Cheesy Beef Hand Pies

Golden, flaky, and filled with savory seasoned beef and melted cheese, these Cheesy Beef Hand Pies are the perfect handheld comfort food. With a crisp pastry exterior and a rich, flavorful filling, they make an excellent appetizer, lunch, or quick dinner. Easy to prepare and deeply satisfying, these hand pies deliver warm, cheesy goodness in every bite.

Yield

12 hand pies

Temperature

400°F (205°C)

Time

28–35 minutes

Ingredients

Key Ingredients First

1 lb ground beef
1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

Additional Filling Ingredients

1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup beef broth (as needed to moisten the filling)

Pastry

2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Sesame seeds or coarse salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef Filling

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Add tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add beef broth as needed to moisten the mixture without making it runny.
Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly. Stir in the shredded cheese.

2. Assemble the Hand Pies

Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 6 equal rectangles (total 12).
Place 2–3 tablespoons of the beef mixture in the center of each rectangle.
Fold the pastry over into a square or rectangle and press the edges to seal. Crimp with a fork for a decorative edge.
Cut a small slit on top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape.

3. Bake

Brush each hand pie with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Sprinkle sesame seeds or coarse salt if desired.
Bake for 28–35 minutes, or until the pastry is crisp, puffed, and golden brown.

Tips

Let the filling cool before adding it to the pastry to prevent sogginess.
For extra cheesiness, add an extra tablespoon of cheese on top of the filling before sealing.
Substitute puff pastry with pie dough for a more traditional pot-pie texture.
These freeze well; reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes.

Serving Ideas

Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy ketchup for dipping. They pair well with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or soup for a full meal.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef Hand Pies offer the perfect blend of flaky pastry, melty cheese, and savory seasoned beef. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, they bring warm, satisfying comfort to any table. Simple to prepare and always a hit, these hand pies are ideal for weeknights, gatherings, and freezer-friendly make-ahead meals.