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Zombie pies are savory hand-held treats made with ground turkey, diced onions, bell peppers, corn, and black beans, all seasoned with taco spices, and enveloped in flaky pie crusts. Ready in about 40 minutes, this easy recipe yields eight servings and makes for a perfect snack or meal accompaniment. One bite, and you’ll savor the delightful combination of warm spices and tender vegetables encased in a golden crust. I remember serving these to my friends during a Halloween get-together, and they disappeared as fast as I could bring them out of the oven!
Table of Contents
- Why are Zombie Pies so popular?
- What ingredients do you need for Zombie Pies?
- How do you make Zombie Pies step by step?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Zombie Pies
Why are Zombie Pies so popular?
Zombie pies are gaining popularity for their delicious fusion of tastes and textures, making them a favorite at any gathering.
- Portable and Easy to Serve: These hand pies are perfect for parties as they don’t require utensils. Guests can enjoy them while mingling.
- Flavorful Filling: The combination of taco-seasoned turkey with vegetables creates a savory explosion in every bite.
- Simple Ingredients: With common pantry staples, it’s easy to whip up Zombie Pies with minimal fuss.
- Festive Appeal: Their fun name and presentation make them an ideal choice for themed events, especially Halloween.
What ingredients do you need for Zombie Pies?
The key ingredients for Zombie Pies include ground turkey, a blend of vegetables, taco seasoning, and pie crusts for a flaky finish.
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
The ground turkey serves as a lean protein, while taco seasoning infuses bold flavors. Together, they form a hearty, satisfying filling.
How do you make Zombie Pies step by step?
To make Zombie Pies, prepare the filling, assemble the pies, and bake until golden brown. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Step 1 — Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2 — Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent.
You might also enjoy our mini apple pies.
Step 3 — Cook the Turkey
Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
Step 4 — Add the Vegetables
Stir in the diced bell peppers, corn, black beans, taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the veggies are tender. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Step 5 — Prepare the Pie Crusts
Roll out one pie crust and cut it into circles (about 4-5 inches in diameter). Repeat with the second crust.
For more ideas, check out our mini apple pies.
Step 6 — Assemble the Pies
Place about 2 tablespoons of the turkey mixture in the center of each pie crust circle. Fold the crust over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
Step 7 — Bake the Pies
In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush the mixture over the top of each pie to give them a golden color when baked. Place the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 8 — Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve with sour cream and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
Looking for something similar? Try our homemade fried apple pies just.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zombie Pies
Can I make Zombie Pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them ahead and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking.
What can I use instead of pie crusts?
Puff pastry can be used as a substitute for a flakier texture, but baking times may slightly differ.
Are Zombie Pies suitable for vegetarians?
No, but you can replace the turkey with a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
How long do Zombie Pies stay fresh?
Once baked, they stay fresh for up to three days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze Zombie Pies?
Yes, freeze unbaked pies for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
Zombie Pies
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Fork
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers ((any color))
- 1 cup corn kernels ((fresh or frozen))
- 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts ((2 crusts))
- 1 egg egg ((for egg wash))
- Olive oil ((for sautéing))
- Sour cream ((for serving))
- Chopped fresh cilantro ((for garnish))
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Stir in the diced bell peppers, corn, black beans, taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the veggies are tender. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Roll out one pie crust and cut it into circles (about 4-5 inches in diameter). Repeat with the second crust.
- Place about 2 tablespoons of the turkey mixture in the center of each pie crust circle. Fold the crust over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and brush the mixture over the top of each pie to give them a golden color when baked.
- Place the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve with sour cream and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
Notes
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