INGREDIENTS You Need
This Ghost Mini Taco Pies recipe is all about using ingredients you can find at your regular grocery store. I’m all about keeping things simple and accessible, so you can whip up these little guys any night of the week!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef: I usually go for 80/20 for that perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- 1 packet taco seasoning: Grab your favorite brand or make your own!
- 1/2 cup water: This helps the taco seasoning distribute evenly.
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts: These are the base for our adorable ghosts! You can find these in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Because what’s a taco without cheese, right?
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced: For those spooky ghost eyes!
- 1 egg, beaten: This will give our Ghost Mini Taco Pies a beautiful golden-brown finish.
- Your favorite taco toppings: Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro – the possibilities are endless!
No worries if you don’t have cheddar cheese – I use Monterey Jack all the time in my Ghost Mini Taco Pies. It melts beautifully and has a nice, mild flavor that complements the taco filling perfectly.
This Ghost Mini Taco Pies gets its amazing taste from the taco seasoning. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different blends to find your favorite flavor profile!
To keep things super simple on busy weeknights, I often prep the taco meat ahead of time. Just cook it up, let it cool, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your Ghost Mini Taco Pies.
To keep your pie crusts fresh, store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them. This will help them stay nice and firm, making it easier to cut out those ghost shapes. I love adding a little extra chili powder to my Ghost Mini Taco Pies for that extra kick!
Let’s Make Some!
Okay, let’s get down to the delicious magic of making these Ghost Mini Taco Pies! I promise, it’s easier than it looks, and you’ll be doing a happy dance in no time! These family friendly Ghost Mini Taco Pies are certain to be a hit!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will prevent your Ghost Mini Taco Pies from sticking.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. This is a super important step for preventing greasy Ghost Mini Taco Pies.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has evaporated. Your taco meat should smell absolutely incredible right now!
- Unroll one of the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a ghost-shaped cookie cutter (or a knife, if you’re feeling crafty!) to cut out as many ghost shapes as possible. Reroll the scraps and cut out more ghosts until you’ve used up all the dough.
- Place the ghost shapes on the prepared baking sheet. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Spoon a generous amount of the taco meat onto each ghost. Don’t be shy – we want these Ghost Mini Taco Pies to be packed with flavor!
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the taco meat. Mmm, cheesy goodness!
- Carefully place two sliced black olives on each ghost to create the eyes. Spooky cute!
- Unroll the second pie crust and repeat steps 4-8. Now we have even MORE delicious Ghost Mini Taco Pies!
- Brush each pie with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. While your Ghost Mini Taco Pies are doing their thing, get ready for some amazing aromas to fill your kitchen!
- Let the Ghost Mini Taco Pies cool slightly before serving. This will prevent any melty cheese mishaps.
In my kitchen, these easy to make Ghost Mini Taco Pies usually take about 25-30 minutes from start to finish. But honestly, the time flies by when you’re having this much fun! Don’t worry if your Ghost Mini Taco Pies looks a little wonky – that’s part of their charm! Plus, they’ll still taste amazing.
This is my favorite part of making Ghost Mini Taco Pies – watch the magic happen! I discovered one day that adding a little cornstarch to the taco meat helps to thicken it up and prevent the crust from getting soggy. Happy accident!
How to Serve Up This!
Okay, the Ghost Mini Taco Pies are baked to golden perfection, and your kitchen smells absolutely divine. Now, how do we serve up these spooky little cuties?
I love to pile these Ghost Mini Taco Pies high on a platter and serve them with a variety of toppings. Think sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro, and maybe even a sprinkle of hot sauce for those who like a little kick. For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out my recipe for Crockpot Chicken Tacos!
These Ghost Mini Taco Pies are perfect for Halloween parties, game nights, or even just a fun weeknight dinner. They’re always a hit with kids and adults alike! People literally do happy dances when these Ghost Mini Taco Pies hits the table with a big bowl of guacamole.
For a bold flavor pairing, try serving these Ghost Mini Taco Pies with a side of Mexican street corn salad. The sweetness of the corn and the spice of the chili powder complement the savory taco filling perfectly.
If you have any leftover Ghost Mini Taco Pies (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving. These flavor-packed Ghost Mini Taco Pies are a savory snack any time of day.
For a fun fusion variation, try filling these Ghost Mini Taco Pies with Korean BBQ beef or shredded buffalo chicken. The possibilities are endless! These Ghost Mini Taco Pies are perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special!
I like to get creative with the presentation and arrange the Ghost Mini Taco Pies on a platter to look like a spooky graveyard scene. When I serve these Ghost Mini Taco Pies, I always get asked for the recipe. They’re just that good!
FAQs:
Got questions about these adorable Ghost Mini Taco Pies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! I’ve made these little guys countless times, so I’ve learned a thing or two along the way.
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Ghost Mini Taco Pies?
Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward and easy to follow. Even if you’ve never made pie crust before, you’ll be able to whip up these Ghost Mini Taco Pies with confidence. If you want another bite sized snack, try these mini basque cheesecakes.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You bet! You can prepare the taco meat and cut out the ghost shapes ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake. I do this all the time to save time on busy weeknights.
What if I mess up my Ghost Mini Taco Pies? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
Don’t sweat it! Even if your ghosts are a little wonky or your cheese is a little melty, they’ll still taste amazing. Trust me, I’ve had my share of kitchen mishaps, and they always turn out delicious in the end. These Ghost Taco Hand Pies (Cute and Easy!) – Nourish and Fete are easy, so you can make these without any hassle.
How can I prep this Ghost Mini Taco Pies for busy weeknights?
I recommend cooking the taco meat ahead of time and storing it in the fridge. You can also cut out the ghost shapes and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble. This will save you a ton of time when you’re ready to bake.
Can I use different fillings?
Of course! Get creative and experiment with different fillings. Shredded chicken, black beans and corn, or even pulled pork would be delicious in these Ghost Mini Taco Pies.
What if I don’t have a ghost-shaped cookie cutter?
No problem! You can use a knife to cut out the ghost shapes. Just draw a simple ghost outline on a piece of paper and use it as a template.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Ghost Mini Taco Pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving. My family really enjoys the flavor every time!
I’ve even experimented with making these Ghost Mini Taco Pies in an air fryer. They turn out super crispy and delicious! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. My taste testing results were a resounding “YES!” from the family!
CONCLUSION:
These Ghost Mini Taco Pies bring me so much joy because they’re the perfect combination of fun, flavor, and convenience. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and they’re so easy to make that even kitchen newbies can whip them up with confidence. Serve these Ghost Mini Taco Pies with some Carne Asada Street Tacos!
My Ghost Mini Taco Pies Flavor Secrets:
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different taco seasoning blends. Find one that you absolutely love and that complements your favorite taco toppings.
- Add a little cornstarch to the taco meat to thicken it up and prevent the crust from getting soggy. This is a game-changer!
- Brush the Ghost Mini Taco Pies with beaten egg before baking to give them a beautiful golden-brown finish. It makes all the difference in the world.
Here are a few delicious Ghost Mini Taco Pies variations I’ve tested:
- Spicy Ghost Mini Taco Pies: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the taco meat for a fiery kick.
- Vegetarian Ghost Mini Taco Pies: Fill them with black beans, corn, and your favorite veggies for a meat-free delight.
- BBQ Chicken Ghost Mini Taco Pies: Use shredded BBQ chicken and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese for a smoky and savory twist.
The spicy version is perfect for game nights, the vegetarian version is great for a light lunch, and the BBQ chicken version is always a hit at potlucks. This 31 Best Halloween Appetizer Recipes & Ideas | Food Network is the perfect appetizer for any occasion.
Trust your taste buds, get creative in the kitchen, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Cooking should be fun, and these Ghost Mini Taco Pies are the perfect way to unleash your inner chef!
I’m so excited for you to try these delicious Ghost Mini Taco Pies and share them with your loved ones! Get ready for some serious smiles and happy dances. Let me know how they turn out in the comments below! Happy cooking!
Ghost Mini Taco Pies
These Ghost Mini Taco Pies are a spooky and delicious Halloween treat! Mini tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef and cheese are baked until bubbly, then decorated with sour cream ghosts for a festive touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 mini taco pies
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 small flour tortillas (6-inch size)
- Sour cream, for decorating
- Black olives, sliced, for eyes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the liquid has evaporated.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and green chiles.
- Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray. Press each tortilla into a muffin cup.
- Spoon the ground beef mixture into each tortilla cup.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before removing from the muffin tin.
- Decorate with sour cream ghosts using a piping bag or spoon. Add black olive slices for eyes, if desired.
Notes
For a spicier kick, use a spicier taco seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture. You can also use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack.