Flaky Chili Cheese Hand Pies Recipe: Homemade Flavor in Every Bite

Crafting delectable chili cheese hand pies brings comfort and excitement to your kitchen adventure.

Warm, flaky pastry cradles spicy, melted goodness inside each portable bite.

Comfort food meets convenience in this clever handheld creation.

Crispy edges and rich fillings promise a satisfying meal that disappears quickly.

Small pockets packed with robust flavors make these hand pies perfect for casual gatherings.

Handheld and hearty, these treats work brilliantly as snacks or light meals.

Dive into this recipe and watch magic unfold with every delicious morsel.

FAQs

• Are these hand pies difficult to make?

No, these chili cheese hand pies are surprisingly easy! Even beginner cooks can successfully prepare them with basic kitchen skills and following the step-by-step instructions.

• Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken work perfectly as substitutes for beef. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned well before adding to the pie filling.

• What if I don't have pinto beans?

You can easily replace pinto beans with black beans or kidney beans. The recipe is flexible and will still taste delicious with alternative bean types.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, kids typically love these hand pies! The handheld size and cheesy filling make them appealing to children. You can also adjust the spice level to suit younger palates by reducing chili powder.

What Makes Chili Cheese Hand Pies So Irresistible

• Craft Quick Comfort: These hand pies transform classic chili into a portable, delightful meal that kids and adults will absolutely love.
• Simplify Meal Prep: One-pot chili filling and pre-made pie crusts make assembling these hand pies super fast and straightforward for busy home cooks.
• Customize with Ease: Experiment with different cheese types, adjust spice levels, or swap beans to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Party-Perfect Appetizer: Compact, handheld design makes these chili cheese hand pies excellent for game day gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend get-togethers.

Essential Ingredients for Chili Cheese Hand Pies

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that forms the core of the chili mixture for the hand pies.
• Pinto Beans: A hearty legume that adds texture and additional protein to the filling.

• Pie Crusts: Versatile dough that creates the crispy exterior of the hand pies.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich flavor to the filling.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Vegetables that provide depth and subtle sweetness to the chili mixture.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Dried Oregano: Spices that create a complex and robust flavor profile.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Ingredients that add moisture and tangy flavor to the chili filling.
• Brown Sugar or Honey: Sweetener that balances the savory elements of the dish.

• Egg, Water: Components used to create a golden, glossy finish on the hand pies.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and preventing sticking.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

How to Make Perfect Chili Cheese Hand Pies

Step 1: Sizzle The Beef

Brown the ground beef in a large stockpot with olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and green bell peppers, cooking until they soften and become translucent.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Build Flavor Magic

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano
• Brown sugar
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Pinto beans

Simmer the mixture for 15 minutes, stirring frequently to blend flavors perfectly.

Step 3: Prepare The Pastry Canvas

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll out thawed pie crusts on a clean surface.

Use a bowl as a cutting guide to create circular shapes from each crust. Reroll leftover dough to maximize your pie count.

Step 4: Assemble Hand Pie Treasures

Place pie crust circles on a baking sheet. Spoon chili mixture onto each circle and sprinkle Cheddar cheese on top.

Step 5: Seal With Love

Whisk egg and water to create an egg wash. Brush edges of each pie circle.

Fold circles into half-moon shapes. Press edges with a fork to seal.

Create three small vents on top of each pie.

Step 6: Golden Finish

Brush remaining egg wash over pie tops for a beautiful shine.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Remove and let cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips to Nail Chili Cheese Hand Pies Every Time

• Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains delicious flavor profiles.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and reduce overall kitchen time.
• Seal pie edges completely to prevent filling from leaking during baking, using fork tines or crimping techniques.
• Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating in the oven to maintain crispy crust texture.
• Try additional cheese varieties like pepper jack or monterey jack for extra flavor complexity and personal preference.

Delicious Twists on Chili Cheese Hand Pies

• Vegetarian Bean Bonanza: Replace ground beef with a mixture of black beans, kidney beans, and quinoa for a protein-packed meatless version that's equally hearty and flavorful.
• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Add diced jalapeños, swap Cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and incorporate corn kernels to create a zesty southwestern-inspired hand pie with extra kick.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Pockets: Use gluten-free pie crust or almond flour pastry dough, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy these delicious hand-held meals without compromising taste or texture.
• Mediterranean Inspired Variation: Substitute beef with ground lamb, add crumbled feta cheese, and include chopped fresh oregano and spinach for a Mediterranean-style hand pie with robust Mediterranean flavors.

Ideal Pairings for Chili Cheese Hand Pies

• Crack open a cold, light-bodied lager that cuts through the richness of the chili cheese hand pies, refreshing your palate with each bite.
• Serve a homemade fresh salsa on the side to add bright, tangy notes that enhance the savory meat filling and provide a cool contrast.
• Prepare a creamy, slightly tangy coleslaw that balances the spicy warmth of the hand pies and adds a crunchy textural element to the meal.
• Scatter some pickled jalapeño slices around the plate to give an extra kick of heat and acidic brightness that amplifies the chili's complex flavors.

Best Ways to Store Chili Cheese Hand Pies

• Store leftover hand pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Wrap individual hand pies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350˚F. Place frozen or refrigerated hand pies on a baking sheet. Warm for 10-15 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy crust.

Chili Cheese Hand Pies Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chili cheese hand pies deliver comfort in a compact, savory package. Flaky pastry and spicy filling promise a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 lb of lean ground beef
• 1 cup of canned pinto beans (thoroughly drained and rinsed)
• 1/2 cup of high-quality tomato sauce
• 1 14 oz can of diced tomatoes, preferably drained
• 1 15 oz box of refrigerated pie crusts, fully thawed
• 3/4 cup (2 oz) of freshly grated Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup of finely chopped green bell pepper
• 1 fresh egg
• 1 tbsp of water
• 1 1/2 tsp of chili powder
• 1 1/2 tsp of extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp of ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp of garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp of brown sugar or honey
• 1/4 tsp of salt
• 1/8 tsp of ground black pepper
• 1/8 tsp of dried oregano leaves

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium temperature. Brown ground beef thoroughly, approximately 3-5 minutes. Add onion and green bell pepper, cooking until vegetables soften and become translucent.
2. Introduce chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, brown sugar, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and pinto beans into the meat mixture. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even flavor distribution.
3. Preheat oven to 350˚F while preparing the pie crust assembly station.
4. Unroll thawed pie crusts onto a clean work surface. Use a bowl as a cutting template to create uniform circular shapes. Collect remaining dough scraps, re-roll, and continue cutting additional circles until dough is fully utilized.
5. Position pie crust circles on a baking sheet. Distribute chili mixture evenly across each circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle Cheddar cheese over the filling.
6. Prepare egg wash by whisking egg and water together. Brush egg wash along the pie circle edges. Carefully fold each circle into a half-moon shape, pressing edges firmly with a fork to seal. Create three small steam vents on top of each pie using fork tines.
7. Generously brush remaining egg wash over pie surfaces to achieve a glossy, golden appearance.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until pies turn golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding hot sauce for heat lovers or reducing for mild preferences.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, plant-based crumbles, or lentils to create diet-friendly variations that accommodate vegetarian and health-conscious needs.
• Prevent soggy bottoms by thoroughly draining excess liquid from chili mixture and using a slotted spoon when filling hand pies to ensure a crisp, flaky crust.
• Freeze unbaked hand pies for convenient make-ahead meals by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to freezer bags for future quick dinners.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 299 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 343 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 53 mg