Under the dim glow of jack-o’-lanterns, I found myself chuckling as I rolled out dough into ghostly shapes for my latest Halloween creation—the Ghost Taco Hand Pies. These delightfully spook-tacular treats are not just an adorable centerpiece for any Halloween gathering; they also bring the savory comfort of taco filling straight to your table. Quick to prepare and perfect for family-friendly fun, each pie delivers a crispy exterior that encases a warmly seasoned filling, making them an easy yet impressive alternative to traditional sweets. Whether it’s for your next party or cozy family dinner, these hand pies are bound to enchant both kids and adults alike. So, are you ready to add a dash of ghostly magic to your kitchen? Why Are Ghost Taco Hand Pies Amazing? Delightfully spooky: These hand pies are not just adorable; they add a fun twist to your Halloween festivities, ensuring a lively atmosphere! Quick and easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip these up in no time—perfect for busy weeknights. Savory goodness: Enjoy the robust flavors of taco filling combined with gooey cheese, creating an irresistible bite for everyone at your table. Fun for everyone: Kids love helping shape the dough and filling, making it an engaging activity for family gatherings. Perfect for dipping: Serve them with salsa or guacamole, enhancing the experience with delightful flavors! If you want more festive ideas, check out these Smores Hand Pies for a sweet treat or Potato Taco Bowls for a unique dinner option! Ghost Taco Hand Pie Ingredients For the Filling Lean Ground Beef (or Ground Turkey/Chicken) – Main protein choice; use any ground meat you prefer for delicious flavor. Taco Seasoning – Essential for flavor; consider homemade for better control of spices and saltiness. Shredded Carrot (optional) – Adds sweetness and nutrition; zucchini or finely chopped bell pepper make great substitutes. Chopped Bell Pepper or Baby Spinach (optional) – Adds moisture and vitamins; customize based on preference and availability. For the Crust Pie Crusts (2, unbaked) – Forms the tantalizing outer layer; opt for homemade or store-bought crusts based on your time and skill level. Shredded Mexican Cheese (1/3 cup) – Provides creamy richness; can be substituted with mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile. For Finishing Touches Egg (for brushing) – Gives a golden, shiny finish to your hand pies; milk or water can work for a dairy-free wash alternative. Salsa (for dipping) – Elevates flavors when served alongside; it perfectly complements these savory Ghost Taco Hand Pies! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ghost Taco Hand Pies Step 1: Prepare Taco Filling In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 pound of lean ground beef for about 5-6 minutes until no longer pink. Sprinkle in taco seasoning along with any desired vegetables like shredded carrots or chopped bell peppers, stirring well to combine. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften. Once ready, remove the filling from heat and set aside to cool slightly. Step 2: Roll and Cut Crusts Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the Ghost Taco Hand Pies. On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pie crust to about 1/8 inch thick. Using ghost-shaped cookie cutters, cut out equal numbers of ghost shapes for both the tops and bottoms of your hand pies, making sure the designs are as whimsical as possible for a spooky touch. Step 3: Fill Ghosts Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up. On half of your ghost cutouts, spoon a small amount of the taco filling, taking care not to overfill to prevent bursting during baking. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Mexican cheese on top of the filling, allowing each hand pie to be flavorful and gooey once baked. Step 4: Top and Seal Next, use the remaining ghost cutouts to form the tops of each pie. Before placing them over the filled pieces, cut out small eye and mouth holes to create your ghostly faces. Gently press the edges down to seal the hand pies, then crimp them with a fork to ensure a secure seal that will keep in that delicious filling. Step 5: Egg Wash For a beautiful golden finish, beat an egg in a small bowl and use a pastry brush to lightly coat the tops of the ghost hand pies with the egg wash. This adds shine and enhances the visual appeal, making your Ghost Taco Hand Pies even more enticing when they come out of the oven. Step 6: Bake Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-14 minutes, or until the hand pies are puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as the flaky crust should achieve a lovely crispiness that gives way to a savory and warm taco filling when bitten into. Step 7: Serve Once baked to perfection, allow the Ghost Taco Hand Pies to cool slightly on a wire rack to avoid any burns. Serve warm with bowls of salsa or guacamole for dipping, adding a zesty kick that beautifully complements these delightful spooky treats! Expert Tips for Ghost Taco Hand Pies Avoid Overfilling: Keep an eye on the amount of taco filling you use; overstuffing can cause the pastry to burst while baking. Customize Your Filling: Feel free to swap in your favorite ingredients like cooked beans or veggies to suit your family’s tastes. The key is keeping it savory! Seal Properly: Make sure to crimp the edges well with a fork. This ensures your Ghost Taco Hand Pies stay intact and keep the delicious filling inside as they cook. Watch Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking them around the 10-minute mark. You want them golden brown and crispy but not burnt. Creative Shapes: If you don’t have ghost-shaped cutters, any fun shapes will do! Just create excitement around mealtime, especially for kids. Storage Tips: To enjoy them later, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven to maintain that crispy crust! What to Serve with Ghost Taco Hand Pies? Experience a family-friendly feast by pairing these whimsical hand pies with vibrant sides and delightful beverages. Creamy Guacamole: Offers a luscious, creamy counterpart to the crispy hand pies, enhancing the savory taco flavors. Zesty Salsa: This fresh, tangy dip brightens each bite, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese and meat. Mexican Street Corn Salad: The sweetness of corn and a hint of lime adds a delightful crunch that compliments the pies perfectly. Crisp Green Salad: A light and refreshing salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a citrus vinaigrette balances the hearty nature of the hand pies. Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness and crispy texture make for a deliciously fun side that kids will love. Fresh Fruit Platter: Juicy slices of watermelon, pineapple, and berries provide a sweet, refreshing break between bites. Churros for Dessert: These cinnamon-sugar-coated treats offer a delightful sweet ending to your spooky meal. Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate: A warm, rich drink infused with a hint of spice will warm up your gathering and perfectly pair with the savory hand pies. Make Ahead Options These Ghost Taco Hand Pies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy festive flavors without the rush! You can prepare the taco filling up to 24 hours in advance; simply cook the filling, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can cut out the pie crust ghost shapes and keep them layered with parchment paper in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just fill the crusts, seal, and bake as directed. This ensures the hand pies will be just as delicious and flaky, making your Halloween festivities stress-free and enjoyable! Ghost Taco Hand Pies Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine with these delightful hand pies, inviting you to explore new flavors and twists! Vegetarian Option: Swap ground meat for black beans or lentils for a hearty, plant-based filling. Mix in your favorite sautéed vegetables for added texture and nutrition. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for those who love a bit of heat. This will elevate the flavor profile and leave a spicy zing! Cheesy Veggie Delight: Incorporate additional cheeses such as pepper jack or feta to the filling for a creamy surprise. The melty goodness will take your hand pies to another level of deliciousness. BBQ Flavor: For a different flavor profile, use shredded barbecue chicken instead of taco filling. These BBQ Ghost Taco Hand Pies are a savory twist that will surprise your guests. Gluten-Free Crust: Opt for a gluten-free pie crust to make these hand pies suitable for those avoiding gluten. It’s a simple swap that keeps the fun alive for everyone! Pizza Dreams: Fill the hand pies with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings—think pepperoni or olives! This will keep the spooky vibe while satisfying pizza lovers in your family. Full of Greens: Sneak in more veggies like finely chopped spinach or kale to the filling for extra nutrition. Kids won’t even notice those greens wrapped in all that cheesy goodness! Sour Cream Dip: Instead of salsa, whip up a tangy sour cream dip mixed with herbs to enhance the hand pies’ savory flavors. This creamy addition might become your new favorite! These variations make it easy to mix things up for any occasion, just like you can with dishes like Mini Baked Chicken Tacos or Potato Taco Bowls. Enjoy experimenting! Storage Tips for Ghost Taco Hand Pies Fridge: Store your Ghost Taco Hand Pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure they’ve cooled completely before sealing to retain their texture. Freezer: If you want to keep them longer, these hand pies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: To reheat, bake from frozen or thawed at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy. This will help maintain their delightful texture! Leftovers Use: Any leftover taco filling can also be stored in the fridge for a few days and used in other meals, like tacos or salads. Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe FAQs What kind of meat can I use for the filling? Absolutely! You can use lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken as your main protein for the Ghost Taco Hand Pies. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works beautifully and still provides great flavor. Alternatively, for a vegetarian approach, you may substitute with cooked beans or vegetables. How do I store leftover Ghost Taco Hand Pies? To store your delicious Ghost Taco Hand Pies, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up to prevent moisture buildup, which could affect their texture. Can I freeze the Ghost Taco Hand Pies? Certainly! If you’d like to freeze these delightful treats, wrap each hand pie in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake the frozen pies at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy! What should I do if the hand pies burst while baking? If your Ghost Taco Hand Pies happen to burst in the oven, don’t worry! Next time, simply be cautious not to overfill them with taco filling. A good rule of thumb is to leave about a half-inch border around the edges when placing the filling. Properly crimping the edges with a fork also helps keep everything sealed. Are these hand pies suitable for kids with allergies? When preparing Ghost Taco Hand Pies, you can easily adapt ingredients to accommodate food allergies. For instance, use gluten-free pie crusts if wheat is a concern or dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose intolerance. Always check labels for taco seasoning too, as they can contain various allergens. How long can I keep leftover taco filling? Any leftover taco filling can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It’s incredibly versatile! Use it in other meals like tacos, quesadillas, or as a topping for salads. Just reheat it over medium heat until heated through before using! Delicious Ghost Taco Hand Pies Perfect for Spooky Nights Delightful Ghost Taco Hand Pies are perfect for Halloween, combining savory flavors in a crispy crust for a spooky snack. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 14 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 39 minutes mins Servings: 8 hand piesCourse: SnacksCuisine: MexicanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Filling1 pound Lean Ground Beef or Ground Turkey/Chicken2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning homemade recommended1 cup Shredded Carrot optional1 cup Chopped Bell Pepper optional1 cup Baby Spinach optionalFor the Crust2 pieces Pie Crusts unbaked1/3 cup Shredded Mexican Cheese can substitute with mozzarella or cheddarFor Finishing Touches1 large Egg for brushing1 cup Salsa for dipping Equipment SkilletBaking sheetParchment papercookie cuttersPastry brush Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for about 5-6 minutes until no longer pink. Sprinkle in taco seasoning and any desired vegetables, then cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened.Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the pie crust to about 1/8 inch thick and cut out ghost shapes with cookie cutters.On half of the ghost cutouts, spoon a small amount of taco filling and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.Use the remaining cutouts to form the tops, cutting out small holes for eyes and mouth. Seal and crimp the edges well.Beat an egg and brush it on the tops of the hand pies for a golden finish.Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 10-14 minutes until puffed and golden brown.Allow to cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm with salsa or guacamole. Nutrition Serving: 1hand pieCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg NotesThese hand pies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results. 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