Mini Beef & Onion Hand Pies Flavorful and Easy Snack

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Looking for a snack that’s both tasty and easy to make? Mini Beef & Onion Hand Pies are your answer! With just a few simple ingredients like ground beef, onions, and flaky puff pastry, you can whip up these delicious bites in no time. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, they’re sure to impress your friends and family. Let’s get cooking and explore this savory delight together!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal preparation and can be completed in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
  2. Versatile Filling: The beef and onion filling can be easily customized with your favorite herbs or vegetables, allowing for endless variations.
  3. Crispy and Flaky Crust: Using pre-made puff pastry ensures a light and flaky texture that elevates the overall taste of these hand pies.
  4. Perfect for Sharing: These mini hand pies are great for parties or as a snack, making them a hit with family and friends!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 lb ground beef

– 1 medium onion, finely chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 package of pre-made puff pastry (contains 2 sheets)

Seasoning Ingredients

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

– 1 teaspoon soy sauce

– Salt and pepper, to taste

– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. The ground beef serves as the heart of the filling. It offers a rich flavor and nice texture. The onion and garlic add a sweet and savory aroma, making your hand pies smell amazing as they bake.

Using puff pastry makes this recipe easy and quick. It gives a flaky, buttery texture that everyone loves.

For seasoning, thyme adds a herbal note, which pairs well with beef. Worcestershire and soy sauces enhance the umami taste. Don’t forget salt and pepper to balance the flavors. The egg wash gives your hand pies a lovely golden color when they bake. Lastly, parsley adds a bright pop of color and freshness when you serve your hand pies.

Make sure to prepare these ingredients in advance. This will keep your cooking process smooth and fun!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Ingredients

1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key to baking hand pies that are crispy and golden.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Break the beef apart with a wooden spoon. Look for a nice brown color.

3. Once the beef is browned, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté these for 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to become translucent.

4. Now, stir in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and let it simmer for another 2 minutes. This helps the flavors blend. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

Assembling the Hand Pies

1. While your beef mix cools, roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a 4-inch round cutter to cut circles. You should get about 10-12 circles from each sheet.

2. Place about 1 tablespoon of the beef mixture in the center of each pastry circle.

3. Carefully fold the pastry over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal the filling inside. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a nice design and a secure seal.

Baking and Finishing Touches

1. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg. This gives them a shiny, golden finish.

2. Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color.

3. After baking, remove the hand pies from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes. For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Pastry

To achieve a flaky texture in your hand pies, use cold puff pastry. Keeping it cold helps create layers that puff up nicely. Try to work quickly to avoid warming the dough with your hands.

– Handle the pastry gently.

– Roll it out on a lightly floured surface.

– Avoid overworking the dough.

If you let the pastry sit too long at room temperature, it may become too soft.

Flavor Enhancements

For extra flavor, consider adding some ingredients to the beef mixture. Here are some ideas:

– A dash of hot sauce can spice things up.

– Add grated cheese for a rich taste.

– Chopped bell peppers can add color and crunch.

Serving your hand pies with a dipping sauce makes them even better. Some great options include:

– Barbecue sauce for a sweet and smoky flavor.

– Aoli for a creamy touch.

– Ketchup for a classic pairing.

These tips will help you make your Mini Beef & Onion Hand Pies even more delicious and enjoyable!

Pro Tips

  1. Ensure Even Cooking: Make sure to evenly space the hand pies on the baking sheet to allow for proper air circulation, ensuring they bake uniformly.
  2. Chill the Pastry: For an extra flaky texture, chill the puff pastry in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before rolling it out.
  3. Customize Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as sautéed mushrooms or cheese, to suit your taste preferences.
  4. Egg Wash Alternatives: For a vegan option, you can use a mixture of plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of the egg wash for a nice golden finish.

Variations

Alternative Fillings

You can change the filling to suit your taste. For a vegetarian option, try using mushrooms and spinach. Cook them just like the beef. Add some cheese for creaminess and flavor.

If you want to explore other meats, chicken or turkey work well too. Use the same method to cook and season them. The flavors will mix nicely with the onion and garlic.

Dietary Adjustments

If you need a gluten-free pastry, look for brands made from almond or coconut flour. These options will taste great, but may be a bit different in texture.

For low-carb variations, consider using a cheese crust. Mix cream cheese and shredded cheese to create a dough. This will keep the filling inside while cutting carbs.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Mini Beef & Onion Hand Pies fresh, follow these steps:

Refrigeration: Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container. They last up to 3 days in the fridge. This way, they stay moist and tasty.

Freezing: For longer storage, freeze hand pies before baking. Wrap each one in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating Guidelines

You can reheat your hand pies in a few ways:

Microwave: Place one hand pie on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Check that it’s warm all the way through.

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hand pies on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps them crispy on the outside.

FAQs

How can I make Mini Beef & Onion Hand Pies ahead of time?

You can prep these hand pies in advance. Start by making the beef filling. Cook the beef, onion, and garlic as usual. After cooking, let the mixture cool down. Then, fill your pastry circles. You can either freeze them or refrigerate them. To freeze, lay the filled pies on a tray and freeze them for about an hour. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. This helps prevent sticking. When ready to bake, just follow the same baking steps. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if starting from frozen.

Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?

Yes! You can use different meats for your hand pies. Ground turkey or chicken works well, giving a lighter flavor. For a richer taste, try ground lamb or pork. Each meat brings its own twist. Beef has a strong flavor, while turkey is milder. Lamb adds a nice depth, and pork can be sweet. Adjust your seasonings based on the meat you choose. This way, you can keep your hand pies exciting!

How do I know when the hand pies are done baking?

To check if your hand pies are done, look for a golden-brown color. This means the pastry is cooked through. Baking usually takes 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C). You can also tap the pies gently. If they sound hollow, they are likely done. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and keeps the flavors intact. Enjoy your crispy, delicious treats!

We covered how to make tasty mini beef and onion hand pies. First, we looked at key ingredients like ground beef, onions, and puff pastry. Then, I shared steps for prepping, assembling, and baking the pies. I included tips for a flaky crust and added flavor ideas. You can also explore variations for dietary needs. Storing and reheating leftovers is simple too. Enjoy making these hand pies with your favorite flavors and textures. You’ll impress everyone with your cookin

- 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 package of pre-made puff pastry (contains 2 sheets) - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon soy sauce - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. The ground beef serves as the heart of the filling. It offers a rich flavor and nice texture. The onion and garlic add a sweet and savory aroma, making your hand pies smell amazing as they bake. Using puff pastry makes this recipe easy and quick. It gives a flaky, buttery texture that everyone loves. For seasoning, thyme adds a herbal note, which pairs well with beef. Worcestershire and soy sauces enhance the umami taste. Don’t forget salt and pepper to balance the flavors. The egg wash gives your hand pies a lovely golden color when they bake. Lastly, parsley adds a bright pop of color and freshness when you serve your hand pies. Make sure to prepare these ingredients in advance. This will keep your cooking process smooth and fun! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key to baking hand pies that are crispy and golden. 2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Break the beef apart with a wooden spoon. Look for a nice brown color. 3. Once the beef is browned, add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté these for 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to become translucent. 4. Now, stir in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and let it simmer for another 2 minutes. This helps the flavors blend. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. 1. While your beef mix cools, roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a 4-inch round cutter to cut circles. You should get about 10-12 circles from each sheet. 2. Place about 1 tablespoon of the beef mixture in the center of each pastry circle. 3. Carefully fold the pastry over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal the filling inside. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a nice design and a secure seal. 1. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg. This gives them a shiny, golden finish. 2. Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. 3. After baking, remove the hand pies from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes. For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving. To achieve a flaky texture in your hand pies, use cold puff pastry. Keeping it cold helps create layers that puff up nicely. Try to work quickly to avoid warming the dough with your hands. - Handle the pastry gently. - Roll it out on a lightly floured surface. - Avoid overworking the dough. If you let the pastry sit too long at room temperature, it may become too soft. For extra flavor, consider adding some ingredients to the beef mixture. Here are some ideas: - A dash of hot sauce can spice things up. - Add grated cheese for a rich taste. - Chopped bell peppers can add color and crunch. Serving your hand pies with a dipping sauce makes them even better. Some great options include: - Barbecue sauce for a sweet and smoky flavor. - Aoli for a creamy touch. - Ketchup for a classic pairing. These tips will help you make your Mini Beef & Onion Hand Pies even more delicious and enjoyable! Pro Tips Ensure Even Cooking: Make sure to evenly space the hand pies on the baking sheet to allow for proper air circulation, ensuring they bake uniformly. Chill the Pastry: For an extra flaky texture, chill the puff pastry in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before rolling it out. Customize Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as sautéed mushrooms or cheese, to suit your taste preferences. Egg Wash Alternatives: For a vegan option, you can use a mixture of plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of the egg wash for a nice golden finish. {{image_4}} You can change the filling to suit your taste. For a vegetarian option, try using mushrooms and spinach. Cook them just like the beef. Add some cheese for creaminess and flavor. If you want to explore other meats, chicken or turkey work well too. Use the same method to cook and season them. The flavors will mix nicely with the onion and garlic. If you need a gluten-free pastry, look for brands made from almond or coconut flour. These options will taste great, but may be a bit different in texture. For low-carb variations, consider using a cheese crust. Mix cream cheese and shredded cheese to create a dough. This will keep the filling inside while cutting carbs. To keep your Mini Beef & Onion Hand Pies fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration: Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container. They last up to 3 days in the fridge. This way, they stay moist and tasty. - Freezing: For longer storage, freeze hand pies before baking. Wrap each one in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, bake straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. You can reheat your hand pies in a few ways: - Microwave: Place one hand pie on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Check that it's warm all the way through. - Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hand pies on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps them crispy on the outside. You can prep these hand pies in advance. Start by making the beef filling. Cook the beef, onion, and garlic as usual. After cooking, let the mixture cool down. Then, fill your pastry circles. You can either freeze them or refrigerate them. To freeze, lay the filled pies on a tray and freeze them for about an hour. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. This helps prevent sticking. When ready to bake, just follow the same baking steps. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if starting from frozen. Yes! You can use different meats for your hand pies. Ground turkey or chicken works well, giving a lighter flavor. For a richer taste, try ground lamb or pork. Each meat brings its own twist. Beef has a strong flavor, while turkey is milder. Lamb adds a nice depth, and pork can be sweet. Adjust your seasonings based on the meat you choose. This way, you can keep your hand pies exciting! To check if your hand pies are done, look for a golden-brown color. This means the pastry is cooked through. Baking usually takes 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C). You can also tap the pies gently. If they sound hollow, they are likely done. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and keeps the flavors intact. Enjoy your crispy, delicious treats! We covered how to make tasty mini beef and onion hand pies. First, we looked at key ingredients like ground beef, onions, and puff pastry. Then, I shared steps for prepping, assembling, and baking the pies. I included tips for a flaky crust and added flavor ideas. You can also explore variations for dietary needs. Storing and reheating leftovers is simple too. Enjoy making these hand pies with your favorite flavors and textures. You'll impress everyone with your cooking!

Mini Beef & Onion Hand Pies

Delicious hand pies filled with savory beef and onion, perfect for a snack or appetizer.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 package pre-made puff pastry (contains 2 sheets)
  • 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it for approximately 5-7 minutes, using a wooden spoon to break it apart until browned.
  • Once the beef is browned, introduce the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the dried thyme, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and simmer for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  • While the meat mixture cools, roll out the sheets of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a 4-inch round cutter to cut out circles, creating around 10-12 circles from each sheet.
  • Place approximately 1 tablespoon of the beef mixture into the center of each pastry circle.
  • Fold the pastry over to form a half-moon shape, press the edges together to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges.
  • Brush the tops of the hand pies with the beaten egg for a shiny finish.
  • Arrange the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Once baked, let them cool for a few minutes and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve the hand pies warm on a rustic wooden platter with a small bowl of dipping sauce.
Keyword appetizer, beef, hand pies, snack

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