Easy Ground Beef Hand Pies

1. Prepare Filling:
   In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Add Vegetables:
   Add the diced onion, carrots, and potatoes to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Seasoning:
   Sprinkle the dried rosemary, thyme, flour, salt, and pepper over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir to combine, allowing the flour to cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste.
4. Add Beef Stock:
   Pour the beef stock into the skillet, stirring to combine with the beef and vegetables. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Prepare Crusts:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Unroll the pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter or a small bowl, cut out circles from the pie crusts.

1. Fill and Seal Pies:
   Spoon a generous portion of the beef and vegetable filling onto one half of each pie crust circle. Fold the other half of the circle over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges of the crust together with a fork to seal.
2. Egg Wash:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the hand pies with the egg wash to give them a golden brown finish.
3. Bake:
   Place the assembled hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and flaky.
4. Serve:
   Remove the hand pies from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these delicious hand pies warm as a satisfying meal or snack.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Cheese Lover’s Twist: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the filling before sealing the hand pies for an extra indulgent touch.
• Spice it Up: For a hint of heat, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef and vegetable filling.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or your favorite meat alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version of these hand pies.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here are some tips to adapt this Easy Ground Beef Hand Pies recipe:

• Keto Crust: Replace the traditional pie crust with a keto-friendly alternative made from almond flour, coconut flour, and mozzarella cheese.
• Low-Carb Fillings: Choose low-carb vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach for the filling, and omit the potatoes to reduce the carb content.
• Portion Control: Make smaller hand pies using almond flour or coconut flour dough for a keto-friendly snack or appetizer option.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

• Q: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
  A: Yes, you can prepare the beef and vegetable filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to assemble the hand pies, simply reheat the filling on the stovetop until warmed through.
• Q: Can I freeze the hand pies?
  A: Absolutely! These hand pies freeze well and can be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply place the frozen hand pies on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
• Q: Can I use store-bought pie crusts for this recipe?
  A: Yes, you can use store-bought refrigerated pie crusts for convenience. Simply follow the instructions for rolling out the crusts and cutting them into circles before assembling the hand pies.
• Q: Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
  A: Certainly! Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, peas, or corn. Just be sure to chop them finely so they cook evenly with the ground beef.
• Q: Are these hand pies suitable for serving at parties or potlucks?
  A: Absolutely! These Easy Ground Beef Hand Pies are perfect for serving at parties, potlucks, or any gathering where delicious finger foods are appreciated. They’re easy to make ahead of time and can be served warm or at room temperature for added convenience.