Golden, flaky pastry pockets filled with a savory ground beef mixture—these Ground Beef Hand Pies are the kind of comfort food that satisfies at first bite. They’re perfectly portable, incredibly flavorful, and ideal for busy weeknights, lunchboxes, or cozy gatherings. Imagine a handheld meat pie with a crisp, buttery crust and a warm, seasoned filling. That’s exactly what you get here, and once you try one, you’ll likely want a second.

These hand pies are inspired by classic meat turnovers, but we’re simplifying the process for home cooks who want maximum flavor without a long prep time. You don’t need to be a pastry expert to make these work—store-bought puff pastry does the heavy lifting, while the filling comes together quickly with everyday ingredients. They’re freezer-friendly, easy to reheat, and crowd-pleasing for both kids and adults.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Hand Pies Recipe

This recipe ticks all the boxes for flavor, convenience, and versatility. It’s a comforting meal in a compact form and works equally well as a main dish or hearty snack. The savory beef filling is deeply satisfying, and the crispy pastry crust adds that irresistible texture contrast. Plus, you can make them ahead, freeze for later, or even switch up the filling based on what you have on hand.

What Kind of Pastry Should I Use?

Puff pastry is your best friend here. It’s flaky, buttery, and bakes into a golden shell that pairs beautifully with the juicy beef inside. Look for pre-rolled sheets in the freezer section of your grocery store. If you prefer a heartier, more rustic crust, refrigerated pie dough works too—just note it will be denser and less airy than puff pastry. Either way, let the dough thaw completely before working with it so you can fold and seal the pies without tearing.

Ingredients for the Ground Beef Hand Pies

When it comes to these hand pies, the ingredients are simple but chosen for maximum flavor. From the richness of ground beef to the savory aromatics, everything comes together in a delicious harmony.

Ground beef
The star of the show, ground beef gives the pies their hearty and savory filling. Use 80/20 for the perfect fat ratio.
Onion
Adds sweetness and depth to the filling as it cooks down with the beef.
Garlic
Boosts the savory notes and enhances the beef flavor.
Tomato paste
Brings a touch of acidity and a concentrated richness that ties everything together.
Worcestershire sauce
A little splash adds complexity and umami, balancing the flavors beautifully.
Salt and pepper
Essential for seasoning the meat just right.
Thyme
A subtle earthy herb that rounds out the savory notes.
Puff pastry
Flaky, golden perfection in every bite. Make sure it’s fully thawed before using.
Egg
Beaten egg for the egg wash to give your pies that irresistible golden sheen.

How To Make the Ground Beef Hand Pies

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet and break it up as it browns. Cook until no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Add Flavor

Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors can meld. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Pies

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out your puff pastry and cut it into rectangles or circles, depending on your preference. Spoon a small amount of the cooled beef mixture onto half of each piece, then fold over and seal the edges with a fork.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Brush each hand pie with beaten egg and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown and puffed up. Let cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve and Store These Hand Pies

These Ground Beef Hand Pies are best served warm, fresh out of the oven, with a crisp crust and steaming center. But they’re just as delicious at room temperature, making them perfect for picnics, school lunches, or a quick dinner on the go.

This recipe yields about 8 hand pies, depending on the size of your cut dough, and comfortably feeds 4–6 people. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them into a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore their crispness. You can also freeze them—just bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What to Serve With Ground Beef Hand Pies?

Simple Side Salad

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette keeps the meal light and refreshing.

Roasted Vegetables

Try pairing the pies with roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts for a warm, cozy meal.

Tomato Soup

Dipping these hand pies in a creamy tomato soup is like comfort food heaven.

Pickles or Slaw

A bit of acidity helps cut through the richness of the filling.

Sweet Potato Fries

Crispy, oven-baked sweet potato fries make a delicious side for a casual dinner.

Mashed Potatoes

If you want to go all in on comfort, creamy mashed potatoes are a cozy match.

Apple Chutney

For a sweet-savory twist, serve with a spoonful of apple or onion chutney on the side.

Want More Savory Pie Ideas?

If these Ground Beef Hand Pies hit the spot, you’ll want to try these other comforting meals:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a creamy pasta twist on classic beef.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you’re short on time but craving flavor.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for rich and satisfying pasta goodness.
Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce for a hearty, cheesy bake.
Cornish Beef Pasties for a more traditional take on handheld meat pies.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add cheese to the filling or try a spicy twist? Did your kids love them too?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome—let’s help each other get dinner on the table with less stress and more joy.

Explore beautifully curated dinner ideas on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new favorite way to enjoy savory bakes.