Description
These Beef and Cheese Hand Pies are a savory and satisfying snack featuring a flaky crust filled with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese. Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or picnic treat, they offer a comforting blend of flavors with customizable options like sautéed vegetables and different cheeses to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/3 cup cold water
Filling
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or pepper jack for a spicy kick)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for extra spice)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the beef filling: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and jalapeños if using, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Assemble the hand pies: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 4-6 inch circles using a biscuit cutter or glass. Place a spoonful of beef mixture in the center of each circle, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press edges together with a fork to seal.
- Apply egg wash and bake: Place the assembled pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg to promote browning. Cut small slits on top to allow steam to escape. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and the crust is flaky and cooked through.
- Serve: Let the pies cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm as a snack or part of a meal alongside a fresh salad.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms.
- You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it for up to one month.
- Experiment with cheese varieties such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or sharp cheddar for different flavors.
- To add extra flavor, mix in herbs like thyme or oregano into the beef filling.
- Hand pies can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispness.
