Ghost Taco Hand Pies

Posted on October 23, 2025

🖋️ Written by Emma

Why Make This Recipe

Ghost Taco Hand Pies are a fun and spooky twist on traditional tacos. They are perfect for Halloween parties, family gatherings, or just a playful family dinner. These handheld pies are filled with tasty taco ingredients, making them both delicious and easy to eat. Kids will love their ghostly shape, and adults will appreciate their savory flavor. Plus, they are quick to prepare, making them a great addition to your recipe collection.

How to Make Ghost Taco Hand Pies

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
1 Tablespoon taco seasoning
1/4 cup shredded carrot (optional)
1/4 cup chopped bell pepper or baby spinach (optional)
2 pie crusts (defrosted but unbaked)
1/3 cup shredded Mexican cheese
1 egg (for brushing)
Salsa (for dipping)

Directions

To make the taco filling, heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles. If using ground turkey or chicken, warm a drizzle of olive oil in the skillet first. Add taco seasoning and optional shredded carrot or bell pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the meat is browned, breaking it into small pieces. Remove from heat and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use ghost-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes, making sure to have an even number. You need one for the top and one for the bottom of each taco pie. Gather and roll out the scraps until all pie crust is used.
Place half of the cut ghost shapes on the baking mat, leaving space around each. Spoon a small amount of taco filling into the middle of each ghost, then sprinkle a bit of cheese on top.
Use a small round item to cut out eyes and mouths from the remaining ghost shapes. Place these shapes over each filled ghost on the baking sheets, using the tines of a fork to seal the edges gently.
Mix the egg with a splash of water or milk in a small bowl to make an egg wash, then brush this on top of each mini pie.
Bake for 10-14 minutes until the tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven, cool for a minute or two, then serve with salsa or guacamole for dipping. Enjoy!

How to Serve Ghost Taco Hand Pies

Serve these Ghost Taco Hand Pies warm with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping. They make a great appetizer or fun main dish for a casual meal. You can also pair them with a simple salad or some crunchy veggies to balance out the flavors.

How to Store Ghost Taco Hand Pies

These hand pies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Tips to Make Ghost Taco Hand Pies

You can experiment with different fillings based on your taste. Chicken, beans, or even veggies can be great options.
If you want to make them extra spooky, use food coloring to dye the crust or toppings.
Make sure not to overfill the pies to prevent them from bursting open during baking.

Variation

For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with black beans or lentils and add more veggies like corn or zucchini. These options maintain the flavors while keeping it plant-based.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, store-bought pie crust is a great time-saver and works perfectly for this recipe.

What can I use to cut out the ghost shapes?
You can use any cookie cutter you have on hand. Ghost-shaped ones are ideal, but fun shapes like stars or pumpkins can work too!

Can I prepare these hand pies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the pies, then cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.

Enjoy making and sharing these Ghost Taco Hand Pies with your family and friends!