Ghost Taco Hand Pies

When the air turns crisp and the trees start dressing in gold, nothing feels cozier than baking something warm and fun in the kitchen. The smell of spices mingles with buttery pastry, the oven hums softly, and laughter fills the air. That’s exactly what these Ghost Taco Hand Pies bring to life—whimsical, savory comfort wrapped in flaky golden dough.

Imagine little ghost-shaped pies with cheeky faces, their eyes peeking up at you, stuffed with cheesy taco filling that melts in your mouth. They’re everything you love about taco night tucked neatly into a handheld pastry pocket. Perfect for Halloween parties, family dinners, or a cozy night in, these hand pies are equal parts adorable and delicious.

Whether you’re a busy parent or just craving something festive, these Ghost Taco Hand Pies are simple to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• They’re fun and festive. Ghost shapes instantly bring Halloween magic to the table.
• Kid-friendly and cheesy, these are always a hit with little hands and big appetites.
• Quick and easy thanks to store-bought pie crusts—no stress, all comfort.
• Completely customizable: swap in your favorite fillings or sneak in extra veggies.
• Perfect to make ahead and freeze, so a warm snack is always just minutes away.

Every flaky bite is cozy, flavorful, and brimming with that homemade feeling.

Ingredients

You only need simple ingredients and a little creativity to bring these ghostly pies to life.

• 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken) for that savory, juicy filling
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning for warm, zesty spice
• 1/4 cup shredded carrot, optional, adds sweetness and color
• 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper or baby spinach for freshness
• 2 pie crusts, thawed but unbaked—store-bought or homemade both work beautifully
• 1/3 cup shredded Mexican cheese for melty, gooey comfort
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten, to brush over the tops
• Salsa or guacamole for dipping, bright and flavorful

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the filling.
   In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the meat, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. If you’re using poultry, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle in taco seasoning and toss in the veggies if using. Stir until fragrant and fully cooked, about five to six minutes. Let it cool slightly.
2. Prepare the dough.
   Preheat the oven to 425°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pie crusts to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter (or any fun shape) to cut out pairs of pieces. Gather and reroll scraps as needed.
3. Assemble.
   Lay half of your ghosts on the prepared sheets. Add a tablespoon of taco filling to the center of each, then sprinkle a little cheese over top. Keep edges clean for sealing.
4. Add the tops.
   Cut tiny eyes and a mouth into the remaining ghost shapes. Place them over the filled pieces and press around the edges with your fingertips. Use a fork to crimp the edges shut.
5. Bake.
   Brush each hand pie with the beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish. Bake for ten to fourteen minutes, until puffed and beautifully golden. Let them cool slightly—the hardest part is waiting!

Pro Tips for Success

1. Keep the dough cold. If it gets too soft, chill it for fifteen minutes before cutting.
2. Don’t overfill. A tablespoon of filling is plenty to prevent leaks.
3. Seal firmly. Press edges well so the filling stays tucked inside.
4. Freeze ahead. Assemble and freeze before baking for quick snacks later.
5. No ghost cutter? Try pumpkins, hearts, or circles—same cozy flavor, new shape.

Flavor Variations

• Vegetarian option: Use black beans, corn, and diced sweet potato instead of meat.
• Spicy twist: Add jalapeños or chipotle for a little heat.
• Cheesy upgrade: Mix in a spoonful of cream cheese for extra richness.
• Breakfast version: Fill with scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheddar.

Serving Ideas

• Halloween platter: Arrange the pies on a dark tray with mini pumpkins and bowls of salsa.
• Family game night: Serve with guacamole and sour cream—perfect bite-sized fun.
• Lunchbox surprise: Cool and pack one with a little note that says “Boo!”
• Autumn picnic: Pair with apple cider and a blanket under colorful trees.

Quick Recap

These Ghost Taco Hand Pies are cozy, golden, and a little spooky in the best way. Each bite is flaky, cheesy, and full of savory taco flavor—the kind of snack that makes a chilly night feel warm again.

Gather your ingredients, grab that ghost cutter, and let the kitchen fill with laughter and spice. Pin this recipe for later or bake a batch this weekend—you’ll be so glad you did.

Pin this recipe for later or bake a batch this weekend you’ll be glad you did!

Ghost Taco Hand Pies

These delightful Ghost Taco Hand Pies are perfect for Halloween or any cozy gathering, packed with savory taco filling and a cheesy surprise, all in a fun ghost shape.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 14 minutes mins

Total Time 44 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American, Halloween

Servings 8 pieces

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Taco Filling

• 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken) Choose your preferred meat option.
• 1 Tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup shredded carrot Optional for added nutrition.
• 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper or baby spinach Optional for added nutrition.

For the Hand Pies

• 2 crusts pie crusts (defrosted but unbaked) Store-bought or homemade.
• 1/3 cup shredded Mexican cheese
• 1 large egg For brushing.
• to taste none salsa For dipping.

Instructions

 

Preparation of Taco Filling

• Set a medium skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add your ground beef and break it apart into crumbles as it cooks.
• Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add shredded carrot and bell pepper or spinach if using. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the meat is browned and cooked through.
• Remove from heat and set aside to cool for a few minutes.

Baking the Hand Pies

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface until about 1/8 inch thick. Use ghost-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes, gathering scraps to reroll.
• Lay half of the ghost shapes on the lined baking sheets and spoon a tablespoon of taco filling into the center of each.
• Use the remaining ghost shapes to cut out eyes and mouths. Place them over the filled ghosts and seal edges with a fork.
• Mix the egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash and brush it over the hand pies.
• Bake for 10-14 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

These hand pies are perfect for customizing fillings. Try adding black beans, corn, or diced jalapeños for extra flavor. They can be prepared ahead of time and frozen for later use.

Keyword Ghost Taco Hand Pies, Halloween Recipes, Savory Hand Pies