There’s something truly captivating about the first bite of these Asian-style ground beef hand pies, where crisp pastry meets savory goodness. Picture this: as you pull these delectable little pockets from the oven, the golden crust glistens enticingly, hinting at the juicy filling waiting inside. The harmony of beef, onions, and a medley of aromatic spices creates a flavor explosion that dances on your palate, making every mouthful a delightful experience.

I began crafting these hand pies on evenings when fast food just wouldn’t cut it anymore. They’re the perfect antidote for those busy nights, packing a punch of flavor while being quick and easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving them as a satisfying snack or a cozy dinner option, these hand pies are versatile enough to suit any occasion. The combination of homemade taste with minimal effort is sure to impress your loved ones—so let’s dive into making these culinary gems together!

Why are these Beef Pie hand pies a must-try?

Simplicity at Its Best: These hand pies require only a few simple steps, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The union of savory beef, onions, and spices creates an unforgettable taste experience.
Versatile Creation: Feel free to customize with different proteins or vegetables; the sky’s the limit!
Crowd-Pleasing Delicacy: Perfect as appetizers or a hearty dinner option, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepares beautifully in advance—simply freeze and bake later for an easy meal solution.
Whether you’re craving something new or tired of fast food, these Asian-style ground beef hand pies will bring excitement back to your dinner table.

Beef Pie Ingredients

For the Filling
• Ground Beef – The star of the dish; lean beef ensures a tender bite.
• Onion (finely chopped) – Adds depth of flavor and moisture; green onions are a mild alternative.
• Soy Sauce – Brings a delightful umami kick; tamari works for a gluten-free version.
• Grated Ginger – Imparts a warm, aromatic quality; fresh ginger is best for maximum flavor.
• Sugar – Balances out the savory notes; adjust to suit your taste preferences.
• Sesame Oil – Adds a nutty richness; can be swapped with another oil if needed.
• Corn Flour (Corn Starch) – Acts as a thickening agent and keeps the filling juicy; use all-purpose flour if unavailable.

For the Pastry
• Store-bought Puff Pastry (cut into squares) – Offers a flaky, crispy crust; homemade is an option for extra love.
• Egg Yolks – For brushing on the pastry to achieve a rich, golden color; whole eggs can also work well.

For Garnish
• Sesame Seeds – Adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal; feel free to skip if preferred.
• Water – Needed to moisten the filling and bind everything together; adjust based on moisture content of the beef.

The combination used in these beef pie hand pies will ensure a culinary experience that lifts your spirits and fills your belly with comfort!

How to Make Asian-Style Ground Beef Hand Pies

Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together water, corn flour, soy sauce, ginger, sugar, and sesame oil until smooth. This sauce will add incredible depth to your filling.
Mix Filling: In a larger mixing bowl, mix the ground beef and finely chopped onion with the sauce mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well combined, creating a flavorful base that’s evenly coated.
Prepare Pastry: Roll out your store-bought puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 8cm squares. This flaky pastry will become the lovely outer layer of your hand pies.
Fill Pastry: Place a generous spoonful of the beef mixture onto each pastry square. Fold over the pastry and use a fork to crimp the edges securely. This will ensure your savory filling stays put!
Arrange and Bake: Lay the filled hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they’re spaced apart for even cooking.
Brush and Garnish: Brush the tops with egg yolk for a beautiful golden color, then sprinkle sesame seeds over the surface for an extra crunch.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and bake the hand pies for 20-25 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown. The enticing aroma will fill your kitchen!

Optional: Serve with sweet chili or soy sauce for dipping to enhance the flavors even further.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Beef Pie Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to play around with these hand pies and let your culinary creativity shine through with delightful twists!

Ground Turkey: Swap ground beef for turkey for a leaner alternative, maintaining the same flavorful spices.
Vegetable Filling: Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a nutritious boost—each bite is packed with flavor!
Spicy Kick: Mix in chili paste or Sriracha into the filling for an exciting heat that elevates every mouthful.
Low-Carb Option: Use almond flour or cauliflower pastry instead of puff pastry for a delicious, gluten-free version—a unique twist on tradition!
Cheesy Delight: Incorporate a sprinkle of shredded cheese into the filling for gooey goodness that melts with every bite, adding an irresistible layer of flavor.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to the filling for an aromatic touch that brightens up each savory bite.
Sweet Twist: For a dessert-inspired version, use a sweet pastry and fill with ground beef mixed with a hint of brown sugar and cinnamon for an unexpected treat.
Asian Fusion: Experiment with adding diced water chestnuts or bamboo shoots to the filling for that extra crunch and authenticity to the Asian-inspired theme.

Explore these variations and make these hand pies your own! Each twist adds a little personal touch to this comforting dish.

What to Serve with Asian-Style Crispy Ground Beef Hand Pies?

When you’re indulging in these delightful hand pies, it’s all about creating a complete dining experience that tantalizes the senses.

Sweet Chili Sauce: A drizzle or dip of sweet chili sauce adds a wonderful sweet and spicy contrast, enhancing the savory flavors of the pies.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a crunchy, fresh element that balances the richness of the hand pies and adds vibrant color to your plate.
Cucumber Salad: Thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in rice vinegar and sesame oil create a refreshing side that cuts through the savory richness of the beef filling.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup adds a comforting touch, offering umami flavors that complement the Asian-inspired taste of the hand pies beautifully.
Fried Rice: Serve with a side of fragrant fried rice, infused with veggies and egg, to turn your meal into a hearty feast rich in textures.
Hot Green Tea: A cup of hot green tea cleanses the palate and pairs well with the crispy texture and savory notes of the hand pies, enhancing your dining experience.
Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles provide a unique option, offering a creamy sesame flavor that provides a delightful contrast to the warm hand pies.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with a splash of lime juice offers a refreshing and sweet finish to the meal, cleansing the palate with every bite.

These pairings create a delicious spread that’s sure to elevate your mealtime, making it memorable and satisfying!

Make Ahead Options

These Asian-style ground beef hand pies are a fantastic meal prep solution for busy cooks! You can prepare and assemble the hand pies in advance, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. If you’re looking to stock your freezer, simply freeze the unbaked hand pies, ensuring they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn, for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for perfectly golden results. By prepping ahead, you’ll have these delightful hand pies on hand, saving you time on those hectic weeknights while still delivering that homemade comfort food vibe that your family will love!

Expert Tips for Beef Pie Hand Pies

• Moist Filling: Ensure your beef mixture is moist but not overly wet. This prevents your pastry from getting soggy while baking.

• Proper Mixing: Stir the filling thoroughly for about 5 minutes to achieve a sticky consistency, ensuring flavors meld beautifully before wrapping.

• Spacing is Key: When arranging the hand pies on the baking sheet, space them apart to promote even cooking and crispiness in every bite.

• Egg Wash Must-Do: Brush the pastries with egg yolk for a rich, golden crust that adds a lovely shine and enhances the visual appeal.

• Be Creative: Feel free to experiment with your fillings! Substitute ground beef with chicken or veggies for a delightful twist on these hand pies.

How to Store and Freeze Beef Pie Hand Pies

Fridge: Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 180°C (350°F) for best results.

Freezer: Prepare unbaked hand pies and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Room Temperature: If you have finished hand pies, enjoy them fresh within 2 hours of baking for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating: For reheating, preheat the oven and place pies on a baking sheet, covering with foil initially to prevent over-browning, then remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the crust.

Beef Pie Recipe FAQs

What type of ground beef should I use?
I recommend using lean ground beef for these beef pie hand pies; it allows for a tasty filling without being overly greasy. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground chicken or turkey can also make for a lighter dish.

How can I store leftover hand pies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, I suggest reheating them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes for that crispy texture you love.

Can these hand pies be frozen?
Absolutely! Prepare unbaked hand pies and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until they’re solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

What’s the best way to heat up the hand pies?
For reheating, preheat your oven and place the hand pies on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil initially to avoid over-browning, then remove the foil for the last few minutes to achieve that perfect crispy crust.

Can these hand pies contain allergens?
If you have allergies, be mindful of ingredients like soy sauce, which contains gluten. You can substitute it with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. Always check your puff pastry for lactose content, as some brands can vary.