What you need is a fun and festive dish that’s perfect for gatherings. These mini taco pies are filled with flavorful beef, cheese, and spices, presenting a playful twist with their ghostly shape. They’re convenient for parties or casual family meals.
Why you’ll love this dish
Mini taco pies are versatile and packed with flavor. They offer a satisfying crunch and a playful presentation, making them a hit with both kids and adults.
“These taco pies were a huge hit at our party. Everyone loved them!”
They’re great for Halloween or any casual get-together. The individual servings make them easy to enjoy without the mess.
How it comes together
This recipe combines seasoned beef with cheese in a simple pie crust. The ghost shapes are easily created with cookie cutters.
Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Total Time: 45 min
What you’ll need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Cooking spray
Note: Use any cheese you prefer or have on hand.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Roll out pie crusts and cut shapes using a ghost-shaped cookie cutter.
- Place one crust piece in each muffin tin cup, pressing down gently.
- Fill each crust with beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese.
- Top with another ghost-shaped crust. Press edges to seal.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Best ways to enjoy it
These mini taco pies pair well with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole. For sides, consider a fresh salad or corn.
Storage and reheating tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Helpful cooking tips
- Ensure the beef is well-drained to avoid soggy crusts.
- Don’t overfill the pies; it can cause them to spill out.
- Use a sharp knife to cut steam vents for even cooking.
Creative twists
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add black beans or corn to the beef mixture for extra texture.
- Use different cookie cutter shapes for occasions beyond Halloween.
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and assemble the pies just before baking.
Can I freeze these?
Yes, freeze before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.
What can I use instead of pie crust?
You can use puff pastry or phyllo dough for a different texture.
Mini Taco Pies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Fun and festive mini taco pies filled with seasoned beef, cheese, and spices, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Roll out pie crusts and cut shapes using a ghost-shaped cookie cutter.
- Place one crust piece in each muffin tin cup, pressing down gently.
- Fill each crust with beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese.
- Top with another ghost-shaped crust and press edges to seal.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
These pies pair well with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: taco pies, mini tacos, appetizer, Halloween snacks, party food