Name: Savory Hand Pies Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
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 lean to fat ratio); 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon white pepper; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 3 level tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 1/4 cups beef stock or broth; 1 medium russet potato, peeled and diced into 1/4 to 1/2 inch cubes; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish; 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley; 1/4 cup green peas; 2 (17.3 ounce) packages puff pastry sheets, frozen (4 sheets total); 1 egg, whisked for egg wash; Flaky salt, optional garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 5 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamt of a snack that’s both comforting and exciting, these hand-held delights will wow you for sure. This Savory Hand Pies Recipe combines a golden, flaky puff pastry with a rich, hearty filling of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and fresh veggies that harmonize beautifully in every bite. Whether you’re serving these for a family dinner, packing them for lunch, or sharing with friends during a cozy gathering, they bring warmth and flavor together in such a delightful way. Trust me, these hand pies become instant favorites that everyone will ask you to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a thick stew in a black skillet, showing layers of soft brown ground meat mixed with small orange carrot pieces and bright green peas, all coated in a rich brown gravy. There are chunks of light yellow potatoes spread throughout the dish, adding texture alongside the meat and vegetables. Fresh green herbs sprinkle the top, giving a touch of freshness. A wooden spoon scoops into the stew from the right side, stirring the mixture. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface with a folded brown cloth underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is the secret behind the delicious balance of flavors and textures in this recipe. Each component plays a role in making the filling rich, fragrant, and satisfying while the puff pastry delivers that irresistible crisp and buttery crunch.

Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps soften the vegetables.
Butter: Provides richness and depth to the sautéed veggies.
White onion: The base of flavor with mild sweetness.
Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color.
Celery: Contributes crunch and a subtle aromatic note.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
Garlic: Introduces a warm, pungent aroma that wakes up the palate.
Ground beef (85/15): The hearty protein that forms the star of the filling.
Italian seasoning: Adds herbaceous complexity with a Mediterranean flair.
White pepper: A gentle peppery warmth that works well in beef dishes.
Tomato paste: Provides a concentrated depth and slight tanginess.
Worcestershire sauce: Enhances umami and adds savory layers.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the filling, creating a luscious texture.
Beef stock or broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base to stew the filling ingredients.
Russet potato: Adds creaminess and body to the filling.
Fresh thyme leaves: Bright, earthy notes that elevate the filling’s aroma.
Parsley: Freshness and a pop of green color to balance richness.
Green peas: Sweet bursts of texture and color contrast.
Puff pastry sheets: The flaky, buttery casing that makes these hand pies truly irresistible.
Egg (for egg wash): Creates a golden, shiny crust that’s impossible to resist.
Flaky salt (optional): Adds a final elegant crunch and salty finish.

How to Make Savory Hand Pies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients so everything is within arm’s reach. Dice your onion, carrot, celery, and potato finely. Keep those puff pastry sheets frozen until the filling is nearly cooled so they stay nice and firm for rolling.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat butter and olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced onion, carrot, and celery with a few pinches of salt and pepper. Let the veggies soften gently, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep that lovely aroma building.

Step 3: Cook the Beef and Seasonings

Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Then stir in the ground beef, Italian seasoning, white pepper, and additional salt and pepper. Use your spatula to break up the beef into crumbles, cooking until it’s completely browned with no pink spots left.

Step 4: Create the Savory Base

Mix in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, coating the beef evenly, then sprinkle the flour over the mixture. Stir well to blend the flour in — this step will ensure your filling thickens up nicely later on.

Step 5: Simmer the Filling

Pour in the beef stock and add the diced potatoes. Stir everything together, cover, and let it simmer gently on low heat. This slow cooking tenderizes the potatoes and allows the sauce to thicken wonderfully in about 25 to 35 minutes.

Step 6: Finish the Filling

Once your potatoes are tender, stir in the fresh thyme, parsley, and sweet green peas. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and allow the rich filling to cool completely before assembling your hand pies.

Step 7: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Take the frozen puff pastry sheets out to thaw at room temperature until they are pliable but still cool, around 40-45 minutes. Roll each sheet into a perfect 10 by 10-inch square, then cut each into four 5-inch squares. Layer the squares with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 8: Assemble the Hand Pies

Place about ½ cup of the cooled beef filling in the center of half of your puff pastry squares. Wet the edges lightly with water, cover each with another pastry square, and crimp the edges firmly using a fork to seal. Trim any excess dough to create neater parcels and place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

Step 9: Chill and Vent

Cut 2-3 small slits on the top of each hand pie to allow steam steam to escape during baking. Pop the trays into the freezer for 15-20 minutes; chilling helps the pies keep their shape and ensures a beautiful golden crust.

Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°. Brush each hand pie with whisked egg for that stunning golden gloss, sprinkle with flaky salt if you like a bit of crunch, and bake for 24 to 26 minutes until puffed and deeply golden brown. Let them cool slightly before digging in.

How to Serve Savory Hand Pies Recipe

The image shows four golden brown square pastries on a baking tray lined with brown paper, placed on a white marbled surface. Each pastry has a flaky, crisp texture with a slightly puffed top and small holes for venting. One of the pastries is cut in half, showing a cooked minced meat filling inside that is layered beneath the top crust. Small green herb leaves, likely thyme, are sprinkled on and around the pastries for garnish. A knife with a wooden handle lies near the top right corner of the tray. The lighting highlights the shiny, baked surface and flaky layers of the dough photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh thyme sprigs are a charming and fragrant garnish that echo the flavors inside. A sprinkle of flaky salt right after baking adds a subtle crunch and bursts of saltiness that elevate each bite.

Side Dishes

These tasty hand pies pair wonderfully with crisp green salads or a simple coleslaw to add a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables or a creamy mustard dipping sauce also complement the savory, flaky goodness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your hand pies on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of mustard, chutney, or horseradish cream for dipping. You can even turn them into an impressive appetizer by slicing them into smaller portions and offering various dipping sauces alongside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover hand pies tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making for delicious next-day meals or snacks.

Freezing

These pies freeze beautifully before baking. Assemble them fully, flash freeze on a baking tray for 15-20 minutes, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen, they’ll keep up to 2 months and bake directly from frozen with an extra 5-7 minutes in the oven.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat your hand pies in a preheated oven at 350° until warmed through and the crust regains its crispiness, about 12-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the flaky golden finish.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat in this Savory Hand Pies Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb can be great substitutes. Just keep seasoning adjustments in mind to suit the meat’s flavor profile.

Is it possible to make a vegetarian version?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for a mix of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or finely chopped hearty vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of beef stock to keep it vegetarian.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Definitely. Making the filling a day ahead allows the flavors to deepen wonderfully. Just store it in the fridge and ensure it’s completely cooled before assembling the pies.

What if I don’t have puff pastry sheets?

Puff pastry is ideal for its light and flaky texture, but you could try using pie dough or phyllo sheets for a different but tasty experience, though the texture will vary.

How do I know when the hand pies are done baking?

You’ll want a deep golden brown color on the crust and puffiness indicating the pastry is cooked through. The filling will be hot and bubbling inside if you peek through the vents.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug in pastry form, this Savory Hand Pies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s satisfying, approachable, and full of delicious surprises in every bite. Give it a try and watch as these golden parcels disappear faster than you can bake them!