Description
These savory hand pies feature a flavorful ground meat filling seasoned with thyme, smoked paprika, and tomato paste, wrapped in a flaky pie crust and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a snack or easy dinner, they are freezer-friendly and customizable with vegetarian options.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry and Filling
- 2 sheets of refrigerated pie crust or homemade savory pastry dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Meat Filling: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon for even cooking. Season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir in the tomato paste until combined.
- Simmer the Filling: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and allow the mixture to simmer for 3–4 minutes to develop flavor and thicken slightly. Stir in the thawed peas and carrots, then remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly to make assembly easier.
- Assemble the Hand Pies: Unroll the pie crusts on a flat surface and cut out circles about 4–5 inches wide. Place a heaping tablespoon of the cooled filling onto one side of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together with a fork to seal completely.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each hand pie with the beaten egg to promote a golden, glossy finish during baking.
- Bake: Place the prepared hand pies on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the hand pies from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set.
Notes
- For a flakier texture, use puff pastry instead of pie crust.
- To make a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with lentils or mushrooms.
- Hand pies freeze very well; reheat in the oven before serving for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
