetables, and warm spices, all enveloped in flaky puff pastry. Whether served as an appetizer or a hearty main dish, these hand pies are sure to please taste buds of all ages. They can be prepared in advance, making them a great option for busy weeknights. Share them at parties or enjoy them as a satisfying snack on the go!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 teaspoons (divided)
white onion
1 small (diced)
carrot
1 medium (diced)
ground beef
1 lb
whole tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (diced with juice)
salt
1 teaspoon
pepper
1/2 teaspoon
sugar
1 teaspoon
cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon
puff pastry
8 1/2 ounces (1 sheet)
Instructions
1
In a medium skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and carrots, and sauté for about 2 minutes until they start to soften.
2
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned.
3
Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, salt, pepper, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Meanwhile, on a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to a larger square, then cut it into six equal squares, each approximately 6 inches on each side.
5
Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture into the center of each pastry square. Fold the pastry over to create a pocket and seal the edges by pressing them with a fork or pinching them together.
6
Brush the tops of the sealed hand pies with the remaining teaspoon of olive oil for a golden finish.
7
Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and flaky. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Beef Hand Pies?
Savory Beef Hand Pies are delicious, flaky puff pastry pockets filled with a rich mixture of ground beef, carrots, onions, and warm spices.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of ground beef.
Which vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling features diced white onions and diced carrots.
What spices give the beef its flavor?
The beef is seasoned with salt, pepper, and a hint of cinnamon for warmth.
Why is sugar included in the recipe?
One teaspoon of sugar is added to the beef mixture to balance the flavors of the tomatoes.
How long does the beef filling need to simmer?
The beef mixture should simmer on low heat for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What temperature should I bake the hand pies at?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How long do the hand pies need to bake?
They should bake for 12-15 minutes until they are golden brown and flaky.
How many hand pies does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make six equal hand pies.
What size should the puff pastry squares be?
Each of the six puff pastry squares should be approximately 6 inches on each side.
How do I seal the edges of the hand pies?
You can seal the edges by pressing them together with a fork or by pinching them with your fingers.
What is the purpose of the olive oil in this recipe?
One teaspoon is used to sauté the vegetables, and the remaining teaspoon is used to brush the tops for a golden finish.
Do I need to drain the tomatoes?
No, you should include the juice from the 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes in the beef mixture.
Can I make these hand pies in advance?
Yes, these can be prepared in advance, making them an excellent option for busy weeknights or parties.
Should the pastry be rolled out?
Yes, you should roll the puff pastry sheet out into a larger square on a lightly floured surface before cutting it.
Are these suitable as an appetizer?
Yes, they work perfectly as either an appetizer or a hearty main dish.
What should I use to line the baking sheet?
It is recommended to line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
Should the beef be browned before adding the tomatoes?
Yes, the ground beef should be cooked for about 5 minutes until browned before stirring in the tomatoes and spices.
How do I prepare the onions and carrots?
The onions and carrots should be diced and then sautéed for about 2 minutes until they soften.
How much puff pastry is needed?
The recipe requires one sheet of puff pastry, which is approximately 8.5 ounces.
Can these be eaten on the go?
Yes, their handheld design makes them a satisfying and portable snack.
Should I let the hand pies cool before eating?
Yes, it is best to let them cool slightly before serving to avoid burns from the hot filling.
Is there a lot of cinnamon in the recipe?
No, the recipe calls for just 1/8 teaspoon, which provides a very subtle savory depth.
What kind of onion is best?
The recipe specifically calls for one small white onion.
Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Yes, frozen puff pastry works well; just ensure it is thawed according to package directions before rolling.
How do I prevent the pastry from sticking to the counter?
Roll the pastry out on a lightly floured surface to prevent it from sticking.
What is the texture of the finished pie?
The puff pastry creates a light, flaky, and crispy exterior around a savory, moist filling.
Do I need a special tool to cut the pastry?
A simple knife or a pizza cutter works perfectly to cut the pastry into six equal squares.
Are these beef hand pies kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild savory flavors and handheld format make them very popular with children.
Can I use this recipe for party food?
Absolutely, they are a great finger food option for gatherings and social events.