Description
Cowboy Pie is a hearty and comforting dish made with smoky sausage chili mixed with pinto beans and barbecue sauce, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese. Baked until golden and bubbling, this leftover chili pie transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chili and Bean Mixture
- â…“ batch smoky sausage chili
- 2 x 400g cans pinto beans, drained
- 1-2 tablespoons barbecue sauce (Heinz Sticky Barbecue Sauce)
Topping
- 2 x 400g packs ready-made mashed potatoes, microwaved for 2 minutes
- 50g mature cheddar, grated
Garnish
- Fresh coriander leaves to serve
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan, gas mark 6) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Warm Chili and Beans: In a medium saucepan, combine the smoky sausage chili and drained pinto beans. Warm over medium heat until the mixture is steaming hot. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce, then taste and season if necessary to balance the flavors.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the warmed chili and bean mixture into a 1.5-liter ovenproof dish. Spread the microwaved mashed potatoes evenly over the top and sprinkle with the grated mature cheddar cheese.
- Bake the Pie: Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the pie is bubbling hot throughout.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle fresh coriander leaves on top before serving to add a fresh, herby finish to the dish.
Notes
- You can adjust the barbecue sauce to taste depending on the sweetness or tanginess you prefer in the filling.
- Ready-made mashed potatoes save time but homemade mash would also work well.
- For a spicier version, consider adding chili flakes or hot sauce to the chili mixture before baking.
- Ensure the chili and beans mixture is hot before assembling to reduce baking time and ensure even cooking.
- This dish can easily feed 4 to 6 people depending on portion sizes.
