Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe

If you’re craving a fun, spooky, and utterly delicious treat, I have just the thing for you: the Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe. These little ghost-shaped hand pies are packed with flavorful taco filling and melted Mexican cheese inside a crisp, golden crust. When I first made these, my family couldn’t get enough! They’re perfect for Halloween, casual dinners, or anytime you want a playful twist on tacos. Stick around—I’ll walk you through every step so you can nail these ghostly delights right in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe comes from the balance of savory ground meat, melty cheese, and crispy pie crust. I like to keep the filling simple but flavorful, adding veggies for color and texture when I can. You’ll want fresh taco seasoning on hand to really boost those classic taco flavors.

• Ground meat: Use lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken depending on your preference; turkey benefits from a little olive oil in the pan to keep it juicy.
• Taco seasoning: Homemade or store-bought works; it’s the key to bringing authentic taco flavor.
• Shredded carrot: Optional, but I love how it adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the filling.
• Chopped bell pepper or baby spinach: Optional veggies that boost nutrition and add fresh color.
• Pie crusts: Store-bought is totally fine here; just make sure they’re thawed but not too soft.
• Shredded Mexican cheese blend: Melts perfectly with the taco filling, creating a gooey, satisfying bite every time.
• Egg: For brushing on top to get that stunning golden brown finish.
• Salsa: Essential for dipping—you can’t skip on the sauce!

Variations

I love making the Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe my own by swapping ingredients depending on what I have on hand. You should feel free to experiment and put your spin on this—you might find a new favorite version!

• Pizza Variation: One of my favorite twists is filling the pies with pizza sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni—my kids love the surprise, and it’s just as easy to make.
• Vegetarian Option: Use cooked beans, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted veggies in place of meat for a hearty plant-based filling.
• Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for those who like a little kick.
• Cheese Swaps: Try pepper jack or sharp cheddar for different cheesy expressions inside the pies.

How to Make Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Taco Filling

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat. If you’re using ground beef, toss it straight in and break it apart as it cooks. For turkey or chicken, warm a drizzle of olive oil first to keep things moist. Stir in the taco seasoning and your optional veggies like shredded carrot and bell pepper for extra flavor and color. Cook until the meat is nicely browned, about 5-6 minutes. This step is where the taco magic happens, so make sure to break up the meat well so each bite has a good texture.

Step 2: Prep the Oven and Pie Crusts

Preheat your oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—that way, your pies won’t stick and come out perfect. Roll out your pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. This part is always fun: use ghost-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes for your hand pies. You’ll want an even number since each pie needs a top and bottom ghost. Don’t toss your scraps! Re-roll and cut more pie crust until everything’s used up.

Step 3: Fill and Seal Your Ghosts

Arrange half of your ghost shapes on the lined baking sheets with a little space around each. Spoon a small scoop of the taco filling onto each ghost and sprinkle with cheese. For the top ghost shapes, use a small round tool—like the lid of a Crayola marker I used—to cut out eyes and mouths so your ghosts can “peek” out. Place the cut-out ghost tops over the filled bottoms and press the edges gently with a fork to seal. You don’t want filling escaping during baking, so sealing well is key.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake

Mix your egg with a splash of water or milk to make a beautiful egg wash, then brush it over the tops of each hand pie. This gives them that shine and golden color we all love. Bake for 10-14 minutes until the crust is golden and flaky. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool just a bit—these are best enjoyed warm so the cheese is melty and gooey inside.

How to Serve Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for fresh garnishes that add brightness and a little pop. Cilantro leaves sprinkled on top, a dollop of sour cream, or slices of avocado work beautifully. For a spicy kick, I like adding pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Side Dishes

Pair your Ghost Taco Hand Pies with simple sides like Mexican street corn, a crisp green salad, or black beans and rice to round out the meal. Salsa and guacamole for dipping are absolute musts in my book!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or Halloween fun, I love arranging the pies on a platter with some spooky decor—think cobwebs, plastic spiders, and glow sticks. You can even add little name tags with fun ghost puns or serve them alongside a themed punch to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I store leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They hold up really well for 3-4 days—just pop them in the oven or air fryer to crisp them back up before eating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these pies both before and after baking. To freeze raw, seal them carefully and freeze on a tray before transferring to a bag so they don’t stick together. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. They come out almost as good as fresh!

Reheating

To reheat leftover Ghost Taco Hand Pies, the oven or air fryer is your best bet to keep that crust crispy. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain flakiness—microwaving tends to make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Ghost Taco Hand Pies Recipe brings a bit of spooky fun into a classic comfort food. It’s become a go-to in my kitchen when I want something that feels festive but still nourishing and satisfying. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making them just as much as eating them—and your friends and family will be asking for seconds. Give this recipe a try next time you need a quick, tasty, and charming meal; it’s a real winner!

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