Boo! Did that make you jump? Good, because we’re about to make your taste buds jump with joy for a treat so delightful, it’s almost scary. Forget sad, soggy snacks; get ready to conjure up some culinary magic with our incredible Ghost Taco Hand Pies! These aren’t just snacks; they’re tiny, flaky, savory specters of flavor, perfectly crisp on the outside and bursting with cheesy taco goodness on the inside. Whether it’s for a spooky soirée, a fun family dinner, or just because you deserve a deliciously ghoulish bite, these hand pies are here to haunt your cravings in the best possible way. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Prepare to be utterly charmed by these ghostly delights. Here are four spooktacular reasons why Ghost Taco Hand Pies will become your new favorite:

Spooktacular Fun for Everyone: Who says food can’t be playful? These ghost-shaped hand pies are an instant hit, especially with kids. They’re perfect for Halloween parties, school lunches, or just bringing a smile to any meal.
A Flavor Haunting You’ll Crave: Imagine a crispy, golden-brown pie crust giving way to savory, seasoned ground meat, melty Mexican cheese, and a hint of fresh veggies. It’s all the deliciousness of a taco, wrapped up in a convenient, portable package!
Deceptively Easy & Quick: Don’t let their adorable appearance fool you into thinking they’re complicated. With pre-made pie crusts and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of these ghoul-icious snacks in under an hour, making them ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Versatile for Every Palate: Whether you prefer beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian filling, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. Plus, you can sneak in those extra veggies without anyone even noticing. They’re a crowd-pleaser that caters to various tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients with measurements

Gather your spectral ingredients and prepare for a hauntingly good time in the kitchen!

🧀 1 pound lean ground beef (or turkey, chicken)
🌮 1 Tablespoon taco seasoning
🥕 1/4 cup shredded carrot (optional)
🌶️ 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper or spinach (optional)
🥧 2 pie crusts (defrosted, unbaked)
🧀 1/3 cup shredded Mexican cheese
🥚 1 egg (for brushing)
🍅 Salsa (for dipping)

Detailed step by step on direction how to make the recipe

Follow these simple steps to bring your Ghost Taco Hand Pies to life!

Cook the Meat: Begin by heating a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chosen ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken). If using turkey or chicken, a small splash of olive oil will help prevent sticking. Cook, stirring and crumbling the meat, until it’s fully browned, which usually takes about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Season and Sauté: Once the meat is cooked, stir in the taco seasoning until well combined. If using, add the optional shredded carrot, chopped bell pepper, or spinach, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly and the flavors meld beautifully. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to a ghostly 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Cut Out Your Ghosts: On a lightly floured surface, carefully unroll your defrosted pie crusts. Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many shapes as possible. Remember, you’ll need an even number of ghosts since each hand pie requires a top and a bottom. Gently gather and re-roll any scraps to cut out additional shapes, maximizing your spooky yield.
Assemble the Pies: Place half of your ghost shapes onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced a few inches apart. Spoon a small amount of the cooled meat filling onto the center of each ghost, leaving a small border. Sprinkle a pinch of shredded Mexican cheese over the filling.
Add Ghostly Faces: Take the remaining ghost shapes. Using a small round cutter, a straw, or even the tip of a knife, carefully cut out two “eyes” and a “mouth” from each. This is where your ghosts get their personality!
Seal Them Up: Gently place a ghost with cut-out eyes and mouth over each filled ghost on the baking sheet. Use the tines of a fork to press and seal the edges all around, creating a decorative crimped border that also keeps the filling securely inside.
Egg Wash & Bake: In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a splash of water or milk to create an egg wash. Lightly brush this mixture over the tops of all your assembled hand pies. This will give them a beautiful golden sheen and crispy finish. Bake for 10-14 minutes, or until the crusts are gloriously golden brown.
Cool & Serve: Remove the Ghost Taco Hand Pies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They’re best enjoyed warm, served with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or a dollop of sour cream.

Detailed different ways you can present the recipe and how to serve it

These Ghost Taco Hand Pies are already adorable, but with a little extra flair, you can make them truly spectacular for any occasion:

The Haunted Platter: Arrange your golden-brown ghosts on a large serving platter. In the center, place a bowl of vibrant salsa (like a fiery red tomato salsa or a ghoulishly green guacamole) as their “bloody” or “slimy” dipping companion. Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for color.
Lunchbox Ghouls: Pack them cold in school or work lunchboxes for a delightful surprise. They hold up well and are just as tasty at room temperature. Include a small container of salsa for dipping.
Dip Bar Extravaganza: For parties, create a “ghostly dip bar.” Offer a variety of dips alongside your hand pies: classic salsa, creamy guacamole, cool sour cream, tangy queso, or even a spicy chipotle crema. Let guests choose their favorite potion!
Garnish Galore: Before serving, consider adding a tiny sprinkle of finely chopped fresh cilantro or a micro-dusting of smoked paprika over each ghost for an extra pop of color and flavor. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top just before eating brightens all the flavors.
Sweet & Savory Combo: If you’re feeling adventurous, offer a side of a fruit salsa (mango or pineapple) for a surprising sweet and savory combination that will intrigue your guests.

How you can store it and how long does it last

Don’t let any leftover ghosts vanish into thin air! Here’s how to keep them delicious:

At Room Temperature: Freshly baked Ghost Taco Hand Pies can be left at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, they should be refrigerated for safety.
Refrigeration: Once completely cooled, store the hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing (Baked): To freeze baked hand pies, allow them to cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about an hour until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They will last for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: For best results, reheat refrigerated hand pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in an air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 5-8 minutes, until heated through and crispy again. Frozen baked hand pies can be reheated directly from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 15-25 minutes. Microwaving is possible but may result in a softer crust.
Freezing (Unbaked): You can also prepare the pies up to the egg wash stage, then flash freeze them. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

FAQs Sections

Can I use different types of meat for Ghost Taco Hand Pies?
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests lean ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just remember to add a splash of olive oil when cooking poultry to prevent sticking.
What if I don’t have a ghost-shaped cookie cutter?
No problem! You can use a round or square cookie cutter, or even cut shapes freehand with a knife. You can then use a small paring knife to carve out eyes and a mouth for a spooky face, or simply crimp the edges for a classic hand pie look.
Can I make these Ghost Taco Hand Pies vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground meat with a mix of seasoned black beans, corn, and sautéed onions, or use a plant-based ground “meat” alternative. Make sure the filling isn’t too wet.
What other vegetables can I add to the filling?
Feel free to get creative! Finely diced onion, corn, black beans (drained and rinsed), or finely chopped mushrooms would all be delicious additions to the taco filling.
How can I make the Ghost Taco Hand Pies spicier?
To add more heat, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce into the meat mixture, or include finely diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) with your bell peppers.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the taco meat filling can be cooked and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days before assembling the hand pies. This makes assembly even quicker!
My pie crusts are cracking when I roll them out. What should I do?
If your pie crusts are cracking, they might be too cold. Let them sit at room temperature for another 5-10 minutes to soften slightly, but don’t let them get too warm or they’ll be hard to handle.
Can I bake these in an air fryer?
Yes, you can! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled and egg-washed hand pies in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you’ll likely need to do this in batches). Cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
How many Ghost Taco Hand Pies does this recipe yield?
The recipe typically yields about 15 hand pies, depending on the size of your ghost cookie cutter and how efficiently you re-roll your pie crust scraps.
What kind of cheese is best for these hand pies?
Shredded Mexican cheese blend is perfect as it melts beautifully and offers a great flavor profile. However, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a colby-jack blend would also work wonderfully.