Savory Hand Pies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Savory Hand Pies bring the best of both worlds: a golden, flaky crust and a rich, savory filling that will have everyone reaching for more. The filling is seasoned to perfection with Italian herbs, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh thyme, while the vegetables add a wholesome and satisfying texture. The puff pastry crust turns crispy and golden when baked, providing a delicious contrast to the savory interior. They’re easy to prepare, make-ahead friendly, and ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying on your own!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium white onion, finely diced
• 1 carrot, peeled and finely diced
• 1 rib celery, finely diced
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
• 1 pound ground beef (85/15 ratio lean to fat)
• 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 3 level tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups beef stock or broth
• 1 medium russet potato, peeled and diced into ¼ -½ inch cubes
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
• ¼ cup green peas
• 2 (17.3 ounce) packages puff pastry sheets, frozen
• 1 egg, whisked for egg wash
• Flaky salt, optional garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
2. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 7-10 minutes.
4. Stir in the Italian seasoning, white pepper, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Let the mixture cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir to combine. This will help thicken the filling.
6. Gradually add the beef stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until it thickens.
7. Add the diced potato, fresh thyme, parsley, and green peas. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.
9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
10. Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a floured surface. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles (about 4-5 inches in diameter).
11. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each pastry circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges and ensure they stay closed.
12. Place the hand pies on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the whisked egg to give them a golden, shiny finish.
13. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the hand pies are golden brown and the puff pastry is fully cooked.
14. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with extra thyme leaves and flaky salt if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 hand pies
• Prep time: 25 minutes
• Cook time: 35-40 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: You can substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Other Proteins: Ground turkey, chicken would also work well as substitutes for the beef.
• Additional Veggies: Feel free to add in more vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or spinach to customize the filling.
• Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the hand pies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but they may not stay as crispy.

FAQs

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling a day or two ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Let it cool before assembling the hand pies.

Can I freeze the hand pies?

Absolutely! Once assembled, place the hand pies on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake them directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use pie dough instead of puff pastry?

Yes, you can substitute pie dough for puff pastry, but keep in mind that the texture will be different. Puff pastry gives the pies a light, flaky crust.

How can I make these gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free puff pastry and a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Be sure to double-check the ingredients in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.

How can I ensure the hand pies stay sealed while baking?

Make sure to seal the edges tightly before baking. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges and help ensure the pies don’t open during baking.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

While russet potatoes work best for this recipe due to their texture, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes if preferred. Just ensure they are cut into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.

Can I make mini hand pies?

Yes, you can make mini versions by cutting the puff pastry into smaller circles. Adjust the cooking time, as smaller hand pies will cook more quickly—around 15-20 minutes.

What is the best way to store leftover hand pies?

Store the hand pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them, and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I add cheese to the filling?

Cheese would be a great addition! Consider adding shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan to the filling for extra flavor.

Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken as a substitute for the ground beef. Adjust the cooking times based on the protein you use.

Conclusion

Savory Hand Pies are a perfect blend of crispy pastry and savory filling, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. They’re incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with the filling, adding different vegetables, proteins, or spices. Whether you’re serving them for a party, packing them in a lunchbox, or enjoying them as a comforting meal, these hand pies are sure to satisfy every time!

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