Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe because it combines the fun of Halloween vibes with the irresistible flavors of classic tacos. These little hand pies are perfect for a party appetizer, a kid-friendly snack, or even a creative weeknight dinner that comes together fast—seriously, about 40 minutes from start to finish. When I first made them, I was amazed at how the playful ghost shapes made everyone at the table smile before they even took a bite.

You’ll find that this Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe isn’t just cute—it’s practical, too. The filling is flexible enough to adapt, and the pie crusts make the perfect pocket to hold all that savory goodness without the mess. Plus, these pies travel well if you want to bring a spooky snack to friends or just sneak a few for lunch later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that signature taco flavor you love, wrapped up in flaky, golden pie crust. I always recommend picking fresh veggies for optional mix-ins to add a little zing and color.

• Ground beef, turkey, or chicken: Choose lean meat for a healthier option and a clean, savory base.
• Taco seasoning: Store-bought works fine, but I sometimes mix my own to control the spice level.
• Shredded carrot: Optional but great for sneaking veggies in without changing the texture much.
• Chopped bell pepper or baby spinach: Adds brightness and freshness, plus a pop of color inside the pies.
• Pie crusts: Use two defrosted but unbaked pie crusts—pick a good-quality brand or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Shredded Mexican cheese blend: Melts beautifully and gives that authentic taco pie taste.
• Egg: For brushing the tops to get a beautiful golden shine as they bake.
• Salsa: Essential for dipping! Choose your favorite kind, whether spicy, mild, or chunky.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

One of the things I love most about the Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe is how adaptable it is. I encourage you to tweak the fillings based on what you have on hand or dietary needs — that’s how you’ll make this recipe your own.

• Vegetarian Variation: Try using black beans, corn, and diced mushrooms instead of meat—I’ve done this and honestly, it’s just as satisfying!
• Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne or chopped jalapeños to the filling for a little heat; my husband always requests this version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pie crusts available at most stores—just handle them gently to avoid cracking.
• Cheese Variations: Swap Mexican cheese blend for pepper jack or even a tangy queso fresco for different flavor profiles.

How to Make Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe

Step 1: Cook Up That Flavorful Taco Filling

Start by heating a medium skillet over medium-high heat. If you’re using ground beef, toss it straight in and start breaking it apart. For ground turkey or chicken, add a little olive oil first to keep things moist. Sprinkle in your taco seasoning along with any shredded carrot or chopped veggies you want to sneak in. Cook for 5-6 minutes until nicely browned, stirring occasionally so everything cooks evenly. This is the heart of your Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe, so take your time breaking the meat down so it fits perfectly inside those little crusts.

Step 2: Prepare Your Ghostly Pie Crusts

Preheat your oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to keep things non-stick. Roll out your defrosted pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. The fun starts here—use ghost-shaped cookie cutters to cut out pairs of shapes for each mini hand pie. If you don’t have ghost cutters, any fun shape works, but I love how festive this is. Don’t throw away the scraps; just roll them out again and cut more ghosts so you use all the dough.

Step 3: Fill and Seal Your Little Ghosts

Arrange half of the ghost shapes on your work surface, leaving space between them. Spoon a small dollop of the taco filling right in the center of each, then sprinkle some shredded cheese over the filling. Now, get creative—use something small and round like a marker cap to cut out eyes and a mouth on the remaining ghost shapes. I know it sounds quirky, but it really adds to the spooky charm! Place a ghost shape with cutouts over each filled one, then use a fork’s tines to gently press around the edges and seal the pies tightly. Don’t rush this step—you want to keep your filling inside during baking.

Step 4: Brush, Bake, and Enjoy

Whisk your egg with a splash of water or milk to make an egg wash, then brush it gently over the top of each hand pie. This gives them that perfect golden glow. Bake for 10-14 minutes until the crusts are puffed and beautifully browned. Let them cool for a minute or two before serving with salsa or guacamole. Trust me, that crispy pastry paired with savory taco filling is magic—you’re going to want to make these again and again.

How to Serve Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and fresh when garnishing these Ghost Taco Hand Pies. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on the side really elevates the experience. Sometimes I even line them up with sliced jalapeños or a squeeze of lime to brighten every bite.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often serve these hand pies with a crunchy green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette or a simple Mexican street corn salad. Chips and salsa or a creamy bean dip are excellent if you’re serving these as party snacks.

Creative Ways to Present

For a Halloween bash, I’ve arranged the Ghost Taco Hand Pies around a big bowl of salsa set in the middle of a platter lined with fresh cabbage leaves for a spooky, festive display. Kids love decorating their own pies with sour cream faces or little olive eyes, turning snack time into a fun activity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the fridge and eat them within 2 days. They hold up well, but the crust is best enjoyed fresh, so I recommend reheating (more on that below) to recapture some crispness.

Freezing

This is a recipe that freezes beautifully. I freeze the unbaked pies lined on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When I’m ready, I bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. It’s saved me on busy days more than once!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the pies in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or so until warmed through and the crust is slightly crisp again. Microwave is doable in a pinch but tends to soften the crust too much, so the oven is my go-to method.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe has become a go-to for me when I want something festive yet easy to make. Every time I serve them, the combination of that warm, cheesy filling and the flaky crust delights everyone around the table. If you love taco night but want to mix things up and impress with a little spooky charm, this recipe is your new best friend—give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a favorite in your household, too!

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