If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, comforting dish that turns leftovers into a spectacular meal, you’ve got to try this Cowboy Pie (Leftover Chili Pie) Recipe. It’s a brilliant way to breathe new life into smoky sausage chili by layering it with beans, tangy barbecue sauce, creamy mashed potatoes, and a blanket of melted cheddar. This pie hits all the right notes: it’s filling, full of bold flavors, and perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a hungry crowd with minimal fuss. Let me walk you through everything you need and how simple it is to whip up this delicious cowboy-inspired creation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in delivering incredible flavor, texture, and that signature comforting vibe. You don’t need a long list — just a handful of essentials that combine to create magic in your oven.
- Smoky sausage chili (â…“ batch): This forms the rich, spicy heart of the pie and brings depth and warmth to every bite.
- Pinto beans (2 x 400g cans, drained): Adding soft, creamy beans gives a lovely texture contrast and boosts the protein content.
- Barbecue sauce (1–2 tablespoons): A dollop or two of Heinz Sticky Barbecue Sauce adds that irresistible tangy sweetness that ties all the savory layers together.
- Ready-made mashed potatoes (2 x 400g packs, microwaved): These creamy mashed potatoes top the pie, creating that golden crust and soothing softness.
- Mature cheddar (50g, grated): The sharpness of cheddar melts beautifully over the mash, adding a perfect cheesy finish.
- Fresh coriander leaves: A sprinkle at the end brightens the flavors and adds a pop of fresh green color.
How to Make Cowboy Pie (Leftover Chili Pie) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 200°C (or 180°C fan/gas mark 6). This ensures your pie will bake evenly and develop that gorgeous golden top.
Step 2: Combine Chili and Beans
In a medium saucepan, pour in your smoky sausage chili and drained pinto beans. Warm them together over medium heat until steaming hot. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Add Barbecue Sauce and Season
Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of that sticky barbecue sauce—this little addition gives your filling a smoky-sweet kick. Taste the mixture and add salt or pepper as needed. Remember, seasoning here is key to making every layer sing.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour the warm chili and bean mixture into a 1.5-liter ovenproof dish—this is the base that holds everything together. Dollop the microwaved mashed potatoes on top, spreading them out evenly to cover the filling completely. Then, sprinkle the grated mature cheddar over the mash for that oozy cheese goodness.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Pop your assembled pie into the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese topping is golden and bubbling, and the edges are crisp and inviting. This baking time allows those flavors to deepen and the textures to harmonize perfectly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle fresh coriander leaves over the top. This final touch adds a fresh aroma and color contrast that makes the pie feel vibrant and appetizing.
How to Serve Cowboy Pie (Leftover Chili Pie) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh coriander is the classic choice to brighten up the rich flavors, but feel free to get creative with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of sliced green onions. These simple garnishes add a nice tang and freshness that balances the smoky, hearty filling.
Side Dishes
This pie is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with some crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans can add a refreshing crunch and lighten the meal. Cornbread or crusty bread are also fantastic companions, perfect for mopping up every last bit of cheesy chili goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual Cowboy Pies in small ramekins for a personalized touch. Or layer the filling and mash in a glass casserole to show off the vibrant layers. No matter how you plate it, this Cowboy Pie (Leftover Chili Pie) Recipe impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your Cowboy Pie tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or fridge-foraged dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this pie to enjoy later! Cover it well with foil and pop it into the freezer for up to 2 months. When you want a no-fuss meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 180°C until warmed through and bubbly once again—this keeps the mash beautifully fluffy and the cheese delightfully melty. Alternatively, you can microwave smaller portions, but the oven method delivers the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of beans?
Absolutely! Kidney beans or black beans work wonderfully here, providing a slightly different texture and flavor but still complementing the smoky chili beautifully.
What can I substitute for ready-made mashed potatoes?
If you prefer, you can make your own mashed potatoes from scratch using boiled potatoes, butter, and milk. Homemade mash adds a lovely personal touch but ready-made packs save a lot of time.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, Cowboy Pie (Leftover Chili Pie) Recipe freezes well! Just be sure to cover it properly to avoid freezer burn, and thaw completely before reheating to keep the texture intact.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the smoky sausage chili for your favorite vegetarian chili or a mix of sautéed vegetables and beans to keep this dish hearty and satisfying.
How spicy is this pie?
The spice level depends on your chili base. If you like it hotter, feel free to add extra chili flakes or hot sauce when warming the filling. The barbecue sauce adds sweetness that balances the heat wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Cowboy Pie (Leftover Chili Pie) Recipe is a shining example of how easy it is to transform simple leftovers into a comforting, flavorful feast that feels like a celebration on your plate. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, or just craving a hearty meal that warms you from the inside out, this dish is a total winner. So, go ahead and give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy chili and mashed potatoes together!
Print
Cowboy Pie (Leftover Chili Pie) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cowboy Pie is a hearty and comforting casserole made by combining smoky sausage chili with pinto beans, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese. This delicious leftover chili pie is baked until golden and bubbling, then garnished with fresh coriander for a flavorful finish. Perfect for a satisfying family meal with minimal prep using ready-made mash and pantry staples.
Ingredients
Chili 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 mash, microwaved for 2 minutes
- 50g mature cheddar, grated
Garnish
- Fresh coriander leaves to serve
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6 to prepare for baking the pie.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the smoky sausage chili and drained pinto beans. Warm the mixture thoroughly until it is steaming hot. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce and taste; adjust seasoning if necessary to balance flavors.
- Assemble Pie: Transfer the warmed chili and bean mixture into a 1.5-liter ovenproof dish, spreading it out evenly. Top the filling with the microwaved mashed potatoes, smoothing the surface evenly. Sprinkle the grated mature cheddar cheese over the top to cover the mash.
- Bake: Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and sprinkle fresh coriander leaves on top before serving to add a fresh, herbaceous note.
Notes
- The smoky sausage chili can be homemade or store-bought leftovers.
- Use ready-made mash for a quick and easy topping that saves time.
- Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce to taste depending on preferred sweetness and tang.
- Fresh coriander adds a bright contrast but can be substituted with parsley if preferred.
- This pie can be reheated the next day and makes great leftovers.
