Delicious Savory Beef and Onion Hand Pies Recipe

By Sophie Hart – Recipes and Home Inspiration

December 26, 2024

939

Introduction and Quick Summary

If you’re in search of a delightful dish that combines comfort and convenience, look no further than savory beef and onion hand pies. These delicious pastries offer a rich filling of seasoned ground beef mixed with sweet onions, all wrapped in a flaky crust. Perfect as an appetizer or a main course, they are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, these hand pies bring warmth to the table.

Making savory beef and onion hand pies is easier than you might think. With just a few core ingredients and some straightforward steps, you can create mouth-watering treats that everyone will love. This recipe not only gives you the satisfaction of homemade goodness but also allows you to customize the filling to suit your taste preferences. Additionally, these hand pies can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment.

In this article, we’ll cover everything from the main ingredients needed for this recipe to detailed preparation instructions. You’ll also find tips on serving and storing your savory creations for maximum enjoyment. Let’s dive into the world of flavor-packed savory beef and onion hand pies!

Main Ingredients

Ground Beef

Ground beef is the star ingredient in savory beef and onion hand pies. It provides a hearty base for your filling. For this recipe, you’ll need one pound (450 grams) of lean ground beef. Lean meat helps prevent excess grease while still retaining flavor during cooking. When selecting ground beef, look for 80% lean meat to ensure a juicy texture without being overly fatty.

Onions

Onions add sweetness and depth to the filling of your hand pies. You’ll need one medium-sized yellow onion for this recipe, diced finely. As they cook down, onions caramelize slightly and contribute to the overall flavor profile of the dish. Yellow onions are ideal because they balance sweetness with mildness when cooked.

Pie Crust

A flaky pie crust is essential for wrapping your savory filling in these hand pies. You can either make your own dough or purchase pre-made pie crusts from the store; typically, you’ll need around two 9-inch crusts (approximately 500 grams). If making your own dough from scratch, consider using butter or shortening for optimal flakiness.

Garlic

Garlic enhances the flavor of your filling significantly. For this recipe, use two cloves of fresh garlic minced finely. Garlic brings aromatic qualities that complement both the meat and onions perfectly while adding a hint of zest that elevates the overall taste.

Seasonings

Seasonings play an important role in bringing out flavors in your filling. You will require salt (to taste), black pepper (to taste), one teaspoon of paprika for smokiness, and half a teaspoon of dried thyme as an herb note in this recipe. Adjust these seasonings based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions.

Recipe preparation

How to Prepare Savory Beef and Onion Hand Pies

Cook the Filling

To start preparing savory beef and onion hand pies, heat a large skillet over medium heat before adding one tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onions and sauté them until they become translucent—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Next, push the onions to one side of the skillet and add the ground beef into the other side.

Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break it apart while cooking until browned evenly—about 7-10 minutes depending on heat levels—ensuring there’s no pink color left before proceeding further; draining extra grease if necessary is essential here too! Incorporate minced garlic along with paprika and thyme into this mixture during its final minute so that all flavors meld together nicely while cooking evenly throughout.

Once fully cooked through without any remaining liquid juices left behind from meats or vegetables accumulating at bottom pan level—season generously with salt & pepper according preference before removing from heat source allowing cooling slightly while preparing crusts next!

Prepare Pie Crusts

While allowing prepared filling mixture cool down adequately (about 10 minutes should suffice), take out your pie crusts whether homemade or store-bought lined up on clean counter space ready for assembly step ahead! If using refrigerated dough sheets; roll out each sheet gently onto lightly floured surface until achieving desired thickness about 1/8 inch thick overall—this ensures enough sturdiness without compromising flaky textures when baked later on!

Using round cutters—either biscuit cutter or glass measuring cup works well—cut circles approximately 4-5 inches diameter from rolled-out sections creating uniform shapes needed stuffing process ahead! Place each circle carefully onto parchment-lined baking trays ensuring sufficient spacing between them before continuing next steps involving adding fillings inside those cutouts now cooled down properly earlier introduced previously!

Assemble Hand Pies

Now comes the fun part: assembling those delicious pastry pockets! Start by taking one circle of dough placed on tray then spoon about two tablespoons worth cooled-down meat-onion mixture right into center area avoiding edges which must remain clear otherwise sealing issue may arise when folding over later stages ahead! Carefully fold over cut-out circle creating half-moon shape pressing edges firmly together ensuring tight closures happen effectively preventing leaks during baking process later down road too!

After completing folding action; use fork tines pressing along outer edges securely crimping closure points perfectly sealing them shut completely! Repeat above steps until all filled circles have been constructed following same method consistently across remaining dough pieces laid beforehand ready waiting patiently alongside completed batches now resting comfortably once finished up overall assembly phase swiftly moving next towards baking procedures finally!

Serving and storing

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving Suggestions

your savory beef and onion hand pies can be as simple as placing them on a platter alongside dipping sauces such as ketchup or mustard for added flavor options! When entertaining guests; consider pairing these delightful pastries with fresh salads like arugula dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette providing refreshing contrast against hearty fillings within each bite-sized morsel enjoyed together harmoniously creating balance within meal presentation itself inviting variety pleasing everyone present at gathering!

Additionally; you might want to serve some roasted vegetables alongside those golden brown beauties straight out oven enhancing visual appeal while also introducing more nutrients into meal served throughout dinner table setting inviting everyone indulge fully without feeling guilty indulging bit too much especially since leftovers often tend disappear quickly afterwards anyway!

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover savory beef and onion hand pies after enjoying them freshly baked; rest assured they can be stored easily! To store properly; allow them cool completely first then place them inside airtight containers ensuring no moisture gets trapped inside causing sogginess making sure they maintain crispness texture preserved intact longer preserving quality taste enjoyed initially first baked fresh daily basis!

For best results keeping frozen remains ideal choice too—allow cooling period pass before individually wrapping each pie tightly using plastic wrap followed by transferring those wrapped pieces into resealable freezer bags labeled clearly indicating date prepared beforehand ensuring nothing goes wasted later down line whilst reserving opportunity enjoy delicious treat during busy weeknights whenever craving strikes unexpectedly again soon thereafter feeling satisfied once more reliving memories created around kitchen moments spent preparing together prior too!

By following these guidelines closely outlined above along journey crafting perfect batch deliciously fulfilling satisfying bites made easy accessible anytime desired truly showcases versatility signature dish awaits endless possibilities discovered reminder comfort food never goes out style timeless classic truly loved cherished across generations passed down traditions shared amongst families everywhere today proudly served gatherings celebrations alike uniting friends family alike sharing laughter memories captured forever lasting impressions made simply enjoyed thoroughly delighted every single time served warm inviting atmosphere created surrounding table filled joy love laughter shared moments cherished always remembered fondly never forgotten either truly meant savoring bit goodness life together forevermore!

Mistakes to avoid

One common mistake when making savory beef and onion hand pies is using the wrong type of meat. Selecting lean cuts may seem like a healthier option, but for hand pies, you want meat that has a bit of fat. This fat keeps the filling juicy and flavorful. Opt for ground chuck or a mix that includes some fat content to ensure your pies don’t end up dry.

Another frequent error is neglecting to season your filling adequately. Beef can be quite bland on its own, so make sure to incorporate various spices and herbs such as garlic powder, thyme, or even Worcestershire sauce. Taste your filling before assembling the pies; this step ensures that every bite will be packed with flavor.

Overworking the pastry dough is another mistake that can ruin your savory beef and onion hand pies. When making the dough, mix it until just combined. Over-kneading can develop gluten, leading to tough crusts rather than flaky, tender pastry. Keep this in mind as you blend the ingredients together.

Using too much filling is also a common pitfall. While it might be tempting to load up on delicious beef and onion mixture, too much filling can cause the pastry to burst during baking. Aim for about one tablespoon per pie; this allows for expansion while keeping everything contained nicely within the crust.

Lastly, skipping the egg wash before baking is a mistake many home cooks make. An egg wash not only gives your hand pies a beautiful golden color but also helps seal the edges and improve texture. Brush each pie with a simple mixture of beaten egg and water for that perfect finish.

Tips and tricks

For perfect savory beef and onion hand pies, start by preparing your filling well in advance. Allowing flavors to meld overnight in the refrigerator enhances their depth. This resting period gives you a more robust filling when it comes time to assemble your hand pies.

When making your pastry dough, consider chilling both the flour and butter before use. This simple step prevents the butter from melting into the flour prematurely, resulting in a flakier crust once baked. After mixing the dough ingredients, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before rolling out.

Using parchment paper on your baking sheet can make cleanup easier while ensuring even cooking for your savory beef and onion hand pies. The parchment paper prevents sticking and promotes even browning on the bottom of each pie. Remember to space them out adequately for even airflow during baking.

Investing in a good quality pastry cutter or food processor can significantly speed up your prep time when making dough. A pastry cutter allows you to combine butter with flour quickly without overworking it; if you prefer a food processor, pulse until just combined for similar results.

Finally, don’t forget about presentation! After baking, let your savory beef and onion hand pies cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. This cooling period helps prevent sogginess in the crust while ensuring they hold their shape beautifully when plated.

Suggestions for Savory Beef and Onion Hand Pies

When crafting savory beef and onion hand pies, think outside traditional fillings by incorporating vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition. Diced carrots or peas can add sweetness and texture while complementing the rich beef flavor beautifully. Just be sure to sauté these extras lightly beforehand to remove excess moisture.

Another suggestion is experimenting with different types of cheese mixed into your filling. Cheese blends such as cheddar or mozzarella enhance flavor profiles while adding creaminess to each bite of hand pie. Just remember not to overload on cheese—balance is key!

Choosing an appropriate dipping sauce elevates your savory beef and onion hand pies during serving time. Consider serving them alongside tangy sauces like chimichurri or spicy sriracha mayo that contrast nicely with meaty flavors without overwhelming them.

If you want an extra kick in flavor, try adding spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper directly into your beef mixture before assembling the pies. A touch of heat can elevate these pastries from ordinary to extraordinary!

Lastly, always keep an eye on portion sizes when serving these delightful treats at gatherings or parties; cut them into bite-sized pieces if they are too large! Smaller portions allow guests to enjoy various flavors without feeling overly full right away—a perfect party snack!

FAQs

What are savory beef and onion hand pies?

Savory beef and onion hand pies are delicious pastries filled with seasoned ground beef combined with onions and often other flavorful ingredients like spices or vegetables. These handheld delights feature a flaky pastry crust encasing warm filling that makes them ideal as appetizers or snacks at any gathering.

How do I store leftover savory beef and onion hand pies?

To store leftover savory beef and onion hand pies properly, allow them to cool completely first before placing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage—up to three months! Reheat from frozen in an oven until warmed through.

Can I make savory beef and onion hand pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare savory beef and onion hand pies ahead of time by assembling them fully but keeping them unbaked until you’re ready to serve them later on—this way preserves freshness! Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating for up to 24 hours; simply bake when ready!

Are there vegetarian options for these hand pies?

Yes! For vegetarian savories similar to traditional savory beef and onion hand pies, utilize lentils or mushrooms as substitutes along with onions—these ingredients provide excellent umami flavors resembling meat while keeping things plant-based! Feel free also explore other veggies like spinach or sweet potatoes mixed into fillings.

What can I serve alongside these hand pies?

Serving sides alongside savory beef and onion hand pies generally depends on personal preference but could include fresh salads dressed in vinaigrettes—something light balances richness well! You might also consider offering dipping sauces like ketchup (classic), ranch dressing (creamy), or gravy (savory).

How do I know when my savory beef and onion hand pies are done baking?

Determining if your savory beef and onion hand pies are fully baked involves checking their color—they should turn golden brown across all surfaces! Additionally, listen closely; they’ll emit sizzling sounds from within as steam escapes during cooking! If unsure after typical baking time elapses suggested by recipe instructions—you could use an instant-read thermometer inserted gently: internal temperature should reach around 165°F (75°C).

Conclusion

In summary, creating delicious savory beef and onion hand pies requires attention to detail throughout every stage—from selecting proper ingredients down through cooking techniques used along preparation processes! Avoid common mistakes by choosing suitable meat cuts alongside seasoning adequately; keep pastries tender by handling dough carefully without overworking it either!

Remember helpful tips such as preparing fillings ahead of time while chilling components improves outcomes significantly when assembling these tasty bites later on successfully! Suggestions including adding vegetables enhance overall flavor profiles further contributing positively towards enjoying this delightful dish at gatherings!

Lastly don’t forget about exploring various questions surrounding making these scrumptious pastries—ensure proper storage methods utilized post-preparation enable maximum enjoyment over subsequent days following initial preparation too—all contribute towards ensuring success whenever indulging into delightful homemade creations like this wonderful recipe!

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