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Golden taco hand pies with crispy crust on a baking tray

Taco Hand Pies


  • Author: Dana
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling)
  • Yield: 12 hand pies 1x

Description

These Taco Hand Pies combine all the bold, savory flavors of tacos—seasoned beef, melty cheese, and zesty spices—wrapped in a golden flaky crust. Portable, customizable, and freezer-friendly, they’re perfect for lunchboxes, parties, or anytime taco cravings hit.


Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Pastry:
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • ½ cup ice water
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • For the Taco Filling:
  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey or plant-based substitute)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)
  • For Serving (optional):
  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Salsa
  • Hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Make the Pastry: In a bowl, whisk flour and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add vinegar to ice water, drizzle in gradually until dough forms. Knead gently, divide into two disks, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
  2. Make the Filling: Cook ground beef and onion in skillet over medium heat until browned. Add garlic, cook 30 seconds. Stir in taco seasoning and water, simmer until thickened. Cool, then stir in cheese, cilantro, and jalapeño if using.
  3. Assemble the Pies: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll dough to ⅛-inch thick. Cut 4–5 inch circles. Place 2 tablespoons filling in center, brush edges with water, fold into half-moons, crimp with fork. Vent top.
  4. Bake: Place on parchment-lined sheets. Brush with egg wash. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden. Cool 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Freeze unbaked pies on a tray, then store in freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding 5 minutes to bake time. Store baked pies in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 hand pie
  • Calories: 330
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: taco hand pies, handheld taco snack, kid-friendly dinner, party appetizer, freezer meal